Window Glass Replacement Costs

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Window Pane?

The cost will depend on the size, the type of glass you need and where you live. Prices in London and the South East of England are always higher than in other parts of the UK.

If you are replacing a window pane then it’s likely you will choose either single glazing, double glazing, or triple glazing. The delivery times for a glass pane vary between 3 and 14 days.

If you were to buy a 900 x 1200 single-glazed pane, you would pay, on average, £148. A double-glazed sealed unit of the same size can cost around £155. Triple glazing is much more expensive, and a triple-glazed sealed unit will cost around £235.

The depth of the glass plays a part in the cost. It doesn’t affect single panes so much as double and triple glazing. For example, a double-glazed pane can have an overall depth of between 14mm and 30mm The more depth you have the more money will pay for the glass.

Let’s look at the price of a 900 x1200 glass unit with a 6mm depth. The average cost is £163. If you pick the same-sized glass with a depth of 12mm, the average cost is around £350.

Window Glass Prices

The chart below gives you an idea of the average costs of single, double, and triple-glazed windows with different types of glass. For size, we’ve used the type of window you would have in your lounge and your bedroom.

These prices reflect the costs of standard glazing. You can though choose to have additions added to your glass manufacture. This means you can have glass that’s energy efficient, self-cleaning, acoustic, to reduce noise levels, fireproof or light restrictive.

What are the Supply Costs for Window Glass?

You can see from the chart above how much it costs on average to replace single, double, or triple glass in your window. The cheapest option is annealed or float glass, which you can buy for a bedroom window for as little as £34 for a single pane.

The most expensive glass is triple glazed toughened glass which has an average cost of £181 for a unit.

What are the Additional Costs of Window Glass

Delivery could be an additional cost. Some glazing companies have free delivery if you order over a certain amount. Other companies will charge around £25 to £60 for delivery so you’ll need to budget for this cost.

If you have argon gas pumped into the middle of your panes in double and triple glazing, the cost will increase by £10 to £20. Argon gas prevents heat from escaping through the gap in the middle of the panes.

Many professional installation services will offer an extended warranty or insurance coverage. If you opt for extra coverage, then expect to pay between £20 and £50.

You may decide whilst you having glass installed that its time to update the whole of the outside of your home. For example, you may decide to have double-glazed windows installed throughout your home, then the additional cost for this work will be between £3000 and £7000.

Once your windows have been installed, they may need cleaning to remove any finger marks or dust. A window cleaner can do this job. The average cost of a window cleaner is between £40 and £50, depending on the number of windows in your home.

Maybe you want to renew your front door. Costs will depend on the material you choose. A new PVC front door will cost between £429 and £600. Composite is more expensive, expect to pay between £654 and £869.

The most expensive material for a front door is oak which can cost between £999 and £2,089. Added to the costs of the door are labour costs of between £50 and £120.

To finish off the installation of new windows and a front door you can choose to have the exterior of your home painted. The average costs of painting a house exterior are between £600 and £2,000, depending on the size of your home and its location.

Tradespeople Costs for Installing Window Glass

These are the average costs for trades. If you live in London, you will pay more than people in other parts of the UK. Some trades will charge a minimum of half a day, even if the job takes less time than 4 hours.

It takes around an hour to fit a new window pane. If you are charged for the hour, then you will pay between £20 and £40 for the installation of one glass pane. If you are charged for half a day, then the cost will be between £100 and £160.

Can I Install a Glass Pane Myself?

Yes, if you are competent at DIY, then there’s no reason why you can’t fit your own window pane if you have a wooden frame or you are replacing a double- or triple-glazed unit.

However, handling glass can be tricky, and there is the danger of breakage. That’s why we recommend you use a professional to replace window glass. You get quotes from local tradespeople here.

How to Replace a Single Pane in a Timber Frame

What you’ll need for the job:

• Cut-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles
• Glass cutter
• Putty knife
• Linseed oil putty
• Tape measure
• Paintbrush
• Wood filler
• Caulking gun
• Metal glazier’s points
• Wire brush
• The glass pane

These are the steps to follow:

• Lay out a dust sheet beneath the window and put on gloves and safety glasses.
• Start by removing any large shards of broken glass and then move on to remove the smaller shards. The pieces should come out if you use a putty knife to tap or pry them loose.
• Remove any remaining pieces of glass and then remove the old putty.
• Using your tape measure the frame so that you can order the glass. Take off 3mm on either side to allow the glass to fit properly.
• Clean the frame using a wire brush. If you need to repair the frame fill any cracks or holes with wood filler.
• Knead the putty into a long roll of around 3mm and then press it firmly into the window frame.
• Take your glass pane and set it into the window by pressing the glass against the putty.
• Use your glazier’s points to secure the glass. The points should be placed at a distance of 10 to 15cm.
• Cover the glazier’s points using more putty and fill in any remaining gaps.
• Use your putty knife to smooth the putty along the window frame. The putty will take between 5 and 14 days to dry out completely.

How Long Does It Take to Deliver and Fit a Glass Pane?

Delivery times will depend on the company you use to buy the glass. Some companies promise delivery in 3 days, while others quote up to 2 weeks. If you need your glass pane urgently then ask about delivery before you place an order.

Fitting a glass pane should take between one and two hours. If you are also renewing the frame, then the job could take up to half a day.

Types of Glass Panes

Apart from choosing single, double, or triple glazing, you can also choose to have certain types of glass. Here are the most common glass types, together with the Pros and Cons of each glass type. You’ll also find a chart below with the average price of each glass type.

Toughened Glass

If toughened glass breaks it doesn’t break into dangerous shards which reduces your risk of injury. But it is very strong and hard to break. That increases your security.

Pros

• Impact resistant
• Energy efficient
• Better durability than standard glass

Cons

• More expensive than other glass types
• Impossible to recut once it is in place for example, if you wanted to add a cat flap you would have to replace the whole glass.

Annealed Glass

Annealed glass is the standard type of glass that’s mostly used for windows and doors in your home.

Pros

• Cheaper to buy than other glass types
• Excellent visibility
• Strong enough to cope with high winds

Cons

• If the window is broken, it will break into large shards, so you are at risk of a serious injury.
• It can’t be installed in large sizes because it wouldn’t be strong enough.

Energy Efficient Glass (Low E)

A Low E coating on your windows improves their energy efficiency. The coating reflects heat, so it keeps your home warmer.

Pros

• Good insulation
• Provides protection from UV light
• Helps to reduce energy bills
• Prevents glare

Cons

• More expensive than a standard window
• Reduces the natural light coming through the window

Patterned Glass

Patterned glass is often used in bathroom windows. It provides privacy and decoration.

Pros

• Provides privacy
• Softens lighting glare
• Available in several different designs

Cons

• The uneven surface means it is harder to clean than clear glass
• It’s not suitable for all windows

Acoustic Glass

Acoustic glass is made to absorb the noise that comes through a window and therefore reduces the volume of the noise you get from the street outside.

Pros

• Reduces more noise than double glazing
• Difficult to break
• Insulates against heat loss

Cons

• It can be expensive if you are on a budget
• It will require a specialist frame because of the weight

Tinted Glass

Tinted glass is made by adding metal oxide to the glass which changes the glass colour without affecting the properties of the glass. Common tints are grey, green and bronze.

Pros

• Better security as you can’t see inside the house, so intruders don’t know if you are at home or not
• More privacy

Self-Cleaning Glass

Self-cleaning windows have been coated with titanium dioxide which makes them oil and water-resistant. This means your windows stay cleaner for longer. When it rains the water spreads across the glass taking any dust and dirt with it. It dries without streaks too.

Pros

• Windows that stay clean for longer
• Perfect for windows which are hard to access
• You save time and money on window cleaning

Cons

• More expensive than standard window glazing
• The coating isn’t on the interior, so inside windows need cleaning as normal.

Double Glazing Glass

Double glazing is made up of two panes of glass with a gap in the middle that can be filled with argon gas. Doubled glazed windows are more efficient at controlling the amount of heat coming in and out of your home.

Pros

• Saves energy, so reduces heating costs.
• Efficient noise reduction
• Insulates your home

Cons

• Better if it is professionally installed
• More expensive than single-glazing

Triple Glazing Glass

Triple glazing has three panes of glass, and the gaps between each pane can be filled with argon gas.

Pros

• Noise reduction
• Better security
• Improved heat conservation over double-glazing

Cons

• Heavier frames need to support the glass
• More expensive than double-glazing
• This may cause less sunlight to filter through into your home

Below you can see how much it would cost you to buy the above types of window glass in a double and triple-glazed unit.

FAQs

Q: What type of glass is best for energy efficiency?

A: Low E and double glazing are best for energy efficiency. When you buy a window, it will usually have an energy rating label with a letter and colour. The energy rating starts at A ++ and finishes at E.

The best energy rating is A ++, and they follow on from each other as follows:

• A ++ Pink
• A+ Purple
• A Blue
• B Dark Green
• C Light Green
• D Yellow
• E Orange

Q: How do I know if I need to replace or repair my window glass?

A: If you have a blown window, then you should be able to have it repaired. Damage to seals and cracks in wooden frames are also repairable. But if you have a window that won’t open or close, isn’t draught-proof with cracked panes, or you have water penetration, then it is time to buy new windows.

Q: Can I replace the window glass myself, or should I hire a professional?

A: If you are good at DIY, then there’s no reason why you can’t replace a single glazed pane in a wooden frame. But we do recommend that double or triple glazing is installed by a professional. Although you will save costs by doing the job yourself, you could make a mistake and you won’t have a warranty to protect you if something goes wrong after installation.

Q: How often should window glass be replaced?

A: Windows will normally last around 15 to 20 years. But if you can see that they are not performing as well as they should then it might be time to think about replacements. After 20 years it is likely that you will notice signs of deterioration.

Q: What are the signs that my window glass needs replacing?

A: The 3 most common signs that your windows need replacing are:

• Windows that don’t shut properly – Not only will a gap in a window cause cold air to enter your home, but it also means you are vulnerable to a burglary. A professional house breaker can use even a small gap to open the window enough to gain entry.
• Condensation on your windows can produce unhealthy mould. If your windows are wet or one of the panes from your double-glazed unit is steamed up, this is a sign that your window isn’t working properly.
• Draughty windows. Your windows shouldn’t let in any cold air. If you feel draught coming from your windows, it is time to replace them. If cold air enters your home, it will reduce the room temperature, and you may have to turn your heating up, which means higher bills.

Sources

1. https://www.getawindow.co.uk/window-glass/
2. https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/windows/triple-glazing/cost
3. https://www.bfrc.org/homeowners

Author: Kim J

I have a bachelor's degree in Journalism, which I studied in both the UK and USA. I've been a freelance writer for over eight years and have experience working with many large brands. My experience in writing is over a wide range of different niches, and I've specifically worked in the DIY and trades section for nearly two years. My favourite thing about freelance writing is working wherever I want as I love travelling and discovering new places and cultures.