ACG Blog
How to Budget for Commercial Glass Replacement in Florida
Commercial glass replacement budget framework: scope size, glass package, finish, schedule. Florida 2026 ranges for IGU, storefront, curtain wall, plus 15-20% contingency.
By Connor Walsh, President of American Commercial Glass · May 24, 2026 · 7–10 minute read
Budgeting a commercial glass replacement scope in Florida starts with four variables: scope size (square footage), glass package, aluminum finish, and schedule pressure. Here is the math, by scope type.
Scope size: get the square footage right
Commercial glass replacement budgets stand or fall on accurate square footage measurement. Storefront: width × height for each opening, sum all openings. Curtain wall: total glass-and-frame envelope area. IGU replacement: count individual lites and measure each. Re-measure on site before finalizing budget — architectural drawings are within ±5-10% on existing buildings.
2026 per-square-foot ranges by scope
Adjustments by glass package
Solarban 70XL or Viracon VRE-67 in 1" IGU: baseline. SGP interlayer instead of PVB: +25-35% on glass line.
Adjustments by aluminum finish
Standard PVDF Kynar in stock color: baseline. Custom PVDF color match: +12-20%. Anodize Class II: +5-10%. Anodize Class I: +12-18%. 2-tone PVDF (interior different from exterior): +20-30%.
Contingency reserve
Owners who skip contingency get blindsided by change orders.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover commercial glass replacement budgeting?
Storm and impact damage typically covered by commercial property insurance subject to deductible. Wear-out (IGU edge seal failure, sealant aging) typically not covered. Budgeting differs: insurance scope is reactive; capital improvement scope is planned.
How long after budgeting can construction start?
Budget today, bid in 48 hours on complete RFQ package, submittal package 10-15 business days after contract award, material lead time 8-16 weeks typical, install per project schedule. Total elapsed: 12-24 weeks for new construction commercial replacement.
What if the budget is significantly under what bids come in at?
Re-spec to value-engineer: approved-equal aluminum, alternate glass package, schedule flexibility, phased install. Or expand budget. Or postpone scope. Worth a 30-minute conversation with a qualified glazier before any of these.