11 Key Factors to Understanding Shopfront Window Replacement Costs

Introduction

Shopfront windows play a crucial role for business owners and a successful business. They act as a window display to entice potential customers into your store. It is essential for your shop front glass entrance to be inviting, so even a small crack can be off putting to new clients. It is always good to understand the average cost for the type of glass you require for your commercial space. So, how much does a glass shopfront cost and what are the factors I need to understand?

11 Key factors to understanding shop front window replacement costs

1. Glass Shopfront Budget

It can be a financial burden for business owners to have to pay out for costly repairs however if it is just the glass that needs replacing, this could be at a fraction of the cost of whole frame replacements.

Three costs to factor in for the overall cost would be:

• Glass replacement price – allow for materials and labour
• In or out of hours – Assess when works need to be carried out for minimal disruption to tenants/ customers – if out of hours this would need to be factored into your budget
• Is lifting equipment required – if the shopfront is not ground level or in an awkward position it is likely lifting equipment would be needed to assist with a safe installation. The higher the window, the higher the cost!

How can Aaran Glass help?

Aaran Glass have over 35 years of expertise in the glass and glazing industry specialising in commercial glass replacement. We carry out shopfront window replacements for a range of commercial buildings including; retail stores, high rise buildings, curtain wall systems, and more. From small shopfront stores to large windows in curtain walling, wooden frames to aluminium frames – we cater for all with customer satisfaction being key.

2. How much does a glass shop front cost?

Shop front replacement costs can vary widely based on several factors. Prices are mainly based on glass size and glass thickness.

The larger the meter squared area of the glass the thicker the glass would need to be to meet safety regulations. The thicker the glass the more glaziers would be required to carry out the installation due to the glass weight being heavier!

For this reason there is not really an average cost as various factors are taken into account, as well as ease of access.

Aaran Glass are specialists in shopfront glazing and pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and competitively priced.

Our team of knowledgeable office staff and glaziers would be able to advise you on the right glass to suit your budget.

We can repair your shopfront window in no time or board up if you prefer. 

3. Factors affecting shop front window replacement costs

• Size of the window and glass size plays a major factor in quoting for your replacement. Glass manufacturers supply glass to stockists in a range of stock sheet sizes. The stock sheet sizes are then cut down to suit your shopfronts width and height. Some shopfronts are shaped too which would need to be factored into cost, as well as other specialist glass replacements such as glass bends.
• Big vs small – The larger the window the thicker the glass required for safety reasons. The thicker the glass the heavier the glass, meaning more labour is required to carry and install.
• Small hair salon vs large car showroom – The cost implications would dramatically differ. A smaller window can usually be carried out in hours by two glaziers depending on the size and weight.

However a large car showroom pane of glass would require say 6 glaziers and the use of lifting equipment along with works being carried out out of hours for safety protocol.

4. Type of window

There are various styles of shopfront designs for different commercial properties to suit the customers preference. The main purpose of a shopfront is to help to let natural light in whilst having curb appeal for potential foot traffic.

Whether it’s a fixed pane, sliding pane, shop front door or any other customised design you may have, we can help with your glazing repair.

Modernise your business to grab the attention of the public. There are a number of types of shopfront designs along with different glass specifications available with a lot of companies now opting for energy efficient glass for its benefits.

We offer storefront glass replacement to fit into all existing frame materials including: wood, aluminium, frameless designs, curtain selling, structural glazing and more.

Although the glazing process is fairly similar for all, some frames are more involved than others so this would affect the glazing cost and labour needed.
 

5. Materials and quality

The right choice for you. There isn’t really a right or wrong choice providing safety glass is put in recommended for the window/ door size. Depending on your budget you could opt for an anti-bandit glass if security is an issue or if keeping it simple opt for a 6.4mm laminated glass providing your window is not too large.
 

6. Type of glass

All shopfront glass must be safety glass. The type of glass depends on your budget, overall look you are trying to achieve, energy requirements and security needs.

Many commercial buildings have one of the following, placed in order of cost from low to high:

• Laminated glass
• Toughened Glass
• Low- e glass
• Other energy efficient glass
• Anti-bandit glass
• Double glazed units
• Fire rated glass

7. Types of frame

Whatever the frame – we can glaze it for you. Aaran Glass are able to carry out glazing to new and repairs to existing glass in all frameworks including; aluminium, wooden, curtain walling, structural glazing, and both low level and high level glazing.

In hours, out of hours we can tailor the job to suit you for minimal disruption as well as taking your budget into consideration. 

8. LaboUr and installation complexity

Commercial glass can be fitted into various frame types but this also affects the complexity of the installation, meaning this would affect the cost!

High Level Glazing, including large panels that are not directly on ground level would usually require not only glazing assistance but lifting equipment too to create a safe working environment as glass is a delicate but dangerous material if not handled correctly by trained operatives.

Frameless shopfront entrances and frameless shopfront doors are usually fitted with patch fittings and floor springs. Door hardware can be very expensive so if your glass was to break keep your existing hardware safe so it can be reused with the new glass. 

9. Hidden costs to consider

Safety is key – For the building owner, the tenants, and any third party passing by whilst works are being carried out – safety is vital!

For works to be carried out safely additional measures may be needed and as such would be factored into the cost.

• Location
• Loading/unloading
• Parking
• Frame type
• Access
• Labour
• Glass lifting equipment

10. Permits and regulations

Difficult Access – It can’t be helped but some windows are just in a difficult hard to reach location. That being said extra measures would need to be taken in order to carry out a glazing repair safely. This may include:

• Cordoned off areas – i.e no third-party access
• Access to restricted areas – i.e permission from local councils for access through council owned areas such as gated parks
• Out of hour working when areas are less busy – i.e shopping centres and busy offices
• Road closures for pedestrianised areas – i.e Busy shopping districts

11. Temporary solutions

If we can’t glaze it, we can board it – It is unlikely that a large shopfront would be able to reglazed in the middle of the night as glass of that size is not kept of company vehicles however we offer an emergency boarding service available 24/7 to make your property safe and secure.

Get an instant fix for peace of mind whilst your new glass is being manufactured or if you need to go through your insurance company, call us on 0800 7408163.

Final thoughts on how much does a glass shop front cost to replace

Investing in a high-quality glass storefront is more than an expense—it’s a strategic move to elevate your business’s curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. While costs vary, understanding the key factors can help you plan effectively:

• Glass size: Larger or custom-designed storefronts require more materials.
• Glass specification: Options like safety glass or energy-efficient glazing impact pricing.
• Frame type: Aluminum, steel, or other framing materials influence costs.
• Location: Accessibility and regional labor rates play a role.
• In/out of hours installation: After-hours or emergency services may incur additional fees.
• Permits: Local regulations may require permits, affecting the total expense.

With the right investment, your glass storefront can create a lasting impression, attract customers, and provide long-term value.