How to Decide (and What It Costs)
Windows & Glass Replacement
Cracked or foggy glass doesn’t always mean replacing the entire window. Often, swapping the insulated glass unit (IGU) gives you a like-new view for less money and disruption. Here’s how to decide between glass-only replacement and a full window—plus simple ballparks using the 1/3 rule.
Quick decision: glass-only or full window?
Choose Glass-Only when…
- Frames are solid (no rot, warping, or water damage).
- You have foggy/milky double-panes from a failed seal.
- Cracks, chips, scratches, or a broken pane are the only issues.
- You want to upgrade to Low-E, laminated or tempered glass.
- Operation is fine (opens/closes/locks smoothly).
Choose a Full Window when…
- Frames show rot, warping, leakage or air gaps.
- Poor operation: sashes won’t stay up, hardware is failing.
- You’re changing size/style, or need better air-sealing.
- There are code/safety needs (egress size, tempered zones).
- You want maximum efficiency + new frames, sills & trims.
Ballpark costs (fast 1/3 rule)
How to think about pricing
- Glass-only ≈ one-third the cost of a full window.
- Use your full-window quote — then divide by 3 for a quick glass-only estimate.
- Final totals vary with size, access, safety glass (tempered/laminated), shapes, coatings, and quantity.
Simple examples
- Small bath window: If a full window is ~$900–$1,200 → glass-only is often ~$300–$400.
- Standard bedroom: If a full window is ~$1,400–$1,800 → glass-only is often ~$450–$600.
- Large picture: If a full window is ~$2,400–$3,000 → glass-only is often ~$800–$1,000.
Good to know: These are ballparks for straightforward jobs. Tempered or laminated glass, triple-pane, custom shapes, or tricky access can change the numbers.
Timeline & scheduling (how we do it)
Glass-only replacement
- Initial visit: We take measurements during the quote appointment.
- After approval: We order the IGUs right away.
- Install timing: As little as 2 business days or less after the initial visit once you approve; generally ~1 week.
- Small jobs (1–4 windows): on-site install can be completed in as little as ~1 hour.
- On-site install (typical): Usually completed in one day for most homes.
Full window replacement
- Initial visit: Measurements are for the quote only.
- ~2 weeks later: An installer returns for precise (final) measurements.
- Scheduling: Installation is booked a minimum of ~4 weeks later (longer if supply lines are experiencing disruption).
- Install duration: A team of 3–4 installers typically takes 2 days or more for a full-house project.
Energy, comfort & noise
- Glass-only boost: Upgrading to modern Low-E can cut heat gain/loss and glare without replacing frames.
- Laminated for sound: PVB interlayers reduce traffic/aircraft noise noticeably.
- Full window upgrade: New frames improve air-sealing and can reduce drafts more than glass-only fixes.