How much does window glass replacement cost?

When window glass gets damaged, you’ll want to get it fixed quickly. In this guide, we look at the average window glass replacement cost in the UK to help you plan your budget.

Keep reading to find out more about the prices for replacement window glass of a single pane.

How much does window glass replacement cost?

To help you plan your budget, we’ve included prices for hiring a professional to supply and install a pane of replacement window glass.

We also look at the cost of a single pane of glass, in case you’re planning to do the job yourself.

So, how much does it cost to replace a pane of glass in the UK? Here are the average costs…

Labour costs for replacement window panes

If you decide to hire a professional tradesperson to replace your window glass, you’ll need to factor in the cost of labour.

An average cost for a window expert to supply and replace a single glazed pane of glass is around £110 or £120 for a double-glazed window.

To find out more about the window installation costs, take a look at our window fitting cost guide.

How much is window replacement in the UK?

The costs above are for replacing single panes of glass. The price of replacing a whole window, including the frame, will be higher.

Given most homes now have double glazing, you might be wondering: how much are double glazing windows in the UK?

To see the latest prices, check out our guide to double glazing costs.

How much does smashed window repair cost?

A smashed window is usually past the point of repair, in which case it is worth replacing the window.

The cost will depend on how many windows are smashed. If it’s just one pane, it will be cheaper than replacing them all.

See prices above for costs to repair a smashed window pain.

Enhancement and improvement costs

One thing to consider when replacing window glass is whether it might be better to replace the whole window unit.

While the price will be more than just the replacement glass for your window, sometimes it’s the better option if:

• The seal on your window has failed
• The dividers within the window are also broken
• Your window has a wooden frame that has begun to rot

If you’ve noticed the window seal is damaged, take a look at our guide to broken window seal repair costs.

Window restoration costs

Before paying for replacement glass, have you considered glass restoration for minor repairs? You’ll be amazed at the difference a glass restoration specialist can make with a little TLC and some professional polishing equipment.

To remove minor chips and cracks from your windows, you’ll be looking at an average cost of around £150.

Meanwhile, the cost for graffiti removal and scratches is on average around £160 per m².

How to calculate your window glass replacement job

If you’re trying to plan a budget, here are our tips for estimating the cost of replacement glass for windows:

1. First, you’ll need to count how many window panes need glass replacement
2. Measure the height and width of each window plane to know the size of the glass to replace
3. Factor in the type and thickness of the glass, as this will affect the total cost of replacement glass for windows

For accurate prices, speak to your local window specialists. Ask them for a detailed breakdown of costs and the options available.

Get window glass replacement quotes

When organising the replacement of window glass, it’s always a good idea to get at least three quotes from local window specialists.

That way you can make sure you’re being quoted fair and competitive prices in your area.

We also recommend asking for a clear breakdown of costs, so you can easily compare the quotes you get.

Get three quotes now

Find experts in window replacement near me

Need to find an experienced window replacement specialist in your area? You’ve come to the right place.

At Checkatrade, all our members have to pass 12 checks – so you can be confident you’re hiring a reliable tradesperson.

Enter your postcode in the box below and search our online directory of experts in window replacement near you:

Additional considerations

You can keep the costs of window glass replacement down by replacing the broken window glass yourself.

However, if your windows are under warranty, we recommend contacting the manufacturer first before replacing the glass as you could unintentionally void the warranty.

Reasons to replace a window glass

Several reasons might lead to you having to replace a pane of glass in your window…

• Broken panes are the most common cause of window glass replacements, whether it’s a chip, crack or gaping hole.
• Major scratches can be a real eyesore and cause weaknesses in the window glass itself, leading to further damage or shattering.
• Condensation in between double-glazed glass is annoying and generally means the window glass needs to be replaced.
• Draught issues caused by damaged glass or the window pane coming away from the frame.

Types of window

The cost of window glass replacement will depend on the style of your window. Some of the most popular types of windows are…

Casement windows

These are one the most common types of windows found in UK homes. They’re one of the most versatile options on the market – available in a variety of sizes, materials and finishes.

Sash windows

These windows are most commonly found in Georgian and Victorian homes. They typically feature vertically sliding panes of glass that use a weighted system.

The cost of replacing sash windows will increase if the weight needs to be adjusted.

Tilt and turn

One of the more modern options, tilt and turn windows open inwards into the room making them easier to clean and maintain.

They also allow you to control how wide they open, so they’re ideal for homes with young children.

Bay windows

These are windows that protrude out from the external wall of a home and create a bay area within the room.

They’re a popular choice with UK homeowners for both their style and the ability to add space to a room.

Types of glass

In addition to the type of window you have, the price you pay for window glass replacement will also be affected by the type of glass you choose.

Standard glass

In general, window glass in the UK is generally at a very high standard – in terms of energy efficiency and safety.

Therefore, standard glass should meet most of your basic needs in terms of avoiding draughts, condensation and energy loss.

It’s also the cheapest option for window glass replacement, making it ideal if you’re trying to keep costs low.

Laminated glass

Many homeowners choose laminated glass to provide an extra level of safety. Its protective layer of vinyl between the two pieces of glass gives it added benefits.

These include break-in protection (glass cutters don’t work on laminated glass), sound reduction, and improved impact and shatter resistance.

Toughened glass

Toughened glass is five times stronger than laminated glass of the same thickness, with much higher resistance to breaking.

Consequently using it for the replacement of your window pane will cost more than standard or laminated glass.

Double and triple glazing

Double or triple glazing consists of 2 or 3 panes of glass. The window comes as one completely sealed unit. The air gaps within the unit are typically filled with an inert gas such as argon.

It’s these double and triple glazed layers of glass that make these sealed units thermally efficient.

Useful glass replacement checklist

• Identify the type of window and frame, as well as the glass that needs replacing
• Consider whether it’s just the glass that needs replacing, or if it might be more cost-effective to replace the whole window
• Some modern double glazed windows are fitted with anti-theft blocks which can make installing new glass more complicated
• Establish the type of glass you want to replace it with (considering safety, quality, and budget)
• Speak to a window specialist for advice on the best window glass options for you
• Get quotes from multiple local tradespeople to make sure they’re providing fair and competitive prices
• We recommend hiring an experienced tradesperson to replace window glass so that it’s done to a professional standard

FAQs

Is it cheaper to just replace glass in windows?

Most of the time, the cost to replace glass in the window is cheaper than replacing the whole window.

However, sometimes, if the damage is extensive then it might work out more cost-effective to replace the whole window.

Can I replace just the glass broken on a window?

In most cases, if there’s been no major damage to the window itself then you can often simply replace the broken glass.

Although it’s worth noting that, if the window has anti-theft blocks then it can make it more complicated to install new glass.