What is a “pane”?
A pane is any individual piece of glass separated by a frame or divider. A typical double‑hung or slider has two panes (top + bottom / left + right).
Common Examples
- Single fixed window = 1 pane
- Double‑hung/slider = 2 panes
- Two side‑by‑side fixed = 2 panes
- Bay/Bow with 3 sections = 3 panes (count each section)
- Patio door (typical) = 2 panes
- French grids (true divided) = count each small pane
What to Include
- Exterior glass and interior glass you want cleaned.
- Transoms and sidelights by doors.
- Skylights (each counts as 1).
What Not to Include
- Mirrors or interior glass partitions unless you want them cleaned.
- Garage door windows unless desired.
- Storm windows that stay on year-round — these are counted separately if you want them cleaned.
Step-by-Step: How to Count Your Panes
Walk through your home room by room. It is easier to be accurate when you do it systematically rather than trying to estimate from memory.
Room-by-Room Counting Method
- Start at the front door and work clockwise through every room on the main floor. Count each piece of glass as one pane — a double-hung window is 2 panes, not 1.
- Don't forget sidelights — the narrow windows beside your front door. Each is 1 pane.
- Count transoms — the small windows above doors or other windows. Each is 1 pane.
- Move upstairs and repeat. Don't forget bathroom windows and any hallway or staircase windows.
- Check the basement — many GTA homes have 2 to 6 basement windows that are easy to overlook.
- Exterior only? The count is the same whether you want interior, exterior, or both. The count tells us the number of glass surfaces, and we price based on that.
Common GTA Home Types and Typical Pane Counts
These are rough averages based on homes we clean across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and the rest of the GTA. Your actual count may differ.
| Home Type | Typical Panes | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Condo / Apartment (interior only) | 6-15 | $149-199 |
| Townhouse | 15-25 | $179-249 |
| Semi-detached | 18-30 | $199-299 |
| Detached (small, 1,000-1,500 sqft) | 20-35 | $199-329 |
| Detached (medium, 1,500-2,500 sqft) | 30-50 | $279-449 |
| Detached (large, 2,500-3,500 sqft) | 40-70 | $399-599 |
| Estate / Custom (3,500+ sqft) | 60-120+ | $499-699+ |
Tricky Windows: How to Count Them
Bay and Bow Windows
Count each section of glass separately. A typical bay window has 3 sections (centre + two angled sides) = 3 panes. A bow window may have 4 or 5 curved sections — count each one.
French Doors and Grilles
If the grilles are between the glass (grilles-between-glass or GBG), count the entire door as 1 pane per side. The grilles are decorative and sealed inside. If the grilles create true divided lites (each small piece is a separate piece of glass), count each small pane individually. True divided lites are more common in heritage homes in Unionville, Streetsville, and Old Oakville.
Sliding Patio Doors
A standard sliding patio door = 2 panes (the sliding panel + the fixed panel). A triple-panel slider = 3 panes.
Skylights
Each skylight = 1 pane. If your skylight has a venting section that opens, it is still 1 pane unless there are two separate pieces of glass.
Garden Windows (Box Windows)
These bump-out windows above kitchen sinks typically have 3 to 5 panes — a front face, two sides, and sometimes a top. Count each glass surface.
Interior vs. Exterior: Does It Change the Count?
No. The pane count is the same regardless of whether you want interior only, exterior only, or both. What changes is the scope:
- Exterior only: We clean the outside glass, frames, and sills. Most popular for homes with easy interior access.
- Interior only: Common for condos and homes with hard-to-reach exterior windows. Includes tracks and sills.
- Both (interior + exterior): The full package. Most of our GTA clients choose this for the biggest visual difference.
Why an Accurate Count Matters
When you request a quote — whether through our instant quote tool or by texting us — we use your pane count (along with property size) to generate accurate pricing. An off-by-ten count can mean a $50 to $100 difference in the quote. Getting it right upfront means no surprises when we arrive.
If you are unsure, no problem. Just give us your best estimate and your address, and we will verify the count using satellite and street-view imagery before confirming your price. We do this for every quote to make sure the number is fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I count screens as panes?
No. Screens are separate. We remove, wash, and re-install screens as part of our standard service — they are included in the price regardless of count.
What about storm windows?
Storm windows are counted separately if you want them cleaned. Most modern GTA homes do not have storm windows, but some older homes in areas like The Beaches, Leaside, and Old Oakville still do.
My windows have grilles but I am not sure if they are real or decorative.
Run your finger along the inside glass surface. If you feel raised bars, they are applied grilles (count the whole window as 1 pane). If the glass is flat and the bars appear to be between two layers of glass, they are GBG (also 1 pane). If each small section is a separate piece of glass with putty or wood between them, they are true divided lites — count each small pane.
Can I just send you photos instead of counting?
Absolutely. Text us photos of each side of your home at (437) 445-3338 and we will count the panes for you and send back a quote. Many of our clients prefer this method.
What if my count is wrong?
We verify every count before confirming your booking. If the actual number is different from your estimate, we adjust the price before we start — never after. No surprises.
Ready to see your price? Count your panes and try our instant calculator: