Broken Window Repair Cost

• Replacement glass can cost $3 -$14 or more a square foot, depending on the type of glass needed (single pane, double-glazed, insulated, etc.), for a cost of $10 -$170 varying from a small piece of glass to one up to 3' wide and 4' high. For example, a 4-square-foot (24"x24") replacement pane of double-strength glass costs about $18, according to DIYorNot.com. Multi-frame vinyl-framed windows may require replacing the entire sash (the frame around the individual window, and everything inside that frame) rather than just a single pane. A replacement vinyl sash can cost $40 -$250 or more, depending on size, type and brand.
• Replacing a broken pane of glass can be a relatively straightforward do-it-yourself project, and is easiest with wood-framed windows and single-pane glass. A do-it-yourself homeowner with a 100-year-old home reports costs of $12 for a new pane of glass, $1 for a box of glazier's points (the small triangular wedges that hold the pane of glass in place), and $3 -$9 for window putty or exterior caulk and a caulk gun, or $16 -$22 total to replace a single broken pane. Replacing double-pane or insulated glass can be more difficult, but is still a potential do-it-yourself project. The Family Handyman magazine describes three methods for replacing cracked or foggy double-pane insulated windows, estimating that the project requires moderate skills, costs $20 -$120 and can take 20 minutes to three hours depending on whether the window was originally sealed with caulk, a gasket or adhesive tape.
• Hiring a handyman or window contractor to remove and replace a broken pane of glass can cost $50 -$500 or more, depending on the size and type of glass, but averages $100 -$300. And it's possible to save money by bringing the broken window to the glass shop to have a replacement installed (many windows are designed to have the movable part of the window slide or pop out of the frame). For example, Arrow Glass in Illinois estimates average labor costs are $40 for in-home replacement of a typical window or $10 -$15 per window for in-shop labor; neither estimate includes the cost of the glass, and the shop charges $3.30 a square foot for single-pane glass, $3.90 a square foot for double-strength and $11.50 a square foot for a sealed insulated glass unit.
• If the damage is more extensive than just the glass pane but the surrounding frame is structurally intact, having replacement windows installed costs an average of $300 -$700 per window, and can cost as much as $1,000 or more per window, depending on size, type of glass (single pane, double-glazed, insulated, etc.) and style. If the window frame is damaged or rotted, new construction windows are needed and can cost 50%-100% more than replacement windows. For details, see How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost.

• Replacement methods vary slightly depending on how the window is constructed, but the standard steps are to remove all the glass from the broken pane; remove all of the old putty and glazier's points (or other type of seal, including wood strips on windows in doors); install the new glass; then repaint or refinish the window frame as needed to eliminate any signs of the repair.
• Ace Hardware explains how to replace a standard wood-framed window pane and the house inspection franchise HouseMaster provides a video of the process.
• HGTV describes replacing a glass door pane and ThisOldHouse.com gives tips for replacing glass from the inside on a window that is hard to reach from outside.

• Window glass is sold by local glass companies or at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's or hardware stores like Ace Hardware, but not all locations will cut the glass to a specific size.
• Ask family and friends for recommendations for a local handyman or glass company. If hiring a company, check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

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