Glass Replacement
Glass Replacement. Impact and Non-Impact.
Cracked panes, blown seals, code-required tempered glass at tubs and stairs. We measure, source the right unit, and install, without ripping out the frame.
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Overview
When the frame is sound, glass replacement is faster, cheaper, and less invasive than a full window swap.
About half the calls we get for "I need a new window" are actually a glass problem, not a window problem. A cracked pane from a flying lawn-chair leg. A failed IGU seal that's fogged the view. A code-required tempered pane near a tub that the last installer skipped. In each of these cases the frame is still flat, the hardware still works, the install detail is intact, only the glass needs to change.
Modern Window Solutions does glass-only replacement on both impact-rated and non-impact units across Broward and Miami-Dade. We measure the existing daylight opening, identify the glass type (laminated, tempered, insulated, low-E coated, tinted), order the matching IGU from our fabricator, and swap it on a single return visit. The original frame stays. Your stucco stays. Your inside trim stays.
The savings vs. a full window replacement are significant, typically 30 to 55%, and the disruption is roughly a tenth. No permit drama, no crew of four in your living room, no week-long schedule. One tech, one visit, done.
Laminated vs Tempered
The two glass types, and where the code requires each.
Laminated glass is two panes of (usually tempered) glass bonded around a PVB or SentryGlas interlayer. Hit it hard and the outer pane cracks but the interlayer holds every shard in place, the opening stays sealed. This is the legally-required glass for any HVHZ impact-rated opening. It's also what we use for sound attenuation on flight-path or beachfront properties.
Tempered glass is a single pane that's been heat-treated to be roughly 4x as strong as standard annealed glass. When it does fail it breaks into small, blunt cubes instead of dagger shards. Florida code requires tempered (not just any glass) in specific "human-impact hazard" locations: within 24" of a door, inside tub and shower enclosures, on stairway sidelights, and on any pane below 18" off the floor. A bedroom window that's not impact-rated and not in one of those locations can legally be plain annealed glass, but we'll usually upgrade to tempered anyway for the safety margin.
When does glass replacement beat a full window swap? When the frame is plumb, the hardware operates correctly, the weep system is clear, and the structural buck is sound. If the frame is rotted, the corners have popped, the unit is from a dead manufacturer with no available parts, or you're trying to upgrade from non-impact to impact rating, then the right call is a full replacement, you can't make a non-impact frame impact-rated by swapping the glass.
We'll tell you which one you have on the diagnostic visit. If it's borderline we'll quote both and let you decide.
Our Process
Five steps. No surprises.
- 01
On-site measure
We measure the daylight opening, identify glass type, thickness, and coating, and confirm the frame is salvageable.
- 02
Written quote
Flat-rate quote with the exact glass spec, laminated/tempered/IGU, coating, tint, before we order.
- 03
Order from fabricator
Most insulated and laminated units fabricate in 7 to 10 business days. Common tempered cuts run 3 to 5 days.
- 04
Single-visit install
Tech arrives, removes the failed pane, cleans the channel, beds and sets the new unit, replaces gaskets, and tests.
- 05
Cleanup & warranty
Old glass packed out, work area vacuumed, IGU manufacturer's warranty registered in your name.
FAQ
Common questions.
Free Quote
Start with a free in-home consult.
A specialist will reach out within one business day. Or call (786) 651-0377.
What do you need?
Pick the closest match. We'll narrow it down on the call.
FL Licensed & Insured · Most quotes within 48 hours