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[1] . 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[2] 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[3] , 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[4] 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[5] .
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.

What should be included:

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[6] and the house inspection franchise HouseMaster provides a video[7] of the process.
HGTV describes replacing a glass door pane[8] and ThisOldHouse.com gives tips for replacing glass from the inside[9] on a window that is hard to reach from outside.

Shopping for broken window repair:

Window glass is sold by local glass companies or at home improvement stores like Home Depot[10] and Lowe's[11] or hardware stores like Ace Hardware[12] , 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.

Post

Comments (7)

CostHelper News

7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013

7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013



	‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Bathroom Window Double Pane Insulated

Amount: $146.04

Posted by: Cybernetic All-Star in Warwick, RI.	Posted: July 17th, 2020 11:07AM
Size of Glass Pane(s): 13.5 x 27 1/4	Type of Glass: Lo E

Original Window a Jeld Wen,double hung wood clad w/ ext aluminum that was mfg in 10-4-05. Lower sash outer pane failed due to a spontaneous crack. The failed pane was 15 years old mfg by Cardinal glass. Not sure if the original insulated glass unit was filled with argon or not as just a vacuum despite several email msgs from Jeld Wen since they could not find the etched serial number in their computer systems...so they had no idea what product I have. I removed the unit myself and brought it to my local Custom Built window glass shop. Service was very helpful there, very knowledgeable. I got a Lo E pane and had it filled with argon.
I have fixed old fashioned single pane windows before with new glaze and putty. This was my first try at insulated glass unit. Took me 2 hrs to research Youtubes the How-To videos, 2.5 hours to remove the interior glaze stops held in place with brads, caulk and construction adhesive with utilty knives and 4 putty blades. 3hrs to remove outside caulk.

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

Broken pane on older home two pane window

Amount: $79.00

Posted by: Barbs in Chicago, IL.	Posted: June 30th, 2017 03:06PM
Size of Glass Pane(s): Approx 15x24	Type of Glass: Standard

This seemed reasonable to me, but there were other more significant jobs being done as well inside the home by same window contractors

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

panel glass

Amount: $100.00

Posted by: Norma in paducah, KY.	Posted: March 28th, 2016 08:03AM
Size of Glass Pane(s): 12×12	Type of Glass: wood panel

Two panel glass to have someone to replace

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

Lowes is a "no go"

Amount: $0.00

Posted by: Finn in Chesapeake, VA.	Posted: March 28th, 2016 08:03AM
Size of Glass Pane(s):	Type of Glass: Double pane

Lowes does not sell replacement double pane glass for doors or have contractors to replace them. All they can do is replace the door and frame although my door and frame are in great condition.

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

Kitchen Window Double Pane Insulated

Amount: $229.00

Posted by: D Rhino in Cedar Park, TX.	Posted: March 22nd, 2016 05:03AM
Size of Glass Pane(s): 46"X41"	Type of Glass: Double Pane

Shattered the outer glass

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

regarding do it yourself window repair

Amount: $0.00

Posted by: a user in las vegas, NV.

Posted: August 11th, 2015 06:08AM

Ive been a glazing contractor (glassman) for nearly 40 years and i would like to offer some advise, when it comes to later model energy eff. windows if not really sure what your doing your better off hiring a professional. it will cost less in the long run, and it pays to shop around. costs can vary widely so its adviseable to get more than one estimate.if you know basicly what you need make a few phone calls to get an idea what different places charge and go from there. some places will gouge you if you let them so beware

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

one side of a sliding window

Amount: $177.00

Posted by: maj in San. Jose, CA.	Posted: February 7th, 2015 12:02PM
Size of Glass Pane(s):	Type of Glass: clear

My landlord told she knew a handy man.for a sliding window on one side. I was charged. 177.00

Was this post helpful to you? yes no

Report prohibited or spam

Comment On Your Experience With Broken Window Repair

External Resources: