How much does window repair cost?

As a homeowner, if you have a broken window pane, warped frame, or window that's gathering condensation between two panes, it might be time to call in a professional to have a look. While replacement windows can be expensive, hiring a professional to fix your windows is a cost-saving alternative.

Before you hire a window installation and repair specialist, get an estimate on how much a home window repair will cost with this guide. In it, you'll find a complete breakdown of the cost to have your windows repaired or replaced with new windows, and how you can save money on any kind of broken window in your home.

While the average cost to repair a window is $186, a window replacement costs around $300 to $5,000, depending on the window type, size, and number. Even if your repair costs are higher than average, it's still likely a more cost-effective option than hiring someone to remove your old windows and install new ones.

Window repair costs depend on the type of damage, installation and labor costs, and the price of a pane, hardware, or other new window part.

The most common repair is a replacement for a broken window pane. For this scenario, removing the old glass and replacing it with a new pane will cost more for double-pane windows than single.

However, it's not just window glass that breaks. Costs vary based on the size, shape, thickness, and style of the broken window and the quality and design of the surrounding frame and sash.

Labor costs

Installation and labor costs to repair a broken window average between $50-$80 an hour. Other factors that can increase the labor costs include making custom-sized panes, sourcing specialty hardware, and repairing hard to reach windows (anything that requires roof access or a ladder).

Certain styles like bay windows and arched or elliptical panes are also more expensive to repair than fixed-styles, like a transom window.

How much does a single-pane glass window cost to repair?

The average cost to repair a single-pane glass window is $75-$80, which is much cheaper than a full window replacement. The glass replacement typically costs around $3-$4 per square foot. That means the price for materials for a 24" x 24" window (4-square feet) is $12-$18. But that's just for the price of the glass.

The labor usually costs $50-$80 an hour, meaning it can cost around $75-$80 to repair a single-pane glass window, depending on the size.

For example, a Thumbtack pro in Woodbridge, Virginia charges the following for window glass replacements:

• Single-pane annealed glass (2 x 2 feet) including installation and labor: $75-80
• Single-pane glass (5 x 5 feet) including installation and labor: $375

Larger single pane windows are often more expensive to repair because of the increased thickness, size, and labor for large-plate glass. According to the Virginia-based pro, the price to repair windows can actually decrease to around $55 per pane if you replace multiple windows at once (10 or more).

Many modern windows are double-paned since they provide better insulation. However, you can still find single-pane windows in many wooden or aluminum frames. Some of the more common styles of single-pane windows include:

• Single hung — One sash is fixed (usually above) and the other sash slides up and down to open vertically.
• Double hung — Both sashes slide to open either above or below each other. The sash is the part of the window that holds the glass and the frame around the glass.
• Sliding — Similar to double hung windows, but the sashes slide sideways.
• Fixed or “picture" — These windows don't open and the glass is some of the largest single pane windows available, making a replacement more expensive. These are common on doors.
• Casement — These push open on a hinge. Replacing worn or weathered hardware and hinges are often the most expensive part of repairs for casement windows.
• Arched or elliptical — Almost always custom cut for the frame, arched and elliptical window panes can cost hundreds more for replacements.
• Skylights — Although many are double-paned for insulation, single pane skylights are still around since they tend to be lighter than double-pane glass.

How much does a double-pane glass window cost to repair?

On average, it costs $170-$180 to replace the glass in a double-pane window. Double-pane glass windows typically cost $100 more to repair than a similar sized single. This is largely due to the extra labor cost to install double-pane windows, and some of the specialty tools to seal and repair damaged, insulated double-pane glass. The price varies depending on the quality or grade of glass.

Below are examples of how much replacement panes for windows cost, based on glass type, from a Thumbtack pro based in Woodbridge, Virginia:

• Double-pane 2 x 2 feet annealed glass (not including installation and labor): $170–$180
• Double-pane glass, size 5 x 5 feet (not including installation and labor): $485-$500
• Energy-efficient glass (which is more difficult to source and install): $20 extra

Labor costs are higher to install heavier double-pane windows—often $80-$100 an hour. You can also expect additional costs for larger windows (over 5 feet) or specific frames:

• Vinyl or aluminum frame installation: $15+
• Wood frame installation: $35–$40+

In general, it's cheaper to replace the glass pane on a vinyl window than a wood-framed one.

How much does it cost to fix a stuck window or damaged window frame?

A broken window doesn't always mean broken pane. The window casing can get stuck, the frame chipped, damaged, or warped (especially wooden frames), or the entire window sash can need repair.

Depending on the age and style of your windows, you or your contractor might be able to fix a stuck window with a putty knife, or it could require sourcing and replacing specialty parts like hinges and other hardware from a specialist.

Here's a quick look at the range of prices you can expect for different types of window repairs.

A Thumbtack pro in Mesa, Arizona charges:

• Replace a sash on a vinyl window: $40-$250
• Replace balance springs for single-hung window: $185-$225 (including parts and labor)
• Double-hung window repair: $315 ($185 for the first sash / $125 for the second sash)

• Remove and replace sliding glass door rollers: $180
• Repaired and replaced (7) oversized, low-energy, glass patio sliders and rollers: $4,000

Another Thumbtack pro in Sherwood, Oregon, charges:

• Standard, vinyl, 6x3-foot bedroom window with energy-efficient glass: $400-$450

It's important to get a realistic upfront estimate before you have your window frame and sash repaired. However, most glass pros need to see the specifics of your window on site before they can give you a price estimate, since the range of factors—and costs—can vary significantly based on the age and size of the window in question.

Common add-on costs

To figure out if it's more cost effective to opt for a window replacement or repair, it's important to also consider some potential hidden costs. Here are a few common add-ons and additional costs that can significantly increase the cost of window repair.

• Hard to reach windows. Expect an extra charge if a window repairman needs a ladder or roof access to replace a broken exterior window. One Thumbtack Pro in Woodbridge, VA charges an additional $10–$15 for labor on hard-to-reach windows.

• Out of date window hardware. Replacement hardware for older or antique windows can be a problem, as a lot of older hardware is no longer in production. It varies based on the window type and size, but sourcing and replacing specialty hardware not only costs extra, but will take longer to repair.

• Dual-pane insulation. Replacing dual-pane windows typically requires injecting insulating gas between two well-sealed panes. Replacing a “blown seal" is a job for a professional, not a generalist or handyman.

• Rotten wood. Replacing a broken single-pane window can cost less than $100, while severely damaged windows with broken or rotten window frames can cost between $600-$900.

• Drafty windows. Numerous factors can cause a drafty window, from a cracked pane to a warped frame. Weather stripping and fresh caulking are the simplest way to repair drafty windows. Ask about these simpler methods before paying for an entire window frame replacement.

• Emergency window repair. Repair specialists and glaziers usually charge around $40-$80 per hour for standard window repairs. However, if you need emergency repairs, expect to pay as much as $150 per hour.

Window replacement costs are expensive. So, by simply opting to repair a window instead of buying a replacement, you're already saving money. That said, there are a few ways you can cut down on costs even more:

• Replace or repair multiple windows at once. The cost to repair each window drops dramatically once a glass professional is already on-site. Repair multiple windows all in one go for bundled savings.
• Ask about simple fixes. Not every window repair needs to involve a new frame and sash. A simple draft snake foam attachment can seal a drafty window at a fraction of the cost of a frame replacement. Same goes for light wood damage. Wood putty can work wonders on older frames, as long as the wood hasn't rotted.
• Upgrade older windows. Sourcing custom parts for antique windows can be a costly and tedious process. Avoid the cost of having older windows repaired by upgrading to modern energy efficient windows whenever possible. You'll save money on future repairs and lower your energy bill at the same time.

Obviously, no homeowner wants to repair a broken window. But putting off repairs will only make the damage worse and more expensive to fix. If it's impacting the insulation of your house, it can even cost you hundreds of dollars extra in energy bills.

When you're comparing several potential professionals to hire to fix your window, keep the following tips in mind:

• Read online reviews and ratings. 
• Look at pictures posted by pros and their clients.
• Check their credentials and experience. 
• Provide details about your broken window (e.g., its size, type of window, etc.)
• Get cost estimates from at least three pros.