Rise | We've Done the Research
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.
