| Scope | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Small IGU (under 6 sq ft) | $180 – $380 |
| Medium (6-12 sq ft) | $260 – $540 |
| Large (12-20 sq ft) | $380 – $780 |
| Tempered add | +$60 – $180 |
| Laminated add | +$90 – $240 |
Ranges reflect installed cost including materials and labor for typical residential work. The low end of each range corresponds to a basic vinyl configuration; the high end reflects premium frames, upgraded glazing, and larger units. Last reviewed 2026-11-12.
The sealed unit is a factory assembly of two panes, a spacer, and a desiccant, and it is replaced as one part. A glass shop measures the visible glass size and orders the IGU; nothing about the frame changes.
Code requires tempered glass near doors, near floors, and in large panels. Laminated glass is required in some impact zones. Both cost significantly more than annealed glass and cannot be substituted after the fact.
Glass replacement only makes sense if the frame is square, the balances work, and the weatherstrip seals. On a 20-year-old unit where the sash is warped, a new IGU will not seal and the money is wasted.
Glass only, when the frame is sound. Expect roughly half to two-thirds the cost of a full unit. Once the frame or balances are failing, full replacement is the better spend.
The IGU itself is usually a 5-10 business day order. Installation is 20-60 minutes per unit once the part arrives, so a whole-house glass job is typically one day of labor plus lead time.
Color, tint, and Low-E coating may not match an older unit exactly. If you are replacing one unit in a visible row, ask for the coating spec before ordering so the difference is predictable rather than a surprise.