When in the market for replacement windows for your home, many homeowners ask us: What is the difference between Double Pane or Triple Pane Windows? If two panes of glass is good then three panes must be better…right?
The answer to that questions is: It Depends. At Houston Window Experts, we will educate you on the various window manufacturers, styles, features, and when to install which window where on your home.
Climate Zones Of The United States
Houston Window Experts directly serves homeowners and property owners residing in the Southern and South-Central climate zones. Our climate in Texas is quite different that the climate in Montana or Minnesota, for example. Our annual HVAC use is primarily for cooling whereas in the Northern regions is primarily heating. We can have up to 9 or 10 months of the year where A/C is active. Minnesota can have 4 or 5 months or longer of freezing temperatures.
The reason for this introduction is that: Texas’ main priority is keeping heat out while Minnesota’s priority is keeping heat in!
Are Triple Pane Windows A Good Investment For Texas?
The short answer is that they are overkill. Not to mention there are significant differences in price and in weight:
- Price: Triple pane windows tend to run 30% to 50% more than double pane windows.
- Weight: Triple-pane windows are significantly heavier than double pain. As a result, shipping costs are higher, requires more labor to install, and results in more wear and tear on movable components (hinges, glides, locks, etc.). They are also thicker and may require significant modifications to framing and interior sheetrock to accommodate them.
- Return on Investment: In the Northern regions, triple pane windows have a comparable ROI to double pane in the Southern regions. Install triple pane windows in Texas and your ROI period lengthens by approximately another 10 years!
- Visible Light Transmission: The extra layer of glass will cut a bit more of the natural light allowed to enter your home.
Why Trust Houston Window Experts?
We are different from other window vendors in Texas. Not many window sellers have their own showroom. Most window retailers carry one or perhaps a small handful of window manufacturers. A lot of home improvement contractors hire inexperienced and even day labor to install windows.
Best Products: We don’t mess around with inferior windows or cheap materials in our window installations. From the top tier tried and true window manufacturers like Anlin, Sierra Pacific, Infinity from Marvin, to name a few of our brands. To the highest quality screws and caulking used on every installation. We are so confident that we offer our Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee.
Best Processes: Houston Window Experts has installed tens of thousands of windows throughout the Houston region. All types of windows and doors in all types of homes. With this level of experience, we have perfected the art of installing windows and doors and are proud of our success.
Best People: Our success is the result of hiring, training and promoting the best employees at all levels of our organization. You’ll always be treated with respect, kindness, and respect from everyone here at Houston Window Experts.
Houston Window Experts Recommends Double Pane Windows in Texas
We are in agreement with the EnergyStar.Gov recommendations of double pane windows are best for most of Texas. Our winters in TX are mostly quite mild. Yes, we get short periods of freezing weather and sometimes some snow and ice. But, compared to Northern States, we typically have more months of cooling our homes vs. running our heaters.
So the primary targets of double pane vs triple pane is reducing heat gain rather that keeping your home protected from long, cold winters. The goals are accomplished in the following specifications:
- Low E Coatings: Two coats of invisible silver oxide coatings prevent damaging infra-red light from entering your home and fading your floors and furnishings. We go one step further in recommending windows featuring Cardinal Glass LoE³-366 glass. The “366” means three coats of low emissivity metal oxide coatings with 66% visible transmission.
- Air Gap: Two panes of glass are separated by an air gap by the non-conductive spacer. The gap itself is what creates insulation from heat radiating from the exterior glass to the interior surfaces. Taking it one step further, filling the air gap with an inert – heavier than air gas like Argon or Krypton gas and insulation improves even further.
- Energy Saving Frames: There are several materials available in the choice of frames. From the efficiency of vinyl framed double pane windows from Anlin Windows to the ultimate in composite fiberglass of Infinity from Marvin, you’ll find the best solution for your home’s style and your energy goals.
- Sound Transmission: All windows have an STC rating. Even single pane windows help a bit with outside noise but, double pan windows – with the air gap – are much more effective at reducing sound levels. In noisier areas, we have options such as laminated glass to help further quiet your home.
How Do You Get Started?
We offer you 3 ways to get started with Houston Window Experts. You can call us. You can complete a request from for us to contact you. You can also visit our showroom to see and feel the various window options available. You’ll learn just what you need to narrow down your choice for the best window and the best window installers for your home!
