What Is the Average Cost for Professional Stained Glass Repair?

Dealing with a broken stained glass window can be frustrating. Especially if the damage wasn’t your fault. Sometimes, these things are just beyond one’s control. Maybe a really bad storm hit town or the snow was worse than usual this year. Or maybe your church or building was vandalized at night when no one was there.

Regardless, you’re the one that has to deal with the hassle of repairs. And the expense. The good news is, the cost for stained glass repair might not be as bad as you think. If the damage is minimal, then you may only have to spend a couple hundred dollars. However, severe damage does require more time, effort, and skill. Here’s what you can expect for the cost of professional stained glass repair.

How Is Stained Glass Made?

Before we dive into how much repairs cost, it may be helpful to know how stained glass windows are made. Stained and leaded glass windows are decorative features that are added to buildings to create privacy, increase light, and add visual intrigue.

Some windows are mass made, but custom windows are made by hand. A design is generated based on the building owner’s preferences. Then, each piece of glass is selected by hand based on color and texture. The glass pieces are laid out in order, then metal caming is added to hold them together. The caming is fixed in place with a thin black cement. Brace bars and protective glass may be added as extra precautions.

What to Do If Your Window Is Damaged

There are a number of causes that can cause stained glass windows to break. Really bad hail storms can puncture and penetrate the glass. Exposure to sun or rain over time may cause the lead caming to fail. Or something random can happen like an accident or vandalism. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to have stained glass fixed right away. Waiting can cause the damage to get worse, and more expensive. You should definitely call an expert as soon as possible.

The Repair Process

Repairing stained glass can involve a number of methods. Sometimes, if the damage is minor, repairs can be done immediately right on site. In this case, the broken section is carefully removed so it can be fixed. If the glass is cracked, it may be able to mended, otherwise, it can be replaced with a matching piece. Any painted designs will needed to be recreated as well.

If the damage is more serious, then the window may need to be removed for off site repairs. The repair company may come out with a large ladder, forklift, or other kinds of special equipment to remove the window. Then, the whole thing is taken to a workshop where it can be cared to attentively. A good repair company will make sure to document all of the details and imagery of the design, so you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong during the repair process. The window is soaked and cleaned. All of the broken glass and leading is removed, replaced, and secured in place.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs for stained repair range depending on the complexity of the project and the severity of damage. On average, homeowners spend about $300-500 for repairs. Church projects, however, are usually much more expensive. Here’s a list of estimates that you can use as a baseline for figuring out the cost of your project:

Keep in mind, these are just estimates. The best way to figure out how much your project is going to cost is to get a quote from a professional.

Schedule a Consultation

Salt Lake City Stained Glass offers free consultations for stained glass repair. For more information on costs and appointment times, please contact our office.

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is a talented artist, visionary, and collector of antique stained glass windows. Prior to moving to the United States, Martin worked as a stained glass artisan in Glasgow. There, he spent many years cultivating his skills and learning the techniques and history behind the centuries old art form. Today, he is the proud owner of Salt Lake City Stained Glass, the largest and most highly renowned stained glass studio in Utah. Over the past 30 years, Martin and his team have produced over 50,000 stained and leaded glass windows ranging in size, style, and appearance. His company has been highlighted on various media outlets including HGTV, the DIY Network, CBS, and NBC.