Window glass is obviously a big part of buying home windows. To that end, there are loads of options available. Obviously, the type, style, thickness, etc. all have different price points. Explore replacement window glass prices and options, including the basics, clear glass, low-e glass and laminated glass.
(Always collect 3 to 4 additional bids)
Bill — Site Editor
Window Glass Basics
Nearly all windows made today are double paned, meaning that they have two panes of glass instead of the single pane that was much more common decades ago. The two panes of glass are part of the insulated glazing unit (IGU), which is one of the main components in a replacement window.
Along with the double panes of glass, an IGU is also made up of a spacer system, krypton or argon fills and the seals that keep the unit airtight. The insulated glazing unit is perhaps the most important component in creating an energy efficient window that blocks out air, heat, and coldness from entering or exiting through the window surface. Accordingly, check out our replacement windows ratings page for additional information on energy efficiency.
Low E Glass Prices
The least expensive replacement window glass is called clear glass. This type of window glass does not contain the low emissivity coating that helps to block out short frequency (harmful) UV rays. Clear glass may or may not come standard on the replacement window that you were considering buying. It’s pretty tough to put a price on clear glass, but it should cost someone in the neightborhood of $50 per pane for a normal size window.
Many replacement windows come standard with a low-e1 glass. Low e stands for low emissivity and is a coating that is applied to the interior of the inner pane of glass and the exterior of the outer pane of glass. As we mentioned before, the low-e coating filters out harmful UV rays and blocks heat or cold from entering throught the IGU. Many times, low E glass is made up of one, two or three low E layers that work together to maximize a window’s energy efficiency. For example, three low-e coatings would make a low E3 glass.
Low E glass will typically add about $25 to the base price of a window. A low E2 glass will typically add about $50 to the base price of a window. A low E3 glass will typically at about $75 to the base price of the window.
Low-e1 Upgrade: $25
Low-e2 Upgrade: $50
Low-e3 Upgrade: $75
Laminated Glass Costs
Laminated glass is usually used on impact windows as it is stronger than low-e or clear glass. To upgrade to a laminated glass, you are looking at roughly $175 to $300. Laminated glass also will help some with the noise control properties of a window.
Laminated Glass Upgrade: $300
Replacement Window Glass Repair
Repair rates are going to vary tremendously. However, we’ve found glass repair labor hourly prices to be $50 to $150 an hour. On the other hand, replacement window glass prices is often $100 to $300, depending on the size and type of glass (laminated glass excepted). Most window repair professionals should be able to give you a bid over the phone. However, you will have to provide them with the size, brand and style of window.
Glass Repair: $100 an hour, plus materials
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