How to replace window glass

Key points

• You can save money by replacing damaged window glass without replacing the entire frame.

• Replacing window glass can be a DIY job if you have the right tools and skills.

• Window size, glass type, coating and number of panes you’re replacing will affect the final cost.

Replacing an entire window — including the frame and glass — can be costly and time-consuming. If you have a broken or defective window pane, replacing just the window glass is faster and more cost-effective.

Experienced DIYers can replace the glass in a window with the right tools and a little know-how. However, consider your skill level and the complexity of the project first.

“There is a lot that goes into these replacements, including having to cut, caulk, hold the glass itself and reseal the window,” said Andrew Prchal, president and cofounder of home improvement company Gunner Roofing. “Depending on the location, this may have to be done from a ladder or other uncomfortable or potentially dangerous position.”

Because of this, he recommended ensuring you’re confident that you can complete the job and have the proper tools to do so safely. If not, it’s best to hire a window installation company.

To find out what goes into window pane replacement, we tapped Prchal; Jeramy Sibley, president of Glass Doctor; and Michael Wandschneider, director of product management at Marvin. They offered insights into the process, cost and challenges of replacing window glass, plus advice on the right time to hire a professional.

Can you replace window glass without replacing the frame?

Yes, in many cases, you can replace window glass without replacing the frame. In fact, replacing the glass instead of the entire window can save you a lot of money because you won’t be paying for the frame or hardware.

Replacing window glass can be tricky and will require proper tools and safety gear to complete the project safely. The difficulty level will also depend on your window glass type and whether it’s in an older or newer window. 

In some cases, the frame may be damaged and need replacing. This can technically be a DIY job, but it will require more time and be more expensive. We recommend hiring an affordable window company for full replacement.

Can you replace a window pane yourself?

You can replace a window pane yourself, but you’ll need the right tools, materials, skill and time to do it. It’s more involved than fixing a crack in the glass, but it’s still doable.

Materials you’ll need

To remove old glazing and replace old or damaged window glass, you’ll need the following materials, all of which you can find at a local hardware store:

• Replacement glass
• Putty knife or utility blade
• Suction cup
• 5-in-1 tool, scraper or flathead screwdriver
• Heat gun
• Protective gloves 
• Safety glasses
• Silicone or glazing compound

Steps to replace a window pane

If you replace window glass yourself, it’s important to follow directions carefully — working with glass, especially broken glass, is dangerous and can result in injuries. 

1. Purchase the new window pane

The first step to replacing a window pane is to purchase a new one. You can head to your local hardware store or order customized glass panes directly from a window manufacturer. To ensure the window pane fits into the window, you’ll need to know the glass length, width and overall thickness. You’ll also be able to choose the spacer color and window coating — make sure to match the window tint, if there is any.

2. Gather your tools and prepare the area

Before replacing a window pane, take a few minutes to gather all the necessary tools and prepare the area by putting down a drop cloth in case the window breaks. If you’re removing a broken window, use duct tape and tape an “X” across the pane to prevent the glass from shattering and falling out as you work.

3. Remove the sash, if possible

In newer windows, you can remove the sash from the window to gain easy access to the glass. If you’re working on an older window with a pulley system, removing the sash may be more difficult. In this case, you’ll have to work on the window directly.

4. Break the seal

Working from the interior side of the window, insert a putty knife or utility knife between the glass and the window and run it along each edge of the frame to break the seal. Be sure to work gently so you don’t break the glass. 

5. Remove the glazing bead

Moving to the exterior, remove the glazing bead — the thin strip that holds the glass in place — with a 5-in-1 tool. This piece can be wood, vinyl, aluminum or steel. Be careful not to scrape or scratch the frame or break the window during this step. 

Older windows may use a glazing compound as the exterior seal; if this is the case, you’ll have to scrape it away with a putty knife or scraper. Using a heat gun to warm the glazing compound can soften it and make it easier to scrape away. Leave the top until last because it will help hold the pane in place until you’re ready to take it out.

6. Remove the window pane

Depending on the window size, this may be a two-person job. Put on protective gloves and safety glasses before beginning this step in case it cracks and you need to clean up broken glass. 

When all the glazing beads or compound is gone, carefully remove the window pane. A suction cup can make this job easier but may not be necessary. If the glass is broken, use extra caution and try to remove the pane in one piece. Remove any pieces of glass that remain on the window frame. Carefully dispose of the pane or set it to the side.

7. Scrape away old sealant

Using a 5-in-1 tool or flathead screwdriver, scrape away all of the old sealant, leaving a clean, smooth surface for the new sealant and glass to rest on. If you’re working with an older window, you may need to remove the glazing points — the small metal pieces that hold the glass in place.

8. Test fit the new glass

Place the new glass into the opening to ensure it fits, then remove it again.

9. Reapply sealant

Run a bead of silicone caulk or glazing compound around the lip that holds the window in place. This is a different process from caulking windows to keep out moisture and drafts because you’ll place the caulk or glazing compound on the actual glass rather than the frame.

10. Place the window in the frame

Depending on the size of the window pane, you may need a helper for this step. Set the window in the frame and hold it there for a minute or two to allow the silicone or glazing compound time to set. Run a line of silicone or glazing compound along the edge of the glazing to seal it. 

11. Replace glazing beads

To replace the glazing beads, press them into place around the edge of the new glass pane. You may be able to use the original glazing beads, but if they’re damaged, you can order new ones.

Time commitment

Sibley estimated that this project could take less than a day but ultimately depends on the existing window frame’s condition and the complexity of the installation.

Prchal said that the time commitment depends on how comfortable you are with the process and your skill level. He also emphasized how important it is to plan accordingly when taking on a window replacement to ensure the window isn’t left open for an extended time.

When should you hire a professional to replace window glass?

While it’s entirely possible to replace the old glass in your window yourself, there are circumstances when hiring a professional window installation company is the best choice. If the window is on an upper story, it can be difficult to access, and a professional will come with the proper equipment and safety gear to reach it, even if it’s just to remove the sash and then complete the work on the ground.

If you’re dealing with older windows and single-pane glass, removing the glass without breaking it and getting a proper seal on the new glass can be challenging and may be best left to someone with the right experience. 

Another reason to call in a professional is to ensure you get the right glass. If you’re not well-versed in window construction, it can be difficult to tell what time of coating you have or even how many panes you have. 

Correctly measuring windows can also be tricky if you’re not used to reading a tape measure. Additionally, cutting the glass can present a challenge and require more specialized tools than many DIYers have on hand, though a local hardware store can often cut the glass for you.

If you decide to go with a professional, Prchal said that the most important thing is to ensure they’re licensed and properly insured to do the work. Sibley recommended considering the company’s experience with building codes, lead and asbestos regulations, and energy-efficient options.

We shadowed a Renewal by Andersen installation crew in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June 2024. The frame was damaged, so the team needed to replace the entire window instead of just the glass. If you’re unsure whether you need new glass or a full window replacement, we recommend contacting a professional to perform an inspection.

How much does window glass replacement cost?

DIY window glass replacement costs between $250 and $350 per window, according to Prchal, while professional installation costs between $675 and $900 per window. But he made sure to point out that the actual cost would depend on the size of the glass. “The professional themselves may have a minimum service charge to travel to your house,” he added.

If you have to replace the entire window, window replacement costs could fall between $910 and $1,490 for vinyl and between $1,400 and $2,567 for wood (including products, permits, installation labor and estimated tax), based on a report from Home Depot. Replacing just the glass can save you a substantial amount of money.

DIY replacement costs

Compared to professional window replacement, “DIY window glass replacement can be more economical,” Sibley said. If your window is among the standard window sizes, the window pane will likely cost less than if it’s a custom size.

Professional replacement costs

There are a few different types of window replacements to choose from if you have a broken window. If the glass is the only broken part, you can get away with just replacing the glass. If there are larger issues with the window, you may have to do a pocket replacement to replace the sash — which includes the glass — or go with a full-frame replacement.

The average cost for window glass replacement can be up to $900 per window, according to Prchal. Sibley said that professional installation for double-pane windows can fall around $400, while larger, custom windows can cost as much as $10,000 to replace.

What’s next?

If you’re ready to tackle window pane replacement on your own, make sure you know the type of glass and how many panes you have. This information is critical to choosing a compatible replacement. Gather your tools before you begin working. If you can remove the sash, prepare a place to set it down that’s protected so the glass doesn’t get damaged while you’re working.

If you decide to hire a professional, Wandschneider recommended that homeowners ask about the company’s qualifications and experience, paying special attention to whether they are authorized or certified by the window’s manufacturer to perform the installation.

“Longevity in business is frequently a positive indicator when hiring a replacement window company,” Wandschneider added. A company’s track record can tell you a lot about how the process will go. “It’s also critical to learn about the installation process, timeline and any potential disruptions to help manage expectations beforehand,” he said.

Working with a professional can help you choose the best window brand for your project.

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