Your windows are responsible for shielding you from the elements, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, and preventing intruders from breaking in. One of the most important factors in determining how well your windows will do their job is the number of glass panes they have.
Windows can come in single pane, double pane, and triple pane configurations, each type with its own strengths and weaknesses. One might be better for homeowners on a budget, while another might be better for those living in noisy areas. How many panes of glass in a window is best for you and your home?
Single Pane vs. Double Pane vs. Triple Pane: What Are the Differences?
Although these windows might look similar at first glance, the number of glass panes they have is actually quite an important difference. These panes influence many factors, like cost, durability, and energy efficiency. See how these windows stack up against each other in the table below.
| Factor | Single Pane Windows | Double Pane Windows | Triple Pane Windows |
| Appearance | Single pane of glass set in the window pane | Two panes of glass with a pocket in between set in the window pane | Three panes of glass separated by pockets set in the window pane |
| Customization | Available for many types of windows Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters | Available for many types of windows Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters | Usually have to be bigger to accommodate the extra glass panes Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters |
| Durability | Least durable Have to be repaired or replaced immediately if its glass pane breaks | More durable than a single pane window Can still be used after one of its glass panes breaks | Most durable Can still be used even after two of its glass panes break |
| Length of Life | Lasts 15-20 years, possibly more with good maintenance | Lasts 15-20 years, more likely to survive past that with good maintenance | Lasts at least 30 years, even more with good maintenance |
| Energy Efficiency | Least energy-efficient window | More energy-efficient than a single pane | Most energy-efficient window |
| Noise Reduction | Almost none | Good noise reduction | Even better noise reduction, but not by much |
| Security | Least secure | More secure than a single pane window | Most secure |
| Ease of Installation | Easiest to install | More difficult than a single pane | Most difficult to install |
| Installation Cost | $160 – $390 | $425 – $950 | $500 – $1,865 |
Single Pane vs. Double Pane Windows
Single pane and double pane windows are both less expensive than a triple pane window, but they have their own points of comparison, too. Take a look at how they compare against each other in the table below.
| Winner in Each Category | Single Pane Windows | Double Pane Windows |
| Customization: Tie | Available for many types of windows Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters | Available for many types of windows Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters |
| Durability: Double Pane | Not very durable Will need immediate attention when it breaks or cracks | More durable Can delay repairs or replacements if only one pane is broken |
| Length of Life: Tie | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Energy Efficiency: Double Pane | Not very energy-efficient | Energy-efficient |
| Noise Reduction: Double Pane | Almost none | Good noise reduction |
| Security: Double Pane | Not very secure | More secure |
| Ease of Installation: Single Pane | Easy to install | More difficult to install |
| Installation Cost: Single Pane | $160 – $390 | $425 – $950 |
Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows
Double pane and triple pane windows have one thing in common: they both have pockets in between their glass panes, often filled with gas for increased insulation. But that’s where their similarities end. Let’s see their strengths and weaknesses below.
| Winner in Each Category | Double Pane Windows | Triple Pane Windows |
| Customization: Double Pane | Available for many types of windows Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters | Possibly more difficult to find in smaller sizes because of the weight of the extra glass Can accommodate upgrades like storm windows and hurricane shutters |
| Durability: Triple Pane | Less durable Can delay replacement or repair if only one of its panes is broken | More durable Has two extra glass panes it can afford to break before needing immediate repair or replacement |
| Length of Life: Triple Pane | 15-20 years | At least 30 years |
| Energy Efficiency: Triple Pane | Energy-efficient | Most energy-efficient window |
| Noise Reduction: Triple Pane | Good noise reduction | Better noise reduction, but not by much |
| Security: Triple Pane | Less secure, but more than a single pane window | Very secure |
| Ease of Installation: Double Pane | Easier to install | More difficult to install |
| Installation Cost: Double Pane | $425 – $950 | $500 – $1,865 |
What Are Single Pane Windows?
Also called single glazed windows, single pane windows are made of one pane of glass set within the window frame. Many older windows are single pane windows, so they’re quite common in historic districts and older homes.
Single Pane Window Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Very affordable ✔ Easy and cheap to install, even with a DIY installation ✔ Lightweight ✔ Come in many styles and accommodates many different upgrades ✔ Lets the most amount of light into your home ✔ A decent, affordable option for homeowners living in climates without extreme temperature changes | ✘ Least energy-efficient window, resulting in higher energy costs in the long run ✘ Least durable ✘ Least effective in muffling outside noise ✘ Least effective at keeping your home at a constant comfortable temperature, making them unideal for homeowners living in more extreme climates ✘ Easiest for home intruders to break into because they only have one layer of glass to get through |
What Are Double Pane Windows?
Double pane windows are made of two panes of glass with a layer of gas sandwiched between them. This gas filling can be air, but many manufacturers use a noble gas – like argon, krypton, or xenon – because they reduce heat transfer. This insulation keeps heat out during the summer and in during the winter.
Some double pane windows only have air-filled pockets, which is not as energy-efficient but is definitely the cheapest option available. Argon gas is the most affordable noble gas-filled variant and will provide better insulation. Krypton is more effective but pricier. Xenon-filled ones are the most effective but also the most expensive; thus, they are usually reserved for commercial buildings.
Double Pane Window Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Energy-efficient ✔ Muffles outside noise ✔ Lowers your energy bills and makes your home more eco-friendly ✔ Protects your home better against intruders ✔ More durable than a single pane window ✔ Good for homeowners that experience both hot and cold temperatures throughout the year ✔ Raises your property value | ✘ Costs more upfront and takes a while to pay itself back ✘ More expensive to repair the window ✘ More difficult to install than a single pane ✘ You need to replace all windows with double pane windows to get the benefits ✘ Not really worth it for those living in areas where the temperature is comfortable year-round |
What Are Triple Pane Windows?
As their name suggests, triple pane windows have three panes of glass. They’re also called triple glazed windows. With an extra glass pane and gas-filled layer, triple pane windows magnify the benefits of double-pane windows.
Similar to double pane windows, triple pane windows have gas-filled pockets that help reduce heat loss. While they can be filled with air or argon, krypton performs well in the thinner gaps. Krypton is even more effective and popular in triple pane windows than in double pane windows.
Triple Pane Window Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Very energy-efficient ✔ Muffles outside noise ✔ Lowers your energy bills the most and makes your home more eco-friendly ✔ Best at protecting your home against intruders ✔ Most durable ✔ Can get away with breaking two of its panes before needing urgent repairs ✔ Great for homeowners that experience extreme temperatures throughout the year ✔ Great investment for those who plan to stay in their home for years to come ✔ Raises your property value | ✘ Most expensive and takes around a decade to pay itself back, making it unideal for homeowners looking to move out in the near future ✘ Can be a bit more difficult to find in different styles and sizes ✘ Most expensive to repair ✘ Most difficult to install ✘ Heavy, can bend casement windows and can make single hung and double hung windows difficult to keep open ✘ You need to replace most all windows with triple pane windows to get the benefits ✘ Not worth it for those living in areas that don’t have very cold climates |
Find a Window Specialist Near You
Single pane, double pane, and triple pane windows look similar at first glance, but the number of glass panes has a big impact on their performance as well as their price. This balance of benefits versus cost might be a deciding factor in what type of window you choose to get for your home.
Whatever window you go for, you will likely want the installation handled by a professional. Whether you need a new window installed, an old window replaced, or a broken window repaired, Window Gnome can connect you with a local window pro. Contact a window specialist to get a quote for your project today.
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