How Much Does Window Repair Cost? [2024]

Found a crack in a glass pane or feeling an odd draft even when the window’s closed? There are lots of reasons to need your window repaired and, like most things, it’s best to get it done as soon as possible. A stitch in time saves nine, and an early window repair is much cheaper than leaving it to become a bigger problem. 

Read on for more information about the cost of window repairs including: 

• How much do window repairs cost?
• What affects the cost of window repairs?
• When do I need to repair or replace my windows?
• Types of window repair
• Emergency window repairs
• Preventing your windows from breaking
• What to do after a window has broken
• Getting quotes from window repairers 
• Reducing the cost of your window repairs

How much do window repairs cost?

The average cost for window repairs is around $650, but expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $2,000 for standard repairs.

Window repair jobs are usually priced by the hour - costing between $50 and $60 per hour and up to $150 per hour for emergency repairs, plus materials. It’s likely that your window repairer will provide a quote for the entire job - inclusive of labour and materials. 

Sometimes, your quote will come for specific window types, like a single pane or double hung. Your overall bill will include the cost of the job and may also include a call-out fee, though this is usually used for emergency repairs. Examples include:

• $50 – $100 for a single-pane/single-hung window 
• $50 - $100 for a fixed pane window 
• $350 - $400 for a double-pane/double-hung 
• $500 - $1,000 for bay windows 
• $1,250 per square metre of bi-fold windows

Sometimes, the materials of your window can also be the basis of your quote. Examples include:

• $150 - $400 for aluminium window frames 
• $250 - $1,100 for composite window frames
• $350 - $750 for Vinyl window frames
• $600 - $900 for fibreglass window frames
• $800 - $2,000 for wood window frames

If you’re just repairing or replacing glass, costs you can expect include: 

• $38 per square metre for float glass
• $145 per square metre for low iron glass
• $220 per square metre for low-emission glass
• $200 per square metre for double-glazed glass
• $320 per square metre for laminated glass

What affects the cost of window repairs?

When you call a window repairer for a quote, they’ll consider several factors for the cost. Including:

Type of window

There are many different types of windows and some will be harder to repair or replace than others. Mostly, this comes down to the number of panes and the complexity of any moving parts. 

For example: 

• Single-pane windows will generally be the cheapest as it is the simplest to fix
• Double-pane windows will cost more to repair as they involve two panes of glass and moving parts
• Three-pane bay windows, multi-pane bow windows or louvres will be even more expensive

Materials

The materials of the frame and the type of glass will change the cost of your window repair too. In general, you’ll find it’s more expensive to have the glass replaced on older timber framed windows than aluminium windows because it involves more work to repair them. The old putty and glazier's points have to be removed first and then replaced with the new glass. 

Similarly, the type of glass used will change the cost of your window repair. Glazed windows will be more expensive than plain glass while double or triple glazing will be even more expensive. 

Size

As a general rule, the larger the window, the more it will cost to repair. Likewise, complex windows with irregular shapes will be more expensive to repair. 

Specialty windows

Vintage windows will likely need specialty materials. These can be difficult to source and will need to be handled very delicately. This added effort will increase the cost.  

Extent of the damage

If a window is sticking in its frame, it could be for several reasons. In a best-case scenario, it will be a minor problem that can be fixed easily. In a worst-case scenario, the window and frame will need to be removed and replaced.

One of the most common types of damage is rotting timber. In some cases, the window can be repaired on-site, but in other instances, they may need to take it away and repair it in their workshop or replace the entire window.

Labour

Whether it's a minor glass replacement job or a major window repair, labour is going to be a major part of the expense. Small jobs are likely to cost more in comparison to larger jobs because the service will factor in travel time. 

When do I need to repair or replace my windows?

As a good rule of thumb, if your window has broken glass, is stuck, has minor leaks or one broken part, then it will likely be worth repairing it rather than replacing it. For vintage windows, it’s often better to try to repair them. These windows can add a lot of value to your home if kept in near original conditions and styles. 

However, if the damage to your windows are extensive, structural (like rot throughout a wooden frame) or if you just want a new look, it’ll be a better option to replace the window entirely. 

A good window will last for a couple of decades if maintained well, so replacing can also be an investment in the future of your property. 

What are the different types of window repair?

In general, window repairs will come in one of four categories: Window glass repairs, window frame repairs, emergency window repairs and full window repairs. 

Many companies will offer both glass and frame window repairs but some specialise in one or the other. Likewise, emergency window repairs aren’t offered by all companies.

If you need a specific type of window repair, make sure to check that the company you contact offers it. 

 

Emergency window repairs: what do I need to know?

When emergency repairs are needed, the price of window repair can jump to as much as $150 per hour. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, it's best to prepare for emergency repairs in advance. 

The best way to prepare for an emergency is to contact a variety of 24/7 emergency window repair services in your area and find out what their rates are and how extensive their services are. 

When you've found the best service, keep their phone number handy and you won't be caught out when a tree branch breaks your picture window in a storm. 

If it's not an emergency, use our service and save yourself the trouble of getting individual quotes from glass repair services.

How can I prevent my windows from breaking?

There are also things you can do before a break has occurred to ensure that you reduce any costs and prolong the life of your window. 

Mostly, it’ll come down to maintenance. Keeping the window clean and clear of debris will keep the moving parts working longer. Watching for any moisture damage and resealing any wooden frames can be great for stopping potential rot. 

Other times it can help to make the space around the window safer or more protected. Trimming trees or branches that are too close can stop a break from constant collisions or during violent storms. Inside the house, you can reduce the chance of anything falling into or being pushed up against the bare glass to minimise the chance of any accidents. 

What do I do after my window has broken?

No matter how well you prepare, accidents or window degradation can still happen, meaning your windows will eventually require repairs. After a break has occurred there are a couple of things that you can do to lessen the costs of repair. 

Firstly, unless it’s truly an emergency, try not to call for window repairers during off-peak times like weekends or out-of-office hours. Clearing the area to make it as easy as possible for your tradie to get in and fix the problem can also save time and money.

If you’re getting just one window fixed, check to see if any other windows need repairing and get them all done at once. You may be able to ask your repairer for a deal on multiple windows and it will be cheaper than having them come out on separate occasions. 

How do I get quotes for window repairers?

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for, including:

• What services are included in your quote?
• Are you registered and/or licensed?
• Are you insured?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• Are your repairers vetted?
• Can you provide references from past work?

Reducing the cost of your window repairs

One of the best ways to ensure you’re not spending too much money on your window repairs is to do your homework. Comparing companies and the services they offer is the easiest thing to do to reduce the costs if a repair is needed. 

*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.