Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows: What’s the Difference?

What You’ll Learn:
While it seems to make logical sense to compare double pane vs triple pane windows, triple pane windows have some drawbacks that make double pane windows a better choice. Knowing the benefits of each as well as the potential issues with triple pane will help you make an informed decision.

An Energy Efficiency Comparison

It’s simple. More glass panes equals more energy efficiency…to a degree. Triple pane windows offer more insulation than double pane, that part is indisputable. For example, comparing double pane vs triple pane windows, the R-Value of a double pane window is 3 to 4 and the R-value of a triple pane is generally 5-8. So effectively, triple pane can be 40% or so more efficient as an insulator.

So why not just sell triple-glazed windows as the default here in Texas? Everybody wants lower energy bills, a more comfortable home, and a higher resale value, right? So, why not?

The Disadvantages Outweigh The Advantages

It’s not just that triple pane windows have the reputation for their biggest gains in cold weather climates. That fact is true. Better R-Values result in better performance in cold weather. But, here are just a few of the disadvantages of triple-pane windows:

• Thicker Frames: Since the window frame needs to accommodate an additional pane of glass, the frames need to be thicker, meaning the depth of the window frame. Some home designs considering triple pane will have to weigh the depth of the frame and it’s impact to either the interior or exterior surface of the walls.
• Heavier: The extra pane of glass as well as the frame material needed can make the window up to 50% heavier than the same size double pane units. This increases transportation costs, handling care, and potential for damage. Heavier windows require more effort to open. The weight also makes them more expensive to install. More labor, more screws, more time.
• Reduced Light Penetration: There are some benefits to UV light blocking but, you will also lose more visible light. This makes your rooms darker.
• Costs: More glass, more material, more labor and transportation costs…more out of pocket costs for triple pane over double pane windows. Your ROI just extended out by at least 50% or more.
• Resale Value: While energy efficiency is improved to a degree, many potential buyers might steer clear of the extra thick, imposing braun of triple pane window panes. The majority of home buyers prefer the sleek look of narrower frame profiles and increased glass area. This is especially obvious on smaller windows!

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Are The Window Experts Actually Experts?

While The Window Experts and Houston Window Experts have been in business over 16 years, many of the employees spent their careers in this industry. With a culmination of many years in selling, installing, and manufacturing windows, our skills have been honed to perfection. Consider our driving core concepts:

Best Products: We have personally evaluated each and every window, door and installation consumable we use and whittled the list of products down to just under 2 dozen of the best window and door manufacturers available in the industry. We only want to offer the window and door makers with the highest quality, best energy efficiency, and best warranty offerings.
Best Processes: When you have installed as many windows our experts have installed, you refine and protect the process to an exact science. We’ve studied warranty calls and the failures which caused the warranty and designed the process to avoid the issues. That’s how we can offer our exclusive Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee with complete confidence.
Best People: Our pride and dedication to our team creates a work ethic and customer focused attitude throughout the customer sales cycle. No matter which employee in which department, you will be treated with respect and dignity. A Five-Star rating is our only acceptable outcome.

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So, Are Double Pane Better Than Triple Pane?

Mostly, yes. We do offer a line of triple glazed windows and if they are right for your home and your needs, we will absolutely provide them and install them.

However, comparing double pane vs triple pane windows, Double Pane windows more than satisfy the needs of most Texas homeowners. In addition, when you compare double pane vs triple pane windows, double glazed windows are:

• Very energy efficient
• Less expensive
• Lighter
• Look better
• Offer a quicker ROI
• High resale value
• Cleaner curb appeal

The Bottom Line – Final Word

The Window Experts offers windows in both double pane and triple pane configurations. Our goal is to offer you the best value for your money while achieving your goals. If your goal is energy efficiency alone, maybe triple pane is the way to go. If you want great curb appeal, strong energy efficiency, and a great ROI for your investment, go with double pane.