Table of Contents
- What Are Triple Pane Glass Windows?
- Are Triple Pane Glass Windows A Good Investment?
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Triple-Pane Windows?
- Save on Your Triple Pane Windows
- Invest In The Future Of Your Home Or Office
Deciding the type of glazing you want for your windows extends beyond the knowledge that double glazing has two panes of glass, and triple glazing has three. There are many factors to consider, such as cost, energy efficiency, and durability, in order to conclude whether triple-pane windows are the right investment for your home or office space.
What Are Triple Pane Glass Windows?
Due to harsh climates, double-pane windows are required as a standard for all residential applications in Canada. Double-pane windows can reduce heat loss by up to 50%, so your energy costs stay low. Triple pane windows are much heavier by comparison and require a strong frame material that will be durable enough to withstand the weight. Fiberglass frames are recommended, as they are able to withstand heavy loads without warping or sagging over time.
Triple Pane Windows has better performance in heat conservation and insulation.
The weight difference between a double and triple-pane window simultaneously reflects the difference in performance. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window blocks the transmission of solar radiation, while thermal transmittance (U-values) indicates the rate of heat transfer and how well a window insulates. Both measurements analyze energy performance, with lower values indicating less solar heat transmission and therefore better insulation.
Triple Pane Windows are energy efficient.
When comparing factors such as the SHGC or U-values, there is an improvement of approximately 20-30% in a triple-pane window’s energy ratings over those of a double-pane window. U-factor values generally range from 0.25 to 1.25 and 0.19 to 0.26 for double-pane and triple-pane windows, respectively, indicating the superior performance and thickness of triple glazing.
Are Triple Pane Glass Windows A Good Investment?
The low U-factor provided by triple pane windows is simultaneously useful during cold Winnipeg winters and humid summers. In fact, windows with low SHGC values help reduce summer cooling demand – skilled technicians, such as the experts at NorthShield, recommend looking for values of 0.25 or less if you have significant air conditioning costs.
Save on monthly energy costs
Similarly, the larger your heating bill, the more important a low U-factor becomes to offset heat loss during the notoriously frosty Winnipeg winters. Standard windows might prove insufficient at transmitting heat, as those with lower U-factors allow for higher interior temperatures and thus greater comfort.
Reduce solar heat transmission
Triple pane windows can also include features such as low-E coatings, gas fills, and insulated spacers and frames to reduce solar radiation, or heat escaping through the glass. Low-emissivity (low-E) glass windows have a thin, transparent coating that reflects heat. It was created to minimize the transmission of infrared and ultraviolet light, without reducing the amount of light entering the space. Because of this property, low-E coatings can significantly reduce solar heat transmission with only a minimal loss in light and view.
Reduce outdoor noises
Meanwhile, triple-pane windows use the same argon or krypton gases found between the panes in double-glazed windows, except the gas is injected in both air spaces. Both argon and krypton gases conduct up to 50% less heat than air and further reinforcement onto an additional pane of glass improves the window energy rating by 20%. The low-E film can also be added on the non-exposed surfaces of the glass, thus significantly increasing not only the energy efficiency of triple-glazed windows but also their ability to reduce the transmission of outdoor noise.
Less chances of condensation
Furthermore, the insulated spacers and frames found in triple pane windows result in their superiority at reducing condensation over standard windows. When the surface temperature of an interior window pane is lower than the given relative humidity of airborne water vapour, condensation will occur on the glass. Therefore, a higher surface temperature coincides with higher insulation values, which lowers the possibility of vapour condensing or frost on the glass.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Triple-Pane Windows?
The cost difference between triple-pane and double-pane windows can be a major consideration for homeowners. On average, triple-pane windows can cost 10-15% more than double-pane windows, which may not be a significant amount if you’re only replacing one or two windows. However, if you’re undertaking a project to replace all the windows in your home, the added cost of triple-pane windows can quickly add up. Nevertheless, homeowners may find that the benefits of triple-pane windows, such as improved energy efficiency and greater insulation, make the investment worthwhile in the long run. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of each option to make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and budget.
Invest In The Future Of Your Home Or Office
Triple pane windows achieve higher standards in both solar and sound transmission and reduce the likelihood of experiencing condensation or costly energy bills. Triple-glazed windows offer greater opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades and achieve higher performance values in virtually every metric over double-pane windows. Reputable companies such as NorthShield proudly manufacture the latest in triple-glass and low-E technology in Canada, so you can be confident their products were specially designed and built to withstand the versatile extremes of Winnipeg climates. NorthShield also offers affordable glass repair services for triple-pane windows, regardless of who installed them. Our quick repairs will restore your windows to optimal condition, allowing you to continue enjoying their numerous benefits hassle-free!
Contact an expert today and find out how investing in new triple-glass windows will reduce your energy costs while providing superior energy performance. We are your #1 destination for windows and doors in Winnipeg.