When you’ve got a broken window you need help to repair it quickly. A broken window leaves your home vulnerable and during the winter months, it will also make your home cold.
You might also need a window repair because the frame is broken or the seal around your window isn’t doing its job.
In this guide, we’ll give the average price to repair a broken window, tell you what affects the costs of the repair, how to save money, what goes into repairing a window, how you find and hire a glazier and what questions to ask them.
Finally, we’ll answer some of your frequently asked questions.
Topics
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Broken Window?
The table below shows some of the most common window repairs.
| Type of repair | Time | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Replace sash window cords | 2 to 4 hours | £75 to £150 |
| Repair damaged wood frames (per window) | 4 to 8 hours | £100 to £200 |
| Repair broken handles | 1 to 2 hours | £40 to £60 |
| Single pane glass replacement 8medium sized window) | 2 to 4 hours | £80 to £120 |
| Double pane glass replacement (medium sized window) | 2 to 4 hours | £100 to £150 |
| Tempered glass replacement (medium sized window) | 2 to 4 hours | £125 to £175 |
| uPVC window refurbishment including frame cracks, beading repacement and sill replacement | 2 to 4 hours | £50 to £150 |
| Timber window refurbishment of medium to large window, including chords, locks, weights and timber repair | Up to 2 days per window | £350 to £600 per window |
| Glazier costs for jobs charged by the hour | £15 to £25 per tradesperson per hour |
Glaziers charge around £15 to £25 per hour for repairs. You may find, however, that most quotes are for a specific job rather than the time it will take and material costs.
The average quote for a single pane of glass is around £60 to £120 for the average-sized window. If you have more than one pane replaced your labour costs are likely to b cheaper.
Repairs to seals, frames and cracks and draught-proofing will depend on the cost of the materials and the time needed for the repair.
Typically uPVC windows are the cheapest to repair followed by aluminium. Timber repairs are the most costly.
When you need a glazier use HouseholdQuotes. All you need to do is fill in our online form.
Next, tell us briefly what you need. We’ll then find you, glaziers, in your area to give you no-obligation quotes, fast.
Click To Get QuotesWhat Affects the Cost of Repairing a Broken Window?
The type of window you have will affect the cost of repair. There are four types of windows to take into consideration and these are:
Casement Windows
Casement windows open up on the left or the right and they have a hinge on the side. They come in uPVC, aluminium or wood.
Sash Windows
Sash windows slide up and down to open or close. They are popular in period homes and they come in timber or uPVC.
Tilt and Turn
Tilt and turn windows open inwards which makes them easy to clean. They also open from the top or from the side so you can choose how wide you want the window to be opened.
Tilt and turn windows come in wood and uPVC.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are usually made up of three or more panes of glass. The frame projects outwards to create a bay that gives you a better view of the outdoors and more space indoors.
Size of Your Window
The size of your window will also affect the price you pay for a repair. A smaller window is much cheaper than a large window to buy and install.
For example, a uPVC window measuring 600 mm x 900 mm will cost you between £250 and £400. A larger window measuring 1200 mm x 1200 mm will cost between £650 and £900.
Type of Glass
The type of glass in your windows will also have a bearing on the cost. You might have:
Standard Windows
Most homes now have double glazing which is standard for new windows. You can also have triple glazing to give you an extra layer of thermal protection.
In conservation areas where you can’t have double glazing, it is common to fit in secondary glazing to provide insulation and noise reduction
Laminated Windows
Laminated windows have safety glass that doesn’t fall out when it is broken. Instead, the glass shatters but stays where it is in the frame.
Toughened Glass Windows
Toughened glass is also a security glass. It is hard to break and, if it does, the glass falls out in tiny smooth pieces so there are no dangerous shards of glass.
Coloured/Stained Glass Windows
Coloured leaded glass and stained glass windows became common in the 1930s and you will see them a lot on interior porch doors or at the top of leaded bay windows.
Today they are used to create a design statement on glass anywhere in the home.
How Can I Save Money When Repairing a Broken Window?
If the glass in your window has minor scratches you can repair these yourself. You’ll need a hard felt or leather buffing pad and some cerium oxide glass polish.
If you can see that there is a problem with your glass or your window frame, have it seen as soon as possible. If you wait, the repair might become an emergency and you will pay more for an emergency window repair.
If the problem is with the window lock you could try to replace it, rather than renewing the frame.
When you need a glazier use HouseholdQuotes. Simply fill in the online form and tell us briefly what you need.
We’ll then find you local glaziers to come and give you no-obligation quotes for your window repair.
Click To Get QuotesWhat Are Some Signs That I Need to Repair My Windows?
Broken Glass
If you have a window with broken glass you should have it replaced as soon as possible. Not only is broken glass dangerous, but it will also reduce your security.
During the winter, if you have a piece of glass missing the wind and rain will enter your home.
Scratches
As we have said, you can deal with minor scratches yourself. However, if the scratch is large you should call out a professional because you may need to have the glass replaced.
Draughts
If you can feel a draught through the window when it is shut, it could mean that the seal has rotted and needs replacing.
Blown Windows
If you have a gap between the panes of glass in your window frame, moisture will get in between the panes and cause misting.
Should I Repair or Replace My Window?
If you have scratches on the windows you might only need a repair, but you should replace your window if:
- The window bars (between each pane) are broken
- The window bars keep the panes of glass in a window. If the window bars are broken there is a risk that the glass will break and fall out
- The seal or gasket around the window has failed. If your seal or gasket has failed it is either due to a problem with the frame or the seals have weakened over time. Condensation and mould can also weaken the seals
- The timber frame is rotten or the uPVC is discolouring. A rotting or warped frame can cause damp problems because water will be coming through from the outside. It will also compromise your security because the frame will be weak and easier to break into
What’s Involved in Repairing a Broken Window?
Below we give a short description of how to fit a new pane of glass, assuming you have measured the frame and you have a new piece of glass to fit.
First of all, you will need to remove any glass that is still in the window frame.
Wear protective gloves and work from the top down using a hammer to gently knock out any remaining glass.
Remove all the old putty with a chisel. Brush away any dust and dirt.
Add new putty into the window rebate. Press it in firmly using your thumb.
The putty should be around three millimetres in thickness.
Now, take the new pane of glass and place it at the bottom of the frame. Work around the edges and push the glass into the putty.
Secure the glass by placing glazing panel pins at intervals of around 200mm, flat against the surface of the window pane.
Next, put more putty around the window rebate and push it along the edge. Smooth the putty with a putty knife so that it is carefully in place.
Wet the putty knife and smooth over the putty to make it a level surface, check that the putty in the angles in the frame is smoothed down.
Leave to cure for about two weeks. After this time you can paint the window frame.
How Do I Find and Hire a Glazing Company?
Start by asking family, friends and work colleagues. It’s always nice to get a good recommendation from someone you know.
Search on the FENSA website for members. FENSA is the trade association for all those involved in the glass and glazing industry.
You can also use HouseholdQuotes. Simply fill in the online form. Tell us briefly what you need and we’ll find local glaziers to give you no-obligation quotes for your glazing repair or replacement.
Click To Get QuotesEnsuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
It’s always a good idea to ask any tradesperson who is giving you a quote some questions. It will help you to know whether they are a member of a trade association and what type of experience they have.
We suggest you ask the following questions:
- Have you done a lot of this type of work? If you want someone with plenty of experience this question will help you to make up your mind.
- Are you a member of any trade associations? Trade associations will only grant membership to tradespeople with a good work record. They should also have a high standard of workmanship.
- Do you have a website? It isn’t necessary to have a website, but they are useful. Most websites have photographs of previous jobs and testimonials from customers. If they don’t have a website, ask if they have a portfolio with customer feedback and photographs.
- Do you have insurance? Is your public liability insurance up to date? Public liability insurance is vital for all tradespeople as it protects them and you from any injury or damage claims should an accident occur during the repair to your window.
Final Checklist
The checklist below demonstrates the best steps to take to hire a professional to help with your broken window.
- Sort out the problem with your window quickly
- Get some quotes (HouseholdQuotes can help you with this@)
- Compare each quote
- Pick your glazier
- Arrange a date for the work to be done
Click To Get QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Can You Replace Just the Glass in a Window?
Is Repairing a Broken Window Cheaper Than Replacing the Window?
You can read more about the costs of replacing windows in our guide.
How Much Does Double Glazing Cost?
Is Triple Glazing Very Expensive?
To find out more about the cost of triple glazing, read our guide.
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