Choosing the right window pane for your property is like planning for a project which will ultimately give a return for a lifetime. However, the task is not as simple as it appears. You have to consider several factors before deciding about the window type. The factors may include but are not limited to the installation cost, durability, strength, area of the residence, and energy conservation.
Windows that give a fabulous appearance and fulfill your requirements are the ideal match for your home or office. At present, windows are becoming more durable, functional, and stylish with different glass panes making them stand the test of time. So, you should ensure that you make the right choice before installing windows in order to avoid any future regrets.
In this blog, we will highlight the comparison of single pane vs double pane windows as well as double pane vs triple pane windows. You will get to know about the three terms with merits and demerits for each that will surely help you while buying for the right windows. First, let’s understand what actually the window pane means.
What is a Window Pane?
A window pane is a glass sheet attached to the window frame with caulk. Glass constitutes roughly more than 85% of the whole window. Hence, a significant portion of the heat leakage through windows happens via window glass panes. For this reason, single, double, and triple panes will dramatically change the game. The double and triple panes are meant for enhancing heat insulation.
The equation looks pretty easy: more the panes, more the efficiency of the windows. However, it’s not that simple! So many complications are involved here. Let’s find out these intricacies and make the selection easier.
Single Pane Windows
Single pane windows, as the name indicates, consist of just one glass pane. They are the most popular and commonly used in traditional houses and commercial properties. The single glass pane makes windows highly prone to heat leakage because of lacking insulation properties. This results in extreme temperature changes within the interior with the change of weather. Properties having single pane windows shift burden on the HVAC system for the sake of a comfortable living. The heat leakage will put more load on the air-conditioning and, hence, will raise energy costs. Those who live in either too cold or too hot climates need to replace their windows with single-pane glass with a double-pane option.
Double Pane Windows
When your ultimate goal is to block the heat leakage, double pane windows are your best option. It saves energy bills by up to 50% compared to single-pane windows. Double panes glass windows give similar advantages as triple-pane ones but give a lower resistance against the conductive flow of heat― what we call the R-value. Double pane windows have an R-value of 3.5 to 4; whereas, triple-pane glass windows may have up to 9 to 10 R-value. If you live in an extreme climate, you should prefer double pane glass over traditional single pane glass windows. Moreover, if you are fed up with noise coming from the outside through windows, the double-pane option surely reduces the noise and gives a comfy living environment. Not just that, it keeps your interior clean & dust-free while protecting the interior furniture from possible damage due to wear and tear.
Triple Pane Windows
The triple-pane window constitutes three glass panes with spacers having insulated gas (mostly Argon) between the three panes. If you live in an area of extreme temperatures or nearby heavy traffic or an airport, and even the double-pane glass fails to keep you feel comfortable, consider triple pane windows as the top priority if you have the budget for this. Of course, the given benefits of triple-pane glass windows will ultimately offset their expense in the long run. Keeping the heavy cost in mind, you should consider a triple-pane window only if you want a highly efficient window that keeps roughly 80% of the heat as well as noise from penetrating through the window glass panes.
Single Pane vs Double Pane
- Budget-friendly option
- Less installation and replacement cost
- Easy to install & maintain
- Less durable
- Less resistance to heat and noise
- A bit more expensive
- May require professional for installation
- Hard to repair
- Durable and strong
- Excellent heat and sound insulation
Double Pane vs Triple Pane
- R-value of up to 4.0
- Ideal for extreme climate areas
- Durable for up to 15 years
- A single layer of insulating gas prevents heat & sound up to a great extent.
- Comparatively economic
- Excellent R-value of up to 10
- Recommended only for extensively cold or warm areas
- Equally durable as double pane
- Double layer of Argon gas for almost perfect heat & sound insulation
- Highly expensive
Which Option is Best?
As stated earlier, it all depends on the factors that you should consider when choosing the type of window pane for your home. The area, window size, energy efficiency, disturbance due to external noise, and various other factors may help you to decide which glass window pane is suitable for your home or office. If you live in an area of average temperature, it will be a waste to install an expensive double or triple pane window. On the other hand, if you are quite disturbed by the outside noise and are unable to sleep for an absolute 8 hours, or you like to save big bucks of money by saving your energy bills, opt for double or triple pane options based on the severity of the situation.
