How Much Does Glass Replacement Cost for a Business in Florida?

Commercial glass replacement for a Florida business ranges from $45 per square foot installed for a same-frame IGU swap, up to $225 per square foot installed for full curtain wall replacement. Here is the 2026 breakdown by scope, with the variables that move the price 20-40% in either direction.

Per-square-foot pricing by replacement scope

Re-glaze (same frame, new glass) runs $45-$95 per square foot installed. This is the right scope when the aluminum frame is sound and only the glass needs replacement — typical for failed IGUs, post-impact glass replacement, or upgrade to higher-performance glass.

Full storefront replacement (frame + glass + hardware) runs $95-$145 per square foot installed for impact-rated aluminum storefront systems with 9/16 inch laminated impact glass. HVHZ markets (Miami-Dade, Broward) add 8-15% over non-HVHZ Florida.

Full curtain wall replacement runs $135-$225 per square foot installed for impact-rated commercial systems with 1 inch insulating laminated glass. Stick-built falls at the lower end; unitized at the upper end.

What drives the price 20-40% on the same scope

Five things move the price: HVHZ vs FBC jurisdiction (HVHZ adds 8-15%), PVDF Kynar vs anodized vs powder coat finish (PVDF is +12-20%), SGP vs PVB interlayer (SGP is +25-35% on glass line), custom mullion sizes (custom dies add $0.50-$2.00 per sq ft), and crane vs hand-set installation (crane scope adds $4-$12 per sq ft).

Owners who control these variables hold the line on cost. Owners who let the spec drift typically see bids creep 20-40% above what the scope would otherwise warrant.

Why owners save 35-55% by re-glazing instead of full replacement

When the aluminum frame is still serviceable, re-glazing (same frame, new glass) typically saves 35-55% versus full storefront replacement. ACG offers commercial frame inspections at $1,500-$3,500 depending on building size — fee credited toward contract if scope proceeds. The inspection checks anchor pullout, sealant durometer, aluminum corrosion at fasteners and joints, gasket compression, and frame deflection.

Typical timeline for commercial glass replacement

IGU replacement on in-stock glass: 2-4 weeks. Storefront replacement on stock aluminum profiles: 6-8 weeks. Custom storefront: 12-16 weeks. Curtain wall: 16-32 weeks. ACG bids the timeline up front with material lead time itemized. After-hours scope adds 15-30% to labor but compresses overall schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What's the lowest-cost commercial glass replacement scope?

IGU replacement on a sound aluminum frame: $45-95/sq ft installed. Works when only the glass has failed (visible condensation between panes) and the frame is still good.

Why does HVHZ commercial glass cost more?

Miami-Dade NOA approval, tighter anchor specifications, more frequent inspection, and higher-rated assemblies (cyclic pressure, large missile impact). Adds 8-15% to the same scope outside HVHZ.

Does insurance cover commercial glass replacement?

Storm damage and impact damage are typically covered by commercial property insurance subject to deductible. Wear-out (IGU edge seal failure) is typically not covered. Glazier bids include scope documentation formatted for insurance claims.