Broken Window Repair Cost

How Much Does Broken Window Repair Cost?

	Do It Yourself: $10-$170+
	Professional Window Repair: $50-$500+

Typical costs:

• 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.

• 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.