Finding quality replacement window glass is important to maintaining structurally sound windows that keep the winter cold out, the energy bills low and the everyday noises to a minimum. Homeowners with cracked or broken windows or those who simply wish to upgrade to more energy efficient windows will certainly benefit from replacement window glass. We will go over the benefits, costs and options available.
Benefits Of Replacement Window Glass
Warmer (Or Cooler) Home
Properly functioning windows keep a home warmer in the winter by keeping the cold out and the heat in. The opposite is true in summer when homeowners want to keep the heat from the sun out and keep the nice cold air conditioned temperature inside. Windows with good glass packages (double paned, low-e glass, argon or krypton fills) will go a long way to accomplishing this.
Better Energy Efficiency
The primary reason that most people choose to replace just the glass of their windows is due to damaged or broken pane on a single window. If just one window in your house is damaged, replacing the glass can have it looking and functioning like new. If, however, you are interested in more energy efficient windows for your whole house, you are better off considering replacement windows.
Keep The Outside Noises Out
For homeowners who live near a busy street, airport etc. noise reduction can be an important factor when it comes to replacement window glass. STC or Sound Transmission Class measures how much sound a window blocks out. STC is affected by the amount of dead space between window panes (the more space, the better), the quality of air seals and the thickness of the window glass. The higher the STC, the better the window is at keeping out outside noises. You will pay for higher STC rated windows, but for many homeowners, it is worth it. Click for more terms related to replacement window ratings.
Window Glass Replacement Cost
The cost to replace your window glass will obviously depend on the size (see additional factors discussed below). For standard 24″W x 36″H window glass, here is a basic range of costs.
Entry To Mid Range: $75 to $125
Mid Range To High $125 to $175
Installation Cost: $50 to $100
Price Factors
When determining the glass replacement windows cost, you need to factor in options such as the size, thickness and quality, as well as how many panes there are (single, double or triple pane). Also consider any energy efficient options, such as low-e coatings, gas fills or other reflective coatings. Aside from ordering the glass material, it is worth looking into how much extra it will cost to have the glass professionally installed – you’ll find it is usually worth it to do it that way, rather than handling the installation yourself (and taking the chance that you break the replacement glass in the process!)
DIY Or Professional Installation
Dealing with any type of glass is difficult. You need to make sure that you don’t break the pane during the replacement windows installation or you will need to start all over again and can also potentially get hurt. Unless you are 100% sure you can handle the job and have some experience with this type of installation, this is a job better left to the professionals. Chances are that you will only need window glass replacement on one or a few windows, so the cost should not be exorbitant anyway.
Related Topics
Energy Star Certified Windows
Replacement Windows And Home Values
Replacement Window Costs
Window Replacement Cost Estimator
Window Terminology
