One of the questions homeowners shopping for new windows often have is whether to get triple-pane windows or their double-pane counterparts.
Double-pane windows—also called double-glazed windows—feature two panes of glass separated by an insulator. Meanwhile, triple-pane windows feature three glass panes to help enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
In both cases, the aforementioned insulator is usually air or argon gas. However, new technology has given way to vacuum-insulated glass windows, in which a vacuum-sealed layer takes the place of the air or argon.
Ultimately, there is a lot to consider when choosing between double and triple-pane windows, including energy costs, noise, and draft control. This blog will cover all that and more to help you make an informed decision when buying new windows.
What Are Double-Pane and Triple-Pane Windows?
While you can still find single-pane windows in older homes, newer technology has rendered them undesirable and ineffective. When only a single pane of glass is used, this heat easily moves from inside to outside or vice versa. Single-pane windows also absorb warmth, becoming hot to the touch and radiating heat.
Double-pane and triple-pane windows have replaced them, albeit becoming popular for different reasons. To start this double pane vs. triple pane windows comparison, let’s explore the high-level benefits of each.
Double Pane Windows
In double-pane windows, the pocket of air in between the two sheets of glass acts as insulation, controlling the process of heat transfer.
Required as the minimum for all residential buildings in Ontario, double panes offer a significant cost benefit over triple-pane windows while regulating temperatures significantly. The layer of air or gas in between the two sheets of glass also offers better noise reduction capabilities than single-pane windows.
You’ll find double pane windows in window galleries everywhere as they remain the current standard.
Triple Pane Windows
When talking efficiency in the triple pane windows vs. double pane debate, the former reigns supreme. With three panes of glass divided by two layers of insulation, they offer a significant reduction in heat transfer when compared to double-paned windows.
However, triple-pane replacement windows are much heavier, which can cause wear and tear on the window hardware over time. This added weight can cause the seals that separate the panes of glass to be more vulnerable to failure, creating condensation between the sheets.
Nonetheless, triple-pane windows offer the best noise reduction and the highest level of energy efficiency out of all the window options available. Triple pane windows cost more, but are also the most durable and require fewer repairs.
Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows: Comparing Their Construction
Choosing the right windows also comes down to understanding how they’re made. This includes the frame, the glass itself, and the gas fill. Let’s continue this triple pane windows vs. double pane comparison by assessing construction.
Frame Material
The material used in both double and triple-pane window frames is crucial to the window’s overall insulation capabilities. For instance, pairing a double-pane window with vinyl or fibreglass frames is a cost-effective way to increase energy efficiency.
Glass Type
When choosing windows, make sure to look for one with low-E (or low-emissivity) coating. This increases your window’s ability to keep UV light away without decreasing the natural light that flows into your living space.
While both double and triple-pane windows offer low-E coatings, the cost for each window type varies. One thing you can consider is getting double-glazed windows with two coats of Low-E on them—these come much closer to triple-glazed performance.
Gas Fill
The air or noble gas inserted in between the glass panes also affects your window’s insulating capabilities. Consider buying double-pane or triple-pane glass windows that use argon gas to get the most value for your money.
Other Considerations
The double pane vs. triple pane windows debate doesn’t stop at material type and energy savings. Two other things worth considering are noise and safety.
Noise Cancellation
If you live in the middle of a city or an area where there’s constant foot traffic, soundproofing your home might be something worth looking into. One way to reduce the noise coming into your house is by installing triple-pane windows, as the multiple panes provide the most effective sound barrier possible.
Security Features
When it comes to safety, there’s no way around it: more layers of glass will help protect your home from intruders. As you might expect, triple pane glass is a stronger line of defence than a double pane window given the extra layer of glass. If safety is a concern where you live, then opting for triple glazed windows could be the right choice.
Get High-Quality Triple or Double Pane Windows at Clera
Double vs. triple pane windows—are you ready to make an informed choice for your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and overall value?
Get the right window for your home by calling the experts at Clera Windows + Doors. Our 40+ years of experience manufacturing windows and doors for homeowners in Ontario has equipped us with the ability to build quality products that can withstand harsh Canadian climates.
Contact us for more information about double and triple pane windows and get a free in-home estimate!