Rise | We've Done the Research
Are Triple Pane Windows Better?
There is nothing worse than a drafty window on a cold, windy night in December. Sitting in front of your gas fireplace or wood stove is less romantic when you have to put on a sweater to keep warm due to drafty windows. If you don't choose your windows wisely, you will negatively impact your home's thermal performance and energy efficiency.
While window technology has undoubtedly improved over the single-pane windows of earlier generations, there is still a significant difference between the different types of windows on the market. Below, Rise takes an in-depth look at the triple benefits of triple-pane windows.
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What Are Triple Pane Windows?
As the name implies, triple pane windows incorporate three separate panes into their design. In most cases, these windows have three panes and two spacers, which adds extra insulation properties. There are also products billed as triple pane windows, which only include two glass layers with a low-emissivity film between the two panes of glass. Triple pane windows were first widely used in the cold climate of Sweden. They have now become commonplace in energy-efficient and sustainable homes built throughout Europe and North America.
Why Are Triple Pane Windows Better?
The more space you have between your window and the exterior of your home, the better your insulation capacity will be. Because triple-pane windows have two separate chambers separating the three panes of glass, they have a much higher insulation capacity.
In terms of the metrics used to measure windows, such as the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), the U-value, and the R-factor, one company that specializes in designing and installing triple-pane windows estimates an approximate improvement of 20-30 percent in a triple pane window's energy ratings.
The US Department of Energy estimates that between 25 and 30 percent of heat gain and heat loss occurs through windows. Triple pane windows, then, because of their added insulation capacity, will drastically improve any home's energy efficiency. Many window manufacturers inject argon gas into the space between each pane of glass. Argon gas even further increases the energy efficiency rating of these windows by slowing the heat transfer through the window. This gas also helps avoid condensation, moisture, and humidity buildup on the interior pane of glass.
On the downside, triple pane windows usually weigh significantly more than other window options because of the extra glass. However, fiberglass frames offer added strength to allow these windows to be installed in almost every type of home successfully. Fiberglass frames can also be designed to be hollow, which further increases the overall window unit's thermal performance.
Do Triple Pane Windows Reduce Noise?
Triple pane windows can also reduce the amount of noise that enters your home. The added insulation and added layer of glass will add soundproof qualities. This can be extremely important for multifamily residences or houses located in urban areas where the early morning sounds of city life can often be a disturbance. Triple pane windows can maximize noise reduction by opting for thicker glass, creating wider gaps between the individual panes, and using laminated glass.
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
