Does commercial property insurance cover glass replacement?

Most commercial property insurance policies cover glass breakage caused by vandalism, break-ins, storms, accidents, and other covered perils. Coverage is typically subject to your policy's deductible, which for commercial properties ranges from $500 to $2,500 or more. Some policies offer glass breakage as a specific endorsement or rider that lowers the deductible for glass claims. The claim should cover the full cost of replacement including labor, materials, and emergency boarding. Document the damage thoroughly with photos, file a police report for vandalism or break-ins, and get written quotes from licensed commercial glaziers before filing your claim. Note that repeated glass claims may affect your future premiums, so discuss with your agent whether filing is advisable for smaller claims that are close to your deductible amount.

What is the difference between tempered and laminated commercial glass?

Tempered glass and laminated glass are both classified as safety glass, but they work differently and serve different purposes. Tempered glass is heat-treated to be 4-5 times stronger than regular annealed glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless granular pieces rather than dangerous shards. It is the standard for most commercial applications and costs $400-$2,000 per panel. Laminated glass consists of two sheets of glass bonded with a tough plastic interlayer (usually PVB or SGP). When it breaks, the glass fragments adhere to the interlayer, keeping the panel intact. This makes it far more secure against break-ins, provides better sound insulation, and is required in hurricane zones where flying debris could penetrate tempered glass. Laminated glass costs $800-$2,500 per panel — roughly 40-60% more than tempered. For maximum security, some applications use tempered laminated glass, which combines both technologies.

Do I need emergency glass service after a break-in?

If your storefront glass is broken and the opening is exposed, you should call for emergency service immediately for security and liability reasons. An unsecured commercial building is an open invitation for further theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Most commercial glass companies offer 24/7 emergency response. The typical process is: call the glass company's emergency line, a crew arrives within 1-4 hours to board up the opening with plywood or temporary panels ($150-$300), the opening is measured for replacement glass, and permanent glass is installed on a scheduled date (typically 1-5 business days later). Some companies keep common commercial glass sizes in stock for faster emergency replacement. Meanwhile, file a police report and contact your insurance company. The emergency boarding cost is typically covered under your insurance claim along with the permanent replacement.

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Commercial Storefront Glass Cost

Published January 15, 2026 | Updated February 1, 2026

Commercial Storefront Glass Cost

National

Normal Range for the U.S.

$500 - $2,500

Average$1,200

Low End$400

High End$17,000

LOW$1,200 AVGHIGH

Cost data based on national averages and local provider rates. Prices vary by location, materials, and project complexity. Always request a detailed quote from a licensed professional.

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Commercial storefront glass is a major investment for any business, serving as both a functional building element and a primary visual touchpoint for customers. Whether you need to replace a broken panel, upgrade to energy-efficient glass, or install a new storefront system, costs range widely from $500 to $2,500 per panel, with the national average at approximately $1,200. Larger projects like full glass curtain walls or commercial door systems can reach $17,000 or more.

Storefront glass must meet stringent commercial building codes that dictate the use of safety glass (tempered or laminated) in nearly all applications. Tempered glass, which is 4-5 times stronger than regular annealed glass and shatters into small granules rather than dangerous shards, is the baseline requirement. Laminated glass — two sheets of glass bonded with a plastic interlayer — goes further by holding together even when broken, providing additional security against break-ins, impact events, and even gunfire in high-security applications. Insulated glass units combine energy efficiency with safety and are increasingly required by commercial energy codes.

The urgency of the work significantly impacts cost. A scheduled replacement during business hours is the most affordable option, while emergency service after a break-in, storm damage, or accident can double the labor cost due to after-hours rates and emergency boarding fees. Many commercial glass companies offer 24/7 emergency service with temporary boarding to secure your property immediately, followed by permanent glass replacement once the correct panel is fabricated.

Cost Breakdown

Cost by Glass Type (Per Panel, Installed)

Glass Type	Low Cost	High Cost	Notes
Standard Tempered (1/4")	$400	$1,500	Most common; meets basic safety code requirements
Tempered with Low-E Coating	$600	$2,000	Energy-efficient; reduces HVAC costs
Laminated Safety Glass	$800	$2,500	Holds together when broken; superior security
Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)	$1,000	$3,000	Double-pane with air/gas gap; best energy performance
Bullet-Resistant Glass	$3,000	$10,000+	Multi-layer laminated; banks, jewelry stores

Cost by Project Type

Project	Low Cost	High Cost	Notes
Single storefront panel (e.g., 6'x8')	$500	$2,000	Standard replacement; most common job
Commercial glass door (pair)	$6,300	$17,000	Includes door hardware, closers, and installation
Glass curtain wall system	$25/sqft	$75/sqft	Large-scale facade; structural system
Window wall system	$20/sqft	$50/sqft	Non-structural; floor-to-floor glazing
Emergency board-up + replacement	$650	$2,500+	Includes temporary boarding and permanent glass

Emergency and After-Hours Service

Service	Low Cost	High Cost	Notes
Emergency board-up (temporary plywood)	$150	$300	Secures opening until glass arrives
After-hours service call	$200	$500	Evenings, weekends, holidays
Same-day expedited replacement	+30%	+50%	Premium over standard scheduling

Factors That Affect Cost

Glass Type & Safety Rating

Commercial building codes require tempered or laminated glass in most storefront applications. Standard tempered glass is the baseline, while laminated glass provides break-in resistance and is required in hurricane zones. Insulated units add energy performance but cost 40-60% more than single-lite tempered.

Panel Size & Thickness

Storefront glass panels are significantly larger than residential windows, often measuring 5-8 feet wide and 8-10 feet tall. Larger panels require thicker glass for structural integrity — 3/8" or 1/2" is common for large commercial applications. Oversized panels may require special equipment for transportation and installation.

Building Code Requirements

Commercial glass installations must comply with local building codes, International Building Code (IBC), and energy codes like ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC. These codes dictate minimum safety glass requirements, energy performance ratings (U-factor and SHGC), and impact resistance in wind-borne debris zones (hurricane and tornado regions).

Accessibility & Building Height

Ground-level storefronts are the most straightforward to service. Glass at height — second story and above — requires scaffolding, lifts, or crane access, adding $500 to $2,000+ to the installation cost. Interior access limitations (narrow hallways, operating businesses) also affect scheduling and labor.

Emergency vs Scheduled Service

Emergency glass replacement after a break-in, storm, or vandalism costs 50-100% more than a scheduled replacement. After-hours service calls, temporary boarding, and expedited glass fabrication all carry premium charges. Having a relationship with a commercial glass company before an emergency can reduce response time and costs.

Frame System Compatibility

The existing storefront framing system (typically aluminum) must accept the replacement glass panel. If the frame is damaged or the system is outdated and replacement glass is not available in the original size, frame modification or replacement adds significant cost. Common commercial frame systems include Kawneer, YKK AP, and Oldcastle.

Energy Efficiency Requirements

Modern commercial energy codes increasingly require high-performance glazing with Low-E coatings, insulated glass units, and specific Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings. While these upgraded glass options cost 30-60% more than standard tempered glass, they reduce HVAC costs by 20-30% and may qualify for utility rebates and tax incentives.

Permits & Inspections

Large commercial glass installations often require building permits and inspections, adding $100 to $500+ to the project cost and 1-3 weeks to the timeline. Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction but are typically required for full storefront replacements, new installations, and any structural glazing work.

Labor Cost Breakdown

Glazier hourly rate$50 - $150/hr

Emergency board-up service$150 - $300

Standard panel installation$200 - $500

Commercial door installation (per door)$500 - $1,500

Scaffolding / lift rental (if needed)$200 - $500/day

Permit fees (if required)$100 - $500

DIY vs. Professional

DIYDo It Yourself

Not recommended for any commercial glass application
Commercial glass panels are extremely heavy (a 6'x8' tempered panel weighs 200+ lbs)
Building code compliance requires documented professional installation
Insurance claims and liability issues require licensed glazier documentation
The only DIY element might be temporary boarding with plywood until a professional arrives

PROHire a Professional

Licensed commercial glaziers understand building codes, safety requirements, and frame system compatibility
Professional installation is required for insurance claims and liability coverage
Proper handling equipment (suction cups, cranes, lifts) for heavy commercial panels
Warranty on installation and weatherproofing
Emergency 24/7 service to secure your business quickly after a break-in or storm
Knowledge of ADA requirements for commercial door glass

Tips to Save Money

1
Get a commercial glass maintenance contract. Many glass companies offer annual inspection and maintenance packages that catch small issues before they become expensive replacements.
2
Consider security film as an alternative to laminated glass. Applied to existing tempered glass, security film ($5-$15/sqft) provides hold-together protection at a fraction of the cost of full laminated glass replacement.
3
Schedule replacements during business hours. After-hours and emergency service carries a 50-100% premium. If a broken panel can be safely boarded up temporarily, scheduling the replacement for regular hours saves significantly.
4
Bundle multiple panels into one project. The mobilization cost (bringing crew, equipment, and materials to your site) is a significant fixed expense that is spread across more panels when doing multiple replacements at once.
5
Check your commercial property insurance. Most policies cover glass breakage, often with a deductible of $500-$1,000. For expensive glass (laminated, insulated, or oversized panels), filing a claim can save thousands.
6
Explore energy rebates. Many utility companies offer commercial rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient glazing. These rebates can offset 10-20% of the material cost for insulated or Low-E glass upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline depends on whether the replacement glass is in stock or needs to be fabricated. For standard-size tempered glass panels in common thicknesses, many commercial glass companies maintain stock or can source panels within 1-3 business days. Custom sizes, laminated glass, insulated glass units, and specialty coatings require fabrication time of 1-3 weeks. The physical on-site installation of a single panel typically takes 2-4 hours, including removal of the old glass, frame cleaning and preparation, and new glass setting with proper glazing. A full storefront replacement with multiple panels may take 1-3 days. Emergency boarding can be completed within 1-4 hours of the initial call to secure the opening temporarily.