Triple-pane windows: understanding the benefits

Triple-pane and dual-pane glass are both types of insulated glass units (IGUs). An IGU includes two or more panes of glass sealed together with an air space in between. The air space on our windows is typically filled with an argon-gas blend that helps slow down the transfer of energy and makes the glass more efficient.* 

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Here's the difference between the two types of IGUs we offer:

Dual-pane glass has two panes of glass and an air space in between. The air space can have an argon-gas blend and may be coated on two surfaces with a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating. Our windows come with specific combinations of Low-E coatings that improve energy efficiency in various climates.

Triple-pane glass has three panes of glass with two air spaces in between. Both air spaces can be filled with an argon-gas blend, so there are two opportunities to slow the transfer of energy. This type of glass also differs in that it offers an additional opportunity for adding a Low-E coating when compared to dual-pane glass. The additional air space and the additional opportunity for adding a Low-E coating help make triple-pane the most insulating glass option.  

Triple-Glazed, High-solar-gain Low-E Glass

This figure illustrates the performance of a window with a very low heat loss rate (low U-factor). In this case, there are three glazing layers and two low-E coatings, ½&#; argon gas or ¼&#; krypton gas fill between glazings, and low-conductance edge spacers. The middle glazing layer can be glass or suspended plastic film. Some windows use four glazing layers (two glass layers and two suspended plastic films). This product is suited for buildings located in very cold climates. Both Low-E coatings in this product have high solar heat and visible light transmittance, which is ideal for passive solar design. The use of three layers, however, results in lower solar heat gain relative to double glazing with high-solar-gain Low-E.

Want more information on triple glazed glass? Feel free to contact us.

High-solar-gain low-E glass is often made with pyrolytic low-E coatings, although sputtered high-solar-gain low-E is also available.

Center of Glass Properties

Note: These values are for the center of glass only. They should only be used to compare the effect of different glazing types, not to compare total window products. Frame choice can drastically affect performance.

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