Choosing the correct windows for either your home or business is not as easy as it sounds. Many factors go into selecting the right type of window that you might not have thought about. This includes energy efficiency, the cost of installation, the life expectancy and the materials.
You will want windows that not only look great but also match up to the needs of your home or business. The windows produced today are designed to last for many years so you should ensure you are making the correct choice to begin with to avoid regrets in the future.
The Differences Between Single, Double, And Triple Glass Windows
- The single-pane windows feature a single pane of glass, which is held together inside a frame. These windows come in a range of materials and styles.
- The double-pane windows feature two panes of glass inside a frame. These windows trap gas like argon between the two pieces of glass to improve home insulation.
- The triple-pane windows are designed with three pieces of glass. Similar to the double-pane windows, each panel features spaces around each edge to provide a space that is uniform between each layer. The seal between the panes results in airtight windows. Gas is also used to fill up the spaces between the panes for even better insulation. When you compare the U-factor between double and triple pane windows, the triple-panes offer an average of a 20 to 30 percent improvement when it comes to energy ratings.
Here is a break-down of the pros and cons of single, double, and triple-pane windows. Hopefully, this information will assist you in making a more informed decision for your business or home.
The Pros And Cons Of Single Pane Windows
The Pros
- The single-pane windows are the cheapest option when compared to double and triple-pane windows.
- These windows are lightweight.
- There is a large range of styles and materials to choose from.
The Cons
- Single-pane windows are the least energy-efficient option.
- They are also not effective when it comes to noise reduction.
- While the up-front costs for an installation may be lower, without the additional insulation they will usually end up costing you a lot more concerning your cooling and heating bills.
The Pros And Cons Of Double Pane Windows
The Pros
- With two pieces of glass, the overall insulation is much better, which means you will start to save money on cooling and heating bills, as your home becomes more energy-efficient.
- Noise reduction will also increase as these are thicker windows.
- They can increase the resale value of your home.
- By requiring less effort to cool or heat your home, you will be using fewer fossil fuels, and your home will become more eco-friendly.
The Cons
- They may cost more to buy and install, yet they will start to pay for themselves when you start saving cash on your utility bills.
- You cannot buy only one. If you really want to experience the added quality and money-saving benefits of double-pane windows, all the windows in your home need replacing.
The Pros And Cons Of Triple-Pane Windows
The Pros
- Energy Savings
The triple-pane windows can offer as much as a 50% saving over the single-pane windows, and an added 20% saving in comparison to the double-pane windows.
- Improved Insulation
The enhanced insulation that triple-pane windows provide translates into additional benefits such as better soundproofing. Your home will be a lot more insulated with triple-pane glass windows as there are more layers that the sound waves and light waves need to pass through. This type of insulation also prevents condensation on the inside of your windows, when the outdoor temperatures start to fluctuate.
- Added Security
A break-in is a nightmare for any home or business owner to contend with. Single-pane windows are flimsy and easy to break into, yet with triple-pane windows, the glass is a lot harder for burglars to smash or break-through.
The Cons
- Additional Weight
– Unfortunately, with the extra panes of the glass, your sashes are much heavier placing pressure on your window frames. The added weight of the glass can also become an issue in casement doors and windows because the hinges are unable to deal with the added weight from the windows, causing them to bend as time goes by. With a vertically operating single or double-hung window, the weight could cause the windows to slam shut accidentally.
- Exterior Condensation
One of the drawbacks of installing triple-pane windows has to do with condensation that forms on the outside of your windows on colder mornings. While this in no way means that cold air is penetrating your windows, it can be an inconvenience when you are unable to see what is going on outside.
- Added Cost
Due to the added glass panes and the dedicated frames that are needed to support these windows, the triple-pane windows are the most expensive option when compared to single and double-pane windows. Unless you reside in an extremely cold climate, the added expense would not be worth your while in association with energy savings that the double-pane windows can provide.
Even though triple and double pane windows provide significant advantages when taking energy efficiency into account, they are both more expensive when compared to the traditional single-pane window. Yet even though the outlay initially may cost you more, this is slowly returned in a reduction in utility bills along with an increase in property value.
Just about every homeowner is interested in finding ways to lower the expense of cooling and heating in their homes. If you are in the process of planning to replace or repair your existing windows in your home or business, or you are planning to build a brand new home, it is important to be aware of the options that will provide you with lasting benefits without impacting to harshly on your bottom-line.
Click To learn more about our Window Installation and Replacement Services. If you would like to talk with someone here at TNT Home Improvements about our window services please give us a call at 970-663-2868.
