If your windows don’t function correctly, you may first notice it in your home’s temperature and, next, your wallet. Damaged windows can exhibit problems from air leaks and cracked panes to faulty hardware and seals. They can make your home less comfortable and drive up your energy bills.
Use this guide to learn what factors affect window repair costs and how to save on your next broken window repair.
Key takeaways
The average window repair cost is $420, but most homeowners spend between $160 and $670.
Latches, tracks and other hardware are easy DIY repair projects, but broken panes or seals require professional repair.
Standard double- or single-pane windows will be cheaper to repair than custom bay, bow and garden windows.
Average cost to repair windows
Repairing windows typically costs between $160 and $670, with most homeowners paying an average of $420. Repair costs fluctuate based on window type, number of panes, window material, accessibility and extent of damage. Sometimes, the best option may be to replace the window altogether.
When planning a window repair, expect additional costs for add-ons like screen repair, window treatments and unforeseen problems, which can cost an extra $60 to hundreds of dollars, according to the experts I interviewed. The cost of repairing triple-pane windows, bay and bow windows, garden windows and block windows can be much higher, $3,000 or more.
- Low: $100 - $200
- Average: $400 - $500
- High: $600 - $800
Repair cost by window type
The average window repair cost depends on the number and type of panes. The more panes a window has, the more expensive its repair. Similarly, larger window styles can be more costly to repair.
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Average cost range
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|
|---|---|
| Single-pane: Contains one glass pane and is typically less expensive to repair than multi-pane windows. | $130 - $300 |
| Double-pane: Contains two glass panes, which may be gas-filled for energy efficiency but are more expensive to repair than a single pane. | $340 - $700 |
| Triple-pane: Includes three glass panes and may be used in bay or arched windows. Their size and number of panes affect repair cost. | $570 - $1,100 |
| Awning: Opens from the bottom outward rather than sliding up. Uses a crank mechanism to open. | $200 - $550 |
| Bay: Triple-paned with a trapezoid shape. May provide extra light and sitting space, but is expensive to repair. | $450 - $2,100 |
| Bow: Similar to bay-style windows, includes three to six triple-paned windows in a curved shape. | $320 - $1,400 |
| Casement: Opens outward or inward and from one side rather than sliding up. | $170 - $430 |
| Egress: May be used for emergency exits and are likely basement windows. | $220 - $690 |
| Garden: 3D design that may provide additional lighting and shelf space. | $870 - $2,330 |
| Hopper: Single-pane window that opens from the top down. | $170 - $450 |
| Picture: Single-pane window used to enhance your outside view. Can be more expensive to repair due to potential structural support and size. | $180 - $580 |
| Skylight: Provides lighting to top-floor rooms. Accessible from the roof and more costly to repair due to location. | $350 - $930 |
| Sliding: Uses a track to slide horizontally. | $170 - $530 |
| Storm: Reasonably priced option to protect other windows. Less costly to repair. | $100 - $330 |
| Transom: Sits atop a window or door’s support (transom) beam. May contain stained glass. | $120 - $300 |
Repair cost by problem
Hardware like hinges, latches and tracks are often cheaper and easier to repair yourself than by hiring a professional. However, broken panes, sashes and seals may cost more to fix — and often require professional repair.
“Our most common repair is changing out one piece of glass on a window due to condensation or moisture between the glass. We charge $600 (depending on size) for a new pane of glass on one side of a standard 4’ x 4’ or smaller window,” said Chris Hock, the owner of Denver-based Earth Saving Solutions.
When using a professional, the cost will be dictated by the tools, materials and the extent of the window damage.
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Average cost range
|
|
|---|---|
| Air leak: May require caulking, a new seal or a glazing agent to reglaze the window. | $70 - $250 |
| Broken glass: Requires careful removal of the glass then full pane replacement. | $270 - $680 |
| Cracked pane: You can repair a small crack using epoxy and a putty knife to spread it. Potentially a DIY repair. | $80 - $280 |
| Foggy glass: Moisture trapped between the panes causes foggy glass. A professional will use a chemical to dry the space between the glass and a pump to remove the air. Then, they replace the seal. | $100 - $220 |
| Hinge: Hinges support casement and awning windows when they’re open. Hardware can be adjusted or replaced. | $75 - $170 |
| Latch or hardware repair: Replacing broken latches or hardware is an easy fix that you can do yourself. | $75 - $180 |
| Sash: This supports the glass inside the window frame. The larger the window, the more costly the repair. | $130 - $570 |
| Sash cord: Attached to the sash to help balance the weight of the window for ease when opening and closing. Primarily used in older wooden windows. | $90 - $260 |
| Screen: You can do a low-cost DIY fix for a damaged screen or hire a professional to repair. | $110 - $260 |
| Thermal seal: Broken thermal seals cause the insulating gas between panes to leak. Moisture and the remaining gas must be removed and the seal replaced, or you may opt for a new window. | $80 - $190 |
| Track: If your window no longer glides along the grooves, you likely have a blocked, broken or bent track. | $120 - $600 |
What factors affect the cost of window repair?
You have multiple things to consider when estimating the cost of a window repair. Hock shared which factors he has seen has the largest impact the cost of window repair:
- Window type (double-hung, casement, picture, etc.)
- Number of panes (single-, double- or triple-pane)
- Extent of damage (crack, shattered or fogged pane, faulty frame, rot, mechanical, latch)
- Materials involved (vinyl, wood or aluminum frame)
- Whether the window has specialty coatings or is energy-efficient
- Size and height to work on windows
- Repair or replace multiple windows at once to get bundling deals
Number of panes
If you break a windowpane or your windows are drafty or foggy, the number of panes will affect the repair cost. Typically, the more panes that need to be replaced, the more expensive the repair.
Expect costs to increase by $200 per additional pane that must be repaired. When applying window security film, costs will likely increase by $7 to $10 per square foot and by $100 to $300 for tinting and low-E glass coatings, respectively.
“Caulking around windows or single-pane repairs are easiest to do,” said Joe Windham, a project manager at Halo Construction and Restoration in Rockville, Maryland. “However, sealant or gas-filled window repairs often require assistance from the window manufacturer and may result in a new window installation.”
Window frame material
Vinyl and aluminum windows require lower-cost repairs. Composite and fiberglass windows, known for their long lifespan and high efficiency, are the most expensive frame materials to repair.
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Average repair cost
|
|
|---|---|
| Aluminum: Lightweight, common window material that doesn’t warp or corrode. A poor insulator but affordable. | $220 - $500 |
| Composite: Made of various materials and resembles wood. Energy efficient, strong and water resistant but more expensive to repair. | $400 - $800 |
| Fiberglass: The most expensive material. Strong, provides great insulation and is water resistant. Can be painted or customized. | $330 - $870 |
| Wood: Traditional window frame with a classic look. Good insulator but requires more maintenance. | $180 - $630 |
| Vinyl: Affordable, energy-efficient and a good insulator. Somewhat customizable. | $230 - $730 |
Location and size
The harder it is to access your window, the more expensive the repair will likely be. The same holds true for the window size. “For example, fixing a large window that has poor accessibility in volatile weather conditions will cost far more than a smaller window on the ground floor of a home in a temperate climate,” said Hugh Williams, a home improvement expert at Magic Window in Ontario, Canada.
Safety is a concern when servicing harder-to-reach windows such as skylights or those accessible from your roof, and professionals will include this in repair costs.
Labor cost
pro tip
- It’s wise to bundle repairs into one trip to avoid paying overhead fees twice.
Beware of fluctuating labor costs based on your location, which can add $60 to $100 to your fee. On average, an emergency repair adds another $300. Whether you live in a home near a city center or one in a rural setting also affects your labor costs.
“The cost of labor to repair a window will vary greatly depending on the complexity of the repair, the materials needed and the variance in local labor rates,” Williams said.
Hock, who services Colorado, Utah and New Mexico, charges $100 per hour for time and material. “We charge a minimum for any project,” he said.
Additional cost considerations
Window repair costs can increase due to added items like screens, window treatments, or unforeseen damage. “If the customer requests a new screen, the cost is normally between $60 and $80 each,” Windham said.
Hock provides another perspective: “Suppose a window has often been leaking due to the surrounding caulking. In that case, mildew may have started growing inside the wall, and drywall damage may include cutting it out, cleaning the insides with antimicrobials and replacing insulation. This can range from $50 to several thousands of dollars.”
Once your windows are repaired, you can expect to pay $30 to $100 for basic window treatments (blinds and coverings). Check with your repair company for additional costs.
How to save money on window repair
Window repair experts recommend the following to save on repair costs:
- Ask your window repair company for discounts, especially if you’re repairing multiple windows.
- Check for credits or assistance available through your state or local government, like the Weatherization Assistance Program in Virginia. Note some programs may have income restrictions.
- Don’t delay making window repairs, as it can lead to more significant problems and greater energy loss.
- Watch tutorials and videos first for basic repairs you may be able to DIY.
- Get quotes from multiple professionals.
- If using the DIY method, look for local window repair companies that sell parts. This can help limit the markup cost on materials.
- Regularly clean and maintain your windows.
DIY vs. professional window repair
Do-it-yourself window repair can save you money. But Hock suggests answering a few questions first:
- Do you have the skills and patience to do this work?
- Are you willing to measure? And, if you are wrong, are you willing to have it redone and pay for it twice?
- Do you feel safe on a ladder?
“Professionals offer several benefits over DIY, including expertise in diagnosing issues, access to the right tools and materials and often have a warranty covering their work, giving homeowners peace of mind,” Williams said.
If difficulties arise during the repair, professional experience can be beneficial.
DIY window repair
Pros
- Can be cost-effective
- Flexibility when scheduling
Cons
- Time investment
- May need to hire help
- Safety concerns
Professional window repair
Pros
- Access to tools and materials
- Expertise with unexpected damage
- Warrantied work
Cons
- Potentially more expensive
- Must schedule ahead
Bottom line
Repairing the windows in your home can provide energy and cost savings, security and comfort. The best way to estimate the window repair cost is to research DIY options and get several professional quotes. Latches, caulking or other small jobs may be easy for you, while broken panes and seals may require professional expertise.
Making timely repairs, cleaning and maintaining your windows will keep them looking good and help prevent decay or reoccurring problems. Be mindful of special service schedules or features and know when to replace a window rather than repair it.
