Single vs. Double vs. Triple Pane Replacement Windows – What You Should Know

A pane is a framed part of a window normally fitted with a thin glass or any other transparent material.

Single pane windows are very popular among those homeowners who treasure simplicity and the basics. Single window panes are very affordable, and will therefore not cause so much financial strain to those people who are operating on tight budgets.

They are also very easy to repair. A sudden crack will not be too big of a deal since the replacement procedure is quite simple and very easy to understand. All you need to do is to remove the remaining pieces of glass on the broken window, replace them with a clean sheet of glass and seal it with high quality putty. Remember – this should be left to the professionals!

Single pane windows are mostly suitable for use in garages and tool sheds. Due to their varied colors, the consumer has a wide range of options to choose from.

Some customers may prefer double pane windows as opposed to any other option. For instance; the window panes are very economical as well as efficient.

Research shows that double pane windows reduce energy usage by 24 percent in winter and 18 percent in summer – consequently reducing the size of the dent in the homeowner’s pocket book as the energy bill will be much lower. Its reduced energy consumption also means less burning of fossil fuels. This preserves the environment as there will be less greenhouse emissions. Double pane windows are also good noise insulators. This way, the residents of the home are able to have the much needed peace and quiet needed to relax and be comfortable.

Double pane windows do come with some disadvantages. For instance, they experience condensation on the inside. Their energy efficiency can also be compromised by just a small crack. Finally, in the unfortunate event that the windows are broken, perhaps by a rock flung while someone is mowing the grass, you will need a professional to come and fix the damage to possibly two panes of glass.

Another variety of replacement windows is the triple pane variety. It has got three layers; the middle layer is normally sandwiched by Argon or Krypton gas, or a mixture of both. This type of window pane is a more efficient insulator and more energy saving as compared to double pane windows. This results into a reduced energy bill. The pane also does not attract so much condensation on its interior as compared to its double pane counterpart.

Triple pane windows are, however, a little more expensive. They are also too heavy due to the extra pane, and this can result into adverse effects on the building, more so if it were not designed to withstand such weight.

In conclusion, any homeowner must carry out a cost benefit analysis before settling for any of the three types of replacement window panes.