Frequently Asked Questions

We offer emergency glass service throughout the Tampa Bay area. For urgent situations like break-ins or storm damage, we typically respond within 2 hours during business hours.

Yes, all of our estimates are completely free with no obligation. We'll visit your property, assess the work needed, take precise measurements, and provide a detailed written estimate. No hidden fees, no pressure. Just honest pricing.

Yes. A&P Glass Solutions carries full liability coverage for every project we take on.

We serve Tampa and surrounding communities including Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace, Lutz, Carrollwood, Westchase, New Tampa, and more throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

We work with all types of glass including tempered, laminated, insulated (dual-pane), low-E energy-efficient, impact-resistant, decorative, frosted, and specialty glass. We source premium materials from trusted manufacturers and can match virtually any existing glass specification.

Most standard residential glass replacements are completed in 1-3 hours. Larger commercial projects or custom orders may take longer. During your estimate, we'll give you a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

We don't file insurance claims on your behalf, but we can provide invoices and documentation for your records.

We stand behind every installation with a workmanship guarantee. If there's ever an issue related to our installation, we'll come back and make it right at no additional cost. Material warranties vary by manufacturer.

We do not currently offer in-house financing, but we accept all major credit cards, which gives you the option to use your card's own payment plan. For larger projects like full window or door replacements, we can sometimes break the work into phases so the cost is spread across multiple visits. We are always upfront about pricing during the estimate so there are no surprises.

Yes. We install and replace impact-rated glass and impact window systems. Impact glass uses a laminated interlayer that holds the panel together after a strike, providing protection during storms. We source quality impact products from established manufacturers.

We source glass from established, reputable manufacturers. The specific product depends on the glass type, size, and requirements of your project. We use quality materials on every job -- no shortcuts.

Clear the area around the window or door being worked on. Move furniture, curtains, and breakable items at least three feet back from the opening. If we are working on exterior glass, make sure we have clear access to the outside of the opening as well, which may mean trimming back landscaping or moving patio furniture. For shower door installations, the tile work and plumbing should be completely finished and cured before we measure. We will remind you of any specific prep during the estimate.

We keep our pricing fair on every job, so we do not inflate single-unit prices and then offer fake discounts for volume. That said, when we are doing multiple windows or doors on the same visit, the per-unit cost naturally comes down because setup time, travel, and material ordering are shared across the project. You will see that reflected in the estimate. The more work we can batch together, the more efficient it is for both of us.

Low-E stands for low emissivity. It is a coating on the glass that reflects heat, keeping your home cooler and reducing energy bills. In Florida's climate, Low-E glass on exterior windows can make a noticeable difference in comfort and cooling costs. We can discuss whether it makes sense for your specific project during the estimate.

Yes. Removal and disposal of the old glass is included in every replacement job. We carefully remove the existing glass, clean all fragments from the frame and surrounding area, and haul away the debris. For large commercial panels or full door systems, we bring appropriate containers to safely transport the old glass off-site. You do not need to arrange separate disposal.

Yes, for standard glass types we bring our cutting equipment and can fabricate replacement pieces on-site. This means faster service and a perfect fit. Specialty glass or tempered glass must be ordered to size from our suppliers.

We don't have a minimum. Whether it's a single cabinet panel or a small window pane, we're happy to help. We believe every customer deserves professional service regardless of job size.

Small glass jobs typically range from $75-300 depending on glass type, size, and complexity. We provide exact pricing in your free estimate. No surprises.

Everything from single window panes and cabinet door inserts to glass tabletops, shelving, mirror panels, jalousie window louvers, and picture frame glass. We work with clear, tempered, frosted, tinted, and decorative glass.

Yes, and we do it regularly. Jalousie windows are common in older Tampa Bay homes, Florida rooms, and enclosed porches. Each louver is a separate pane of glass, typically 3-inch or 4-inch wide strips. We measure the width, length, and thickness of the existing louvers and cut replacements to match. We carry standard jalousie glass sizes on the truck, so many of these jobs are completed the same day.

Frosted glass has an etched or sandblasted surface that diffuses light uniformly, giving it a smooth, translucent white appearance. It provides privacy while still letting light through. Patterned glass has a texture rolled into the surface during manufacturing, things like rain, reed, or obscure patterns. Both provide privacy, but patterned glass has a more decorative look. We can show you samples during your estimate so you can see and feel the difference.

We handle glass panels of virtually any size. There's no residential or commercial panel we can't replace.

Once the glass is sourced (typically 3-7 business days for custom orders), installation usually takes half a day. Storefronts and multi-panel projects may take a full day. We always provide a clear timeline upfront.

It depends on your location and the type of project. In many parts of Tampa Bay, impact-rated glass is recommended or required for exterior openings. We'll assess your specific situation during the free estimate and let you know what makes sense for your property.

We inspect the framing as part of every large glass estimate. If we find rot, corrosion, or structural weakness, we let you know before ordering glass. In some cases, the frame can be repaired in place. In others, the frame needs to be rebuilt or replaced before new glass goes in. We can handle minor frame repairs ourselves or coordinate with a licensed contractor for more extensive structural work.

Yes. We evaluate access as part of the site assessment. For second-story or above-grade installations, we plan the lift path, confirm that stairways or exterior access can accommodate the panel dimensions, and bring the right equipment. Some jobs require removing the glass from the exterior using scaffolding or a boom, which we coordinate in advance so there are no surprises on installation day.

Yes. We understand that glass work in a busy retail or office environment can be disruptive. We're happy to schedule installations on Saturdays to minimize impact on your operations.

We offer tempered glass and laminated glass. We'll recommend the appropriate specification during your consultation.

Tempered glass is heat-treated to be about four to five times stronger than standard glass, and when it breaks, it shatters into small rounded pieces instead of sharp shards. However, once it breaks, the opening is exposed. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer bonded between two glass panes. When it breaks, the interlayer holds the fragments in place, so the panel stays in the frame even after impact. For storefronts where security is a concern, laminated glass provides much better intrusion resistance. We can help you decide which option fits your risk profile and budget.

Yes. We regularly work with property management companies, building owners, and commercial tenants. We coordinate scheduling, provide detailed estimates, and can work around your business hours to minimize disruption.

In most cases, yes. We identify the storefront manufacturer and series, measure the existing glass thickness and type, and order a matching replacement. For older systems where the manufacturer no longer exists, we measure the frame channel dimensions and source glass that fits the existing profile. If the glass had a specific tint or coating, we match it as closely as possible so the replacement does not stand out from the surrounding panels.

We plan the work to keep your business accessible throughout the process. For storefronts, we can do the removal and installation in sections so you never have a fully open facade. For interior work, we stage materials and tools before your business opens and work efficiently to clear the area. We also schedule around your peak hours whenever possible. If the job requires an opening to be temporarily unsecured, we install a board-up panel while we work so the space stays protected.

Yes. We offer Low-E glass, insulated glass units (double and triple pane), and tinted glass, all of which can significantly reduce your cooling costs in Tampa's hot climate. We can assess your current windows and recommend the most cost-effective upgrade path.

In nearly all cases, yes. We carry a wide inventory and have access to specialty glass suppliers. We'll match the type, thickness, tint, and texture of your existing glass so the replacement blends seamlessly.

Yes. Mobile home windows and doors have different dimensions and mounting systems than site-built construction. The glass is often thinner, the frames are lighter gauge, and the openings are non-standard sizes. We carry common mobile home glass sizes and hardware, and we source specialty items from mobile home parts suppliers when needed. We work in mobile home communities throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

This is one of our most common calls. We understand that real estate transactions have tight deadlines, and a failed window can hold up a closing. Contact us as soon as the inspection report comes in, and we will prioritize the repair. We provide before-and-after photos and a detailed invoice that your realtor or title company can attach to the closing file.

In Tampa's climate, where cooling accounts for a large portion of your energy costs, Low-E glass makes a measurable difference. Low-E coatings reflect infrared heat back outside while still letting visible light through. When combined with an insulated glass unit and argon gas fill, the upgrade can reduce solar heat gain through your windows by 30 to 50 percent compared to standard single-pane or clear double-pane glass. The exact savings depend on how many windows you upgrade, their size, and which direction they face. West-facing and south-facing windows see the biggest benefit.

During business hours (Mon-Sat), we typically arrive within 2 hours. For immediate security concerns, we'll talk you through temporary safety measures over the phone while we're en route.

Emergency board-up service has a service call fee that varies by location. The permanent glass replacement itself is priced at our standard rates. We'll always communicate costs clearly before performing any work.

Safety first: keep people and pets away from the broken glass. If weather is a concern, hang a tarp or heavy plastic over the opening from the inside. Don't try to remove large shards. Leave that to us. If it was a break-in, contact police first, then call us.

Our board-ups are built to hold up until the permanent glass is installed, whether that is two days or three weeks. We use exterior-grade plywood fastened into the structural frame with appropriate fasteners for the wall type. The edges are sealed to resist water intrusion. In normal weather conditions, a properly installed board-up will keep rain, insects, and intruders out. During a named storm with sustained high winds, plywood is not a substitute for impact-rated glass or approved shutters, but for the interim period while replacement glass is being fabricated, it provides solid protection.

Yes. After major storms, we handle multi-opening board-ups for both residential and commercial properties. We carry enough plywood and hardware on the truck to board up several openings in a single trip. For widespread storm damage, we prioritize by security risk: ground-floor openings and doors get secured first, then upper-floor windows. We work through the list systematically and keep you informed on timing for each opening.