Common Window Repair Costs
A window repair depends on the age and style of your windows. Here are the average costs for the most common window repairs:
Repairing a Broken Seal or Fogginess
Window thermal seal repair costs $245, with most homeowners paying between $70 and $120. Repairing a window seal will remove the moisture between window panes that cause fogginess. Often known as “defogging,” a pro will drill a little hole in the glass pane, insert a chemical between the panes to eliminate the moisture, install a valve and pump to remove air, then apply a new seal.
Fixing a Cracked Pane
Fixing a cracked window pane costs $70 on average, ranging from $40 to $100. Typically, it's only possible to fix a single-paned glass window or double-paned windows that only have a crack in one of the panes. To fix a cracked window pane, a pro will apply a two-part epoxy to the crack using a putty knife and let it cure.
Replacing a Broken Window Glass
Replacing a broken window glass costs $300 on average. Most homeowners spend between $200 and $400 on glass replacement, and can expect to pay as much as $2,000 for more complicated repairs. The final price depends on the type of glass, the manufacturer, whether you need more than one pane, and the size and design of the window.
Repairing the Sash, Seal, or Tracks
Small window fixes like repairing the sash, seal, or tracks typically run between $200 and $600. These repairs are DIY-friendly tasks, so you'll save money on labor fees if you do it yourself. The main costs are the materials and tools you may need. For instance, fixing a window sash cord costs as little as $35 if you do it yourself.
Repairing a Latch or Hardware
It costs anywhere from $75 to $200 to fix a window latch or similar hardware. This is another good DIY window repair project, and you’ll only pay for the materials if you do it yourself. Of course, the more window latches you need to fix, the more you’ll pay.
Single-Pane, Double-Pane, or Three-Pane: How Much Should I Budget for the Repair?
There are many window types. Each type has a different number of window panels and panes. Here is the average cost for some of the most common window repairs.
Single-pane repair for one window costs around $200 and includes windows like:
Fixed or picture windows
Hopper windows
Casement windows
Skylight windows
Double-pane repair for one window costs $200 to $400 and includes windows like:
Single-hung windows
Double-hung windows
Storm windows
Three-pane window repair cost typically ranges from $600 to $1,100 and includes windows like:
Bay windows
Arched Window
Five+ pane or bow window repair costs range from $1,250 to $3,250.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair a Window?
Many factors are affecting the cost of window repairs,things like:
Material
Vinyl and aluminum windows can be more affordable to repair than wood windows.
Window Size
The larger the window, the higher the cost. Larger windows will require more labor to be involved and even more time and material to repair.
Extent of Damage
Some severe damage can cost more than the average price. Things like rotten wood frames, a broken seal between window panes, damaged window sill will be expensive and harder to fix.
Window Accessibility
That window on the second floor will cost extra if the repairperson needs a ladder or roof access to repair the broken exterior window.
Labor Costs
To repair a broken window, expect to pay between $30 to $50 an hour when you hire a window repair professional. Some factors that could increase the labor fees include asking for custom-made panes, special hardware, and repairing hard-to-reach windows.
Hardware Availability
If your broken window hardware is vintage or no longer in production, it’s going to be harder to replace. Sourcing and replacing specialty hardware not only costs extra but will take longer to repair.
On-site vs. Off-site
It’s easier and cheaper to remove the window sash and take it to the shop than for the repairer to attempt to fix it on site.
Emergency Window Repair
For a regular window repair, you’ll pay between $30 to $50 an hour. However, if you need an emergency repair, expect to pay the repairperson or glazier double or triple this rate per hour.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair the Window Myself?
If you consider yourself to be handy, a DIY window repair is a great idea. It’ll save labor fees, but a DIY repair also means investing in tools, materials, and some sweat equity.
Some window repairs are trickier than others. However, if you want to save on labor costs, there are a few easy and inexpensive window repairs you can do yourself, like fixing a cracked window, replacing a screen ($25), sealing a window ($10), or swapping out hardware.
However, more technical things like clearing up a foggy window or fixing a broken double pane are jobs for professionals.
How can I save money on window repairs?
Even though window repair costs a fraction of the price of replacing your window, there are other ways to cut down on costs even more.
Repair multiple windows at once for a bundle price: Once the professional is already on-site, the cost to repair each window drops dramatically.
Ask the professional for a less expensive fix whenever possible.
Maintain your windows regularly: Upgrade older windows to more energy-efficient parts whenever possible. It’ll save you money in the long run and lower your energy bills.
Never put off repairs: The damage can be out of control, resulting in a costly fix.
