Replacing window glass costs an average of $283
Replacing window glass costs an average of $283, with most homeowners spending between $181 and $412.
Replacing your window glass can enhance curb appeal and increase your property value
Installing new window glass can reduce energy bills by improving insulation
Hiring a glass installation professional ensures the job is done correctly and that you’ll receive the proper insulation and energy savings.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to replace window glass ranges from $181 to $412 per window, with most projects costing $283. Factors like window size, glass type, and labor affect the total cost. Replacing window glass not only boosts your home's appearance but also improves energy efficiency and safety.
The cost of your window glass replacement depends on several factors. Custom glass, premium upgrades, and hard-to-reach windows like skylights will cost more than replacing a single standard pane. Essentially, the more specialized the glass and the more complex the installation, the higher the price.
Size plays a major role in the cost of replacing window glass. Naturally, larger windows cost more—but it's not just about height and width; glass thickness matters too. Most window panes range from 1/8 inch to one inch thick. If you opt for a thicker pane, you might also need to replace the frame, which can add $180 to $600 to your costs.
Smaller glass panes cost less than larger glass panes. If you’re replacing a couple of panes in a small window on a front door, you’ll pay less than you would to replace large glass panes on bi-fold patio doors.
Your window replacement costs are based largely on the type of glass you choose. Here’s a breakdown of common glass types and their average cost ranges.
Type of Glass | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Float | $150–$400 |
Tempered | $200–$600 |
Frosted | $300–$800 |
Laminated | $300–$600 |
Argon-filled | $400–$900 |
Low-e | $300–$1,000 |
Krypton-filled | $500–$1,200 |
Smart | $150–$3,000 |
Some features of a few of these glass types include the following:
Among the strongest types of glass available
Breaks into small, less sharp pieces, reducing injury risk if it shatters
Must be ordered in the correct size since it can't be cut after tempering
Costs more than standard annealed glass due to its enhanced strength
Holds up well under impact
Blocks 99% of UV-light transmission
Has sound-reduction properties
The noise-reduction properties of laminated glass come from a specific amount of air space between the two panels, making it more difficult to install.
Glass contractors charge between $50 and $75 per hour on average to replace window glass. While costs can add up for complex replacements or multiple panes, the advantage is that pros have the skills and experience to install the glass properly, complete the job efficiently, and often provide a warranty for added peace of mind.
Different window types and styles can impact your replacement costs. While double-paned windows offer many benefits, they cost more to replace than single-paned ones, especially if they're filled with argon or krypton gas. Depending on the window type, a contractor might need to remove part of the trim to replace the glass, which can also increase costs. Here's what you can expect to pay for different window replacements.
Type of Window | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Single-paned | $150–$400 |
Double-paned | $300–$900 |
Triple-paned | $400–$1,000 |
Sliding | $150–$900 |
Casement | $150–$1,200 |
Picture | $200–$1,000 |
Stained | $150–$1,500 |
Skylight | $150–$3,000 |
Bay | $500–$3,800 |
Bow | $1,000–$3,000 |
Custom glass is substantially more expensive than a standard pane in a standard size. Stained glass windows cost an average of $150 to $1,500, but can reach tens of thousands of dollars for large, antique, or very elaborate artistry.
Upgrading your glass can enhance aesthetics, improve soundproofing, and boost energy efficiency, but costs vary by upgrade. For instance, many homeowners find window tinting more affordable than swapping in a pane with a low-e coating, and both options can help reduce heat loss in winter. Here are some common window glass upgrades and their average costs.
Upgrade Type | Average Cost per Window |
---|---|
Tinting | $300–$900 |
Smart glass | $150–$3,000 |
Laminated | $300–$600 |
Frosting | $300–$800 |
Argon-filled | $400–$900 |
Krypton-filled | $500–$1,200 |
Low-e | $300–$1,000 |
Because glass is fragile and replacing a pane can be complicated, most homeowners choose to hire a local window glass replacement professional. Pros have the tools and equipment to safely transport and replace your glass without damage or injury. They’re also knowledgeable about glass types, so they can make expert recommendations based on your budget and needs. Hiring a professional window installer ensures quality work, long-lasting results, and safety.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a window depends on the damage and how well it functions. If your window has minor issues that don't affect performance, a repair might do the trick. But if the glass is shattered or the structure is compromised, it's time for a replacement. For older, single-pane windows, you can repair minor blemishes, but persistent problems like broken glass or deteriorating components mean replacing the entire window to improve energy efficiency and safety.
Yes, you can replace just the broken glass pane while keeping the existing window frame intact, as long as the frame is in good shape and there are no issues compromising its strength. A professional installer can ensure the new pane fits seamlessly, maintaining your window's performance, security, and energy efficiency without the need for a full replacement.
The timeline for a window replacement depends on the planning and installation phases. You should allow for an extended schedule that covers design decisions, material availability, and any frame modifications, which can take from four to 15 weeks. The actual installation usually takes one to two hours per window. If you're replacing multiple or custom windows, the overall project may take longer.