Whether your window glass is damaged or it’s time for an upgrade, replacing the glass in your windows can make a big difference in its energy performance. Our guide outlines your options for window glass repair and replacement, which can commonly cost between $300 and $880 per window after installation, though the national average is $375.*

Our guide also covers the biggest factors that impact window glass replacement costs and how to keep your expenses more affordable. In short, the larger and more complex your window, the more you can expect to pay for both the product and installation. 
*Article cost data via Fixr unless otherwise noted.

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Do I Need To Replace My Window Glass?

There are three main reasons for replacing window glass: poor performance, damage, and condensation.

If you live in an older house or have low-quality windows, you may notice that your home doesn’t regulate temperature well or that your electric bills are unreasonably high. These are good signs to look into upgrading to energy-efficient windows that provide a better return on investment.

If you have damaged window glass, it’s likely only a matter of time before you experience draftiness, moisture leaks, or even structural damage. Whether you can simply replace the glass depends on the extent of the damage. In severe cases, you may need to replace the entire window. 

Having condensation between your window panes usually indicates that your seal has gone bad. If left unfixed, moisture buildup can lead to mold growth and window deterioration. Again, this could simply be a glass issue, or it could require a full unit replacement if deterioration has started. 
Several other problems can be fixed without an entire window replacement, though. Here are some common issues that tend to require only minor repairs:

• Crack repair: A contractor can sometimes repair small glass cracks with resin, usually for $100–$500.
• Frame repair: A broken window frame doesn’t always need to be replaced. Wood frames can typically be repaired for $175–$300, aluminum frames for $250–$500, and vinyl or fiberglass frames for $300–$600.
• Reglazing: The putty between the window panes and the frame can break down over time, compromising the window’s weatherproofing. Replacing the putty is called reglazing and typically costs $250–$500 per window.
• Seal replacement: A window frame’s seal, which sits between multiple glass panes, can degrade and cause air and water leaks. Replacing it costs about $70–$120.

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Which Factors Affect Window Glass Replacement Costs?

Your overall project cost is primarily determined by window style, glass type, window size, number of panes, and labor prices.

• Window size: The larger the window, the more materials and labor are required to fix it.
• Window type: Some window designs are more complex and require more labor to replace the glass. 
• Glass type: Specialty glass costs more than standard glass.
• Number of panes: Single-pane glass costs less to replace than double- or triple-pane glass.
• Labor: Several climate and geographical factors contribute to professional window installation costs.

Window Size

Larger panes are more expensive, so window size is usually the most significant factor when determining price. Below are some standard window dimensions and how much they cost to replace.

Cost of Glass Replacement by Window Type

Sash, picture, and egress windows are the most budget-friendly window types to replace glass in. Be prepared to pay substantially more for complex designs, such as bay, bow, and skylight windows. 

Glass Type

Transparent, untreated glass is the least expensive to replace. However, it’s also the least secure and energy-efficient. Some homeowners choose windows with specialty glass to increase privacy and security or lower energy bills. 

These are common options your window company may give you when choosing glass:

Cost of Glass Replacement by Type of Glass

Some glass types are priced by the square foot, but we’ve listed out typical cost ranges below.

Number of Panes

Single-pane windows are the most affordable, but most window companies today recommend double- or triple-pane windows for best energy performance. More panes mean more insulation, so your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, saving you money. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that switching from single- to double-pane glass in all of your home’s windows can save you $101–$583 a year on heating and cooling costs. The exact amount depends on your local climate. 

The drawback is that double- and triple-pane windows are more expensive. However, the federal government offers an Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for homeowners who install Energy Star-rated exterior windows. Those who qualify will receive a credit for 30% of the total replacement project cost, up to $600, on their federal taxes. This helps to offset the price of high-end window upgrades.

Cost of Glass Replacement by Number of Panes

Here’s how much glass replacement typically costs for single-, double-, and triple-pane windows.

Labor Costs

When you need your window glass replaced, you’re not just buying new glass—you must pay for an experienced professional to install it. Glazing and window repair generally costs about $50–$125 per hour, or it may be a flat service fee, especially if you only need one pane fixed. Labor prices often depend on the local cost of living and how busy the contractor is. Time of year can also matter since window installers are usually busiest in summer and spring and may charge more.

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What Other Factors Can Increase Glass Replacement Costs?

Depending on your project, the following factors may also affect what you pay for glass replacement.

Emergency Glass Services

If your broken window is the result of a break-in, or if bad weather is imminent, you may need to have the glass replaced immediately. Some glaziers offer 24/7 and weekend services for these circumstances. You’ll pay substantially more in labor costs, usually between $120 and $150 per hour plus materials, but you’ll get the problem fixed right away.

Replacement Type

If you’re building a new home or an addition to your existing home, you’ll typically install new construction windows that are nailed directly to your wooden wall frames. Otherwise, you’ll install some type of retrofitted window.

If your windows are old and underperforming, you might consider full-frame replacement, which uses block-frame windows. If your frames are still in good shape, you can install pocket or insert window replacements with only sashes and glass. The price difference between the two is primarily in the labor: Insert replacement costs about $100–$300 per window, while full-frame replacement usually costs $150–$800 plus materials.

Window Brand

Top-rated window brands make products ranging from budget to high-end. Where a window falls within these price ranges depends most heavily on size and frame material. If you need a full replacement window, balance affordability with durability and energy efficiency. Fiberglass windows are highly energy-efficient and long-lasting but have a high price tag. Vinyl windows aren’t as high-performing as fiberglass but still offer durability and solid energy performance at a much cheaper cost.

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Is DIY or Professional Window Glass Replacement Better?

In some cases, you may be able to replace or repair a broken window pane on your own. Here’s a look at both options.

DIY Window Glass Replacement

Slightly cracked or broken glass within a small, single-pane window can be a DIY-friendly project if you have some home improvement skills. You may be able to fix a cracked window with a bit of epoxy from Home Depot or Lowe’s.

For a fully broken wood-framed pane, check out our instructions for replacing a window pane yourself. You’ll need a putty knife, putty, heat gun, glazing points, and a painter’s tool, which will cost about $50–$75 in addition to the new window glass. The job is moderately difficult, but it should take less than a day, so you won’t need to leave your home open to the elements.

Professional Window Glass Replacement

It’s best to hire a professional for more complicated glass replacement in large or multipane windows. A window installation company can replace an entire window, but you may need to hire a glazier to replace an individual pane. You’ll pay for labor, but you’ll know the job’s been done properly and should get a labor warranty. The danger of DIYing window replacement is creating a leaky window seal that compromises the window’s energy efficiency. You also won’t get the full benefit of a multipane or gas-filled window unless you have it fixed by an expert.

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Our Conclusion

Though the national average for window glass replacement is $375, what you actually pay depends on how many panes need replacing, your chosen glass, the window’s size and design, and how much your contractor charges for labor. These variables can impact your final cost by hundreds of dollars. 
If the project is particularly costly or the damage is extensive, it may be time to replace the whole window. Window replacement costs more than glass repair or replacement, but upgrading to energy-efficient windows will reduce your utility bills and save you money on having to complete multiple repairs.

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FAQ About Window Glass Replacement

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