Repairs and maintenance

Shop window glass replacement

Shop window glass replacement is the removal of a broken, cracked or badly scratched pane from a shopfront and the fitting of a new made-to-measure pane. The new glass must suit its position, so it is normally toughened or laminated safety glass rather than ordinary annealed glass.

Book a repair visit Call 0800 088 6341

Smashed shop window with glass on the pavement

How do you know you need this?

You need new glass when a pane is cracked, chipped at the edge, shattered, deeply scratched or loose in its frame. A crack that reaches the edge will often run further with temperature changes or door movement. Laminated glass may stay in place when broken, but it still needs replacing. Toughened glass tends to fail all at once, so keep people clear of a damaged toughened pane.

What do we fix?

Single-glazed shop windowA large pane of toughened or laminated glass is made to size and glazed into the existing frame, with new beads or gaskets where the old ones are worn.

Glass door panelDoor glass sits in a critical location, so the replacement must be safety glass of the right impact class.

Frameless door or panelToughened glass cannot be cut or drilled after toughening, so a new panel is made to match the existing holes and fittings.

Sealed double-glazed unitThe whole unit is replaced at the same overall thickness so that it fits the existing glazing pocket.

Upgrade after a break-inYou can move up to laminated or BS EN 356 rated glass, provided the frame can carry the weight and the rebate is deep enough.

Fanlights and high panesPanes above the door or display window are replaced with suitable access equipment, agreed in advance if the pavement is affected.

How much does shop window glass replacement cost?

Replacing a shop window pane costs £195 to £895 ex VAT per pane. Size, thickness, glass type and access decide where you fall in that range, and photos with rough sizes are usually enough for a price. Where the pane or frame has to be seen in person, we arrange a charged diagnostic visit, from £125 ex VAT, and confirm that cost before anyone comes out.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your repair price, including any visit charge, is confirmed before work starts.

What is the specification?

Toughened glass	BS EN 12150; cannot be cut or drilled once toughened
Laminated glass	BS EN 14449; the interlayer holds fragments in place when broken
Impact classes	BS EN 12600 pendulum test, running from class 3 up to class 1
Critical locations, England	Approved Document K: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door up to 1500 mm, other glazing up to 800 mm above floor level
Manifestation, England	Approved Document K marking zones at 850 to 1000 mm and 1400 to 1600 mm above floor level
Security glazing	BS EN 356 classes P1A to P8B

How does the job run?

Make the opening safe
Smashed glass goes through our 24/7 emergency line so that the opening can be made safe and boarded.
Measure and specify
We measure the opening and check its position, the rebate depth and the existing glass type.
Order the pane
The glass is made to size, and we confirm the typical lead time with your price.
Fit and clear up
Old glass and beads are removed, the new pane is fitted and sealed, and the broken glass is taken away.

Common questions

Do I have to use safety glass in a shop window?

Yes, in many shopfront positions. Approved Document K in England treats glazing in doors, nearby side panels and low-level glazing as critical locations, and these need safety glass or protection. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we check what applies to your premises.

How long does replacement glass take?

Replacement shop glass typically takes from a few days to a few weeks, because each pane is made to measure. Toughened and special panes tend to take longer than a simple laminate. We confirm the typical lead time with your price and can board the opening meanwhile.

Will my insurer pay for a new shop window?

Your insurer decides that, and we cannot promise a claim will be paid. We can provide photos of the damage and an itemised invoice for them to consider. Some glass policies use their own contractors, so ask your insurer before you book the replacement.

Can I switch to stronger glass while the pane is out?

Yes, provided the frame and glazing pocket can take it. Laminated and anti-bandit glass is thicker and heavier than a standard pane, so we check the rebate, the beads and the frame first. If the frame cannot carry it, we will tell you what would need changing.

Why did my shop glass break with no impact?

Hidden edge damage and frame movement are the usual causes, and toughened glass can also fail from a tiny nickel sulphide inclusion, though that is rare. Annealed glass can crack from uneven heating when part of a pane sits in shade. We look for the cause before refitting.

Which materials go with this?

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