Deciding on new windows for your home can be overwhelming. Aluminum or vinyl? Casement or sliding windows? Argon or krypton gas fill? Double or triple pane glazing units? With so many options making decisions for the best thermal efficiency, functionality, and style can be daunting. So here is some information on a single pane, double pane, and triple pane windows to help make the decision process a little easier.
What are Single Pane, Double Pane, and Triple Pane Windows?
– Single pane windows have one panel of glass
– Double pane windows have two panes of glass with a space between
– Triple pane windows have three panes of glass with two spaces between
Which Windows are Best for My Home?
Single pane windows are not commonly used anymore. They are not energy efficient, durable, or safe. They do not block noise or seasonal temperatures. They are prone to air and moisture leaks. They have the highest rate of heat gains and losses. And with only two surfaces, there are limited options when it comes to coatings and glazing technologies. So even though they may be lower in price, single pane windows are not usually a good choice for replacement windows in the area.
Double pane windows are the current standard and the most common type of glass used in modern windows. They perform better when it comes to insulation, durability, and window technologies. With four surfaces to work with, there are a lot of coating options you can choose.
Low-E windows, transition technology, and colored tints are all at your disposal. And you also have a choice when it comes to the space between the glass.
There are different types of gas fills, argon, krypton, and xenon. These noble gases have a higher density than air and improve insulation resulting in less energy loss. All these features combine and you should notice significant savings on your energy costs.
Triple pane windows take glazing to the next level. There are three panes of glass totaling six surfaces, and two spaces. That means even better insulation, soundproofing, security, and condensation control.
The interior surface of these windows will never be hotter or colder to the touch, despite what is happening outside. That said, even with these important benefits many homeowners are hesitant to commit to an extra pane of glass.
These windows are far more expensive. They don’t usually offer enough in energy savings to justify the higher upfront cost. It would take anywhere from 10 to 20 years to pay them off. And they work best for homes located in the coldest climate zones.
When deciding on glazing options it is a good idea to sit down with a window installation professional. They can walk you through all the options and technologies. The material, style, number of panes, spacers, inert gas—there is so much to navigate and think about. Contact us to schedule a consultation about replacing your windows.
