Double Pane or Triple Pane: Which Is Right for My Windows?

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Imagine sitting at the table with your spouse discussing your upcoming window replacement project with an experienced window dealer.

At some point, the dealer will ask you: "Do you want double pane or triple pane glass?"   

For many, this topic rarely comes up in normal conversations, so there's no shame in admitting that you don't know the difference between the two.

But, if you're going to take the time and money to replace your home's windows, you'll also want to take the time to learn the difference, so you can choose the best pane glass package that's right for you.

So, What Are Triple Pane Windows?  

Glad you asked! Triple pane glass, simply stated, is a window glass package with three sheets of glass in it—rather than two. You may also hear it referred to as triple glazing.

This means that in addition to the outer pane of glass and the inner pane, there is a third sheet of glass nestled in-between the two.  

Benefits of Triple Pane Windows

Improves Strength

With the third sheet of glass, a second chamber is created inside the glass unit to fill with insulating gas. This helps make the performance of the window stronger and the product itself more energy efficient.   

Our newest glass package, for example, has even wider chambers—with over an inch of insulating space!

Improves Sound Barrier

A combination of the glass windows with triple panes, and the higher insulation value, provides a greater sound barrier for your home from the outside elements. This is especially important if you live near a noisy road, airport, or if your bedroom is facing the neighbor's dog, who likes to bark at EVERYTHING!

Improves Home Value

There's no question that a triple pane window will be stronger, heavier, and more efficient that a typical double pane window.  Knowing that it is a “better” window, in that regard, can improve the value of your home.

Are Triple Pane Windows Worth It

You might be asking if you actually "need" a triple pane window, or if a double pane window will do the trick. Here are some questions to consider to help inform your final decision:

  • Is your home exposed to strong and/or frequent winds?  

  • Do you live by a busy road?  

  • Are you near a school with lots of bus traffic?  

  • Do you have airport noise?    

If you answered "yes" to any (or all) of these questions, a triple pane window upgrade is a great option.

If noise isn't a big issue, however, ask yourself this: "Are you sick of being cold and you want the most energy efficient window possible?  

With an extra pane of glass, and a second insulating chamber, the triple pane window will give you a higher energy rating than a double pane. Not only that, but the overall glass width is typically wider with a triple pane, so it provides ample room in the glass to fill with insulating argon or krypton gas.  

That brings us to our next question: "Do you want Argon or Krypton?"   

Both are odorless, non-toxic gasses used in window construction. They hang out between the outer and inner panes of glass to insulate the unit and slow down the outside air temps from getting inside.   

  • Argon gas is the most common insulating gas.  

  • Krypton gas is more dense, energy efficient and expensive.   

Argon gas used in triple pane window
Krypton gas used in triple pane window.

Finally,  let's consider this question: "How long will you live in your house?"  

Is the plan to move in 3-5 years, or make improvements to your "forever" house? Upgrades to windows are an investment that will absolutely pay for themselves in energy savings and comfort. But, if you are moving in a few years, will you get enough of that investment back? Maybe not. 

Will the upgrades be awesome selling features? 

For sure. 

Will they be enough of a selling feature to command a higher asking price? 

Not necessarily.

Double vs. Triple Pane Windows:

What's Really the Difference?

You might think cost is the big differentiator here. So, let's quickly dive into numbers for a second.  

Energy Star rated windows for Minnesota require that the U-Value is .29 or below. For a double hung window, double pane windows with argon are .26 and triple pane with Krypton are at a .17.  (The lower the number, the better).

What this means is that there is absolutely a difference in the glass package you choose.

As you make your decision, you'll need to know if the energy efficiency and overall glass package performance is the most important to you, or if budget is.    

All of that said, in reality, the majority of windows we sell are double pane glass. In fact, you can get either argon or krypton gas in either double pane or the triple pane windows. The choice is up to you!

Have Questions? 

Need replacement windows but still unsure if triple pane glass is right for you? Contact Steve the Window Guy, an authorized dealer of Universal Windows Direct.

We'll come out to your home and show you double and triple pane glass samples—all while answering any questions you may have. As we sit with you and learn more about your renovation goals, we can provide the best product and color options that complement your living space and budget, too.

You can expect lots of questions from us, as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it's  best if both homeowners are there to join the conversation. After all is said and done, we are committed to providing you with an accurate, same-day estimate.  

This allows you to start planning your project without delay! So, if you’re ready to get started with your home’s window replacement project, reach out to us today!