In the last 45 days, 14 Greensboro homeowners called WowFix asking how to tell the difference between single-pane and double-pane glass. These questions come from real local calls regarding broken or foggy windows. We do not provide emergency service or same-day visits, and we cannot promise a specific arrival time, as on-site visits are scheduled based on the crew’s current workload.
How do I know if my window is single pane or double pane?
If you can see only one layer of glass, it is single pane. If you see two separate sheets of glass with a gap or a spacer bar between them, it is double pane (a sealed glass unit or IGU). A common sign of a double-pane window is a foggy window (condensation trapped between the layers), which happens when the seal fails. Our own crew handles the work for all brands and frame materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. We provide a phone quote for standard repairs as a firm flat price with no trip fee.
Can I replace just the outer pane of a double pane window?
No. A double-pane window is a sealed unit (IGU) designed to keep air or gas trapped between two sheets of glass for insulation. Once one side is shattered or the seal is broken, the entire unit must be replaced to restore the window’s efficiency. Replacing a foggy or broken sealed glass unit costs between $198 and $480 depending on the size and glass type. For example, a 24x24 double-pane vinyl window is $204, while a 36x36 double-pane vinyl window is $284 (or $344 if it has grids).
What is the cost to replace a single pane of glass?
For clear, annealed single-pane glass, the cost starts at $164 as a flat minimum per pane. The technician confirms all measurements on site before any glass is cut to ensure a perfect fit. This is a straightforward glass repair where we replace only the glass without touching the frame. We provide a 5-year written workmanship warranty on this service, and we operate under a no-fix, no-charge policy. Written quotes are available via text or email upon request.
How much does it cost to replace a broken double pane window?
The price for a double-pane sealed glass unit (IGU) ranges from $198 to $480 based on the size and type of glass. For specific sizes, a 24x24 double-pane vinyl window is $204 and a 36x36 double-pane vinyl window is $284. Most of these units are built the same day using our patent-pending mobile glass process, so you usually do not have to wait for a factory order. This is significantly cheaper than a full window replacement, where a new vinyl window typically costs $1,000 or more.
What is the difference between tempered glass and double pane glass?
Tempered glass refers to the strength and safety of the glass (it crumbles into small pebbles instead of shards when broken), while double pane refers to the construction (two sheets of glass). You can have a single pane of tempered glass or a double-pane unit where one or both layers are tempered. This is common in sliding doors or low windows. For instance, a 42x72 tempered sliding-door panel is $774. Whether it is tempered or not, the price is quoted by size on the call.
Can I get a quote for replacing glass in a double pane window over the phone?
Yes. Alex, our phone assistant, answers calls 24/7 and can provide a firm flat price for standard repairs over the phone at no cost. If the project is custom, we schedule an on-site estimate for $75, which is credited back to you when you book the job. We repair every brand and frame material. However, please note that we do not do shower doors, auto glass, scratch polishing, plexiglass, stained glass, pet doors, or blinds-between-glass.
How much does it cost to fix a shattered sliding door pane?
If the glass in your sliding door is shattered, it is almost always a large double-pane tempered unit. A 42x72 tempered sliding-door panel costs $774. This is a repair-first approach; replacing just the glass unit is a fraction of the cost of a new patio door, which typically costs around $10,000. Our crew performs the installation Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 6 PM. Only custom glass is ordered from suppliers, and the timing for those specific orders is answered case by case on the call.
Is it cheaper to repair the glass or replace the whole window?
It is almost always cheaper to repair. For a 36x36 double-pane vinyl window, the glass replacement is $284, whereas a brand new vinyl window starts at $1,000. If you have a wood window, the difference is even greater, as a new wood window can cost about $2,000. If the frame is in good shape and only the glass is broken or foggy, foggy window repair or glass replacement is the logical choice. We only suggest full replacement if the frame is beyond repair.
What happens if my window frame is fine but the glass is broken?
If the frame is in good condition, we simply replace the glass unit. For single-pane glass, this starts at $164. For double-pane units, it ranges from $198 to $480. We do not replace the entire window assembly if the frame is still sound. This saves you money and reduces waste. Our technicians confirm the measurements on site before any glass is cut to ensure the new pane fits perfectly into your existing frame.
The short version
If you have one sheet of glass, it is single pane (starting at $164). If you have two sheets or see fog between them, it is double pane (ranging from $198 to $480). We replace the glass unit without replacing the whole window, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars. All work is done by our own crew with a 5-year warranty and a no-fix, no-charge guarantee.
The questions in this post come from real calls: asked by homeowners who called WowFix in the last 45 days, put into plain words and stripped of anything personal.
