My Triple Pane Window Research and Decision
tk_40
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (57)
tk_40
7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
Best triple pane sliding window?
Comments (1)Couple of things worthy of note: Triple pane provide no additional sound attenuation over good double pane. The Pella 350 is a decent window but nothing better than other good vinyl options and worse in some comparisons. In the DH, they rely on pocket sills which is not ideal but all yours are sliders so they will all be pockets. What do you want the windows to look and feel like? There is probably a bit spread between wood - fiberglass - and vinyl....See MoreTriple Pane Hurricane Impact Windows
Comments (18)Good morning Nick, Exactly as WoW stated above, you can get in the low .20's with a dual pane but you aren't going to reach .2. Per triple pane, in addition to what was brought up in earlier posts, for a triple pane with a laminated impact lite included you would need to find a window company that had a glazing reglet, or glazing channel, that was at least 1-1/4" wide (and possibly wider yet - 1-1/4" is really pushing the lower limit) in order to accommodate the width of the finished IG unit. As you stated earlier, you are looking for clad wood windows - and as follow up to that, did you really mean the cladding to the interior and wood to the exterior, or was that a misstatement? If you really meant that you wanted the cladding internal and wood external, I strongly suggest that you reconsider for two reasons: first, I don't know of any window company that can or would make a window in that configuration simply because it would be a very bad idea. second, refer to the first reason. There are companies that manufacture windows with really wide glazing channels to accommodate wide triples. If they are vinyl companies, then they are likely to be using European extrusions for their windows since European triples tend to use wider IGU's than their North American counterparts. Over near Vancouver BC there is a company called Innotech that offers both wide triples with U values as low as .17 or so, and Miami Dade tested impact units. I suspect that they may be seriously willing to talk about the idea of a triple pane impact window, but the cost (especially when you throw in shipping) could be scary. Innotech windows use European vinyl extrusions. Per wood manufacturer's, Loewen, Marvin, Kolbe, Weathershield, Jeld-Wen, and others, all make triples and all make impact. I don't know if any of them have ever combined the two. Per dual pane impact windows, there are literally hundred's of companies in that pool. Wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum are all available. Energy performance is going to vary by both material and manufacturer. For the very best U value performance you are going to want a triple-silver LowE coating on IG surface 2 combined with a surface 4 coating and a 90% argon fill. That will get you numbers in the low .20's. Some companies will offer windows with the laminated impact lite to the exterior and some companies will have the laminated lite to the interior. Some even offer it both ways depending on product line. There is no difference in energy or impact performance either way - assuming that you are making an apples to apples comparison. And as a final follow up (for this post at least), as I mentioned earlier, based on my review of the requirements, I do believe that companies who are ASTM E1996 impact certified can manufacture a triple pane impact window that is within their certification, even though they certified a dual pane, without having to retest. (anyone know a grammarian who might grade that last sentence/paragraph?) However, every company that I mentioned earlier is Miami-Dade certified and MDC doesn't even recognize the existence of triple pane. In the past five years or so (probably longer), I think yours might be only the second or maybe third truly original question that I have seen online...all else aside, you brought up one heck of an interesting idea. This post was edited by oberon on Sat, Sep 14, 13 at 9:01...See MoreSchuco Triple Pane Windows?
Comments (23)Your choice of the Schuco window is fabulous. I've been one of the Pro's on the forum posted above and it's sister board for a long time. The Schuco window has been window of the year many times over. It's German design has established a new look with great ratings in our industry. The window is manufactured with high standards in design, functionality and performance. The inline slider they have is a marvel of the industry. Schuco has the lowest U-value in the industry due in part to their exclusive TPS (Thermo Plastic Spacer) seamless spacer system and 99.9% Krypton filling system. It's a warm edge IG sealing system, which is exclusive to Schuco. I also agree with Skydawggy on your pricing. At $550 a hole your getting the best window in the industry at half the price it's going for around the nation. But keep in mind the window is only as good as the installer. We preach this to everyone across the land. It's hard to know if they're done properly for the standard consumer. Just make sure everything is to your satisfaction before making that final payment....See Moredual pane vs. triple pane
Comments (9)The technical information posted by Oberon is excellent. One error that should be corrected, in order to avoid future confusion, is noted below. "...convert the U factor numbers to R value - U .19 = R 2.86 and U .35 = R 5.26." Correction: "U .35 = R 2.86 and U .19 = R 5.26" In response to additional information requested in the initial post, the U-value numbers stated for Pella vary greatly. It appears that the spectrum of U-values .28-.87 shown for the Architect Series product may include a triple-pane low-E option through to a clear single-pane option within the same window assembly. My experience with both Pella and Eagle (as well as many other wood window manufacturers) has shown that their U-values are very comparable when similar glass construction is used. The former's U-values might show a slightly better performance rating based on the use of roll-formed aluminum clad sashes instead of extruded aluminum sashes, due to the heavier gauged metal being more conductive. Otherwise, it may be only fine/minor details that separate the two manufacturers shown. I believe that both even use the same glass manufacturer. In regards to the triple-pane option, a consumer should evaluate the type of construction utilized in the triple-pane insulating glass unit. Some companies will offer removable interior storm panels and refer to them as "triple-pane". There is a benefit to this design, as will be explained later. Another approach to triple-pane IG is to minimize the spacing between the glass panes. This method diminishes the optimum U-value that can be achieved through the use of an adequate air/gas space (i.e. 7/16"-5/8"). Both of these triple-pane options have been designed to allow window manufacturers to fit the wider IG units into "standard" 1.5"-1.75" thick sashes. A disadvantage to utilizing triple-pane glass in fenestration products is the added weight of the glass. It is our opinion that hardware changes may also be required when utilizing heavier glass options in windows and doors. In casement types, this would include heavier or stronger hinges. In double hung types, this would include properly matched weights and pulleys. Hinged doors might include commercially rated ball-bearing hinges, and/or a greater number of hinges than a dual-pane unit. Another disadvantage to a triple-pane IG product is the multiple seals. When selected by a consumer, the triple-pane option doubles their potential for seal failures. The consumer should ensure triple-pane warranties match the standard dual-pane offerings. It is our opinion that dealing with seal failures is a nuisance, regardless of warranties. This is likely the only advantage to a removable storm panel type of "triple-pane" option, since it is simply a dual-pane IG unit with an additional pane of glass placed to the interior side and utilizing some type of rubber gasket as a dust/bug "shield". However, unless a hard-coat low-E product is placed on the removable storm panel, the energy advantages are minimized. Other aspects or information to consider in the purchase of windows or doors have not been requested, but should be noted. Air infiltration ratings are another big consideration that should be made in conjuction with U-values. Additionally, depending on the location of construction, solar heat gain characteristics found in different glass products can prove beneficial when incorporated properly into a building structure's design. Lastly, product durability should be a priority. With the mention of "cold freeze/thaw", there will be a lot of differing movements (expansions/contractions) between the dissimilar materials used within the complete window or door assembly, so the methods of product assembly/construction will be very important....See Moretk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoWindows on Washington Ltd
7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agooberon476
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoharry_wild
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agooberon476
7 years agotk_40
7 years agoWindow1
7 years agotk_40
7 years agooberon476
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoGermain Wong
7 years agoGermain Wong
7 years agotk_40
7 years agotk_40
7 years agoGermain Wong
7 years agotk_40
7 years agoharry_wild
7 years agotk_40
7 years agomillworkman
7 years agofriedajune
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agohomepro01
7 years agoGermain Wong
7 years agomillworkman
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoGermain Wong
7 years agohomepro01
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agohomepro01
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoWindows on Washington Ltd
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoDairylander
7 years agotk_40
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agotoddinmn
7 years agoDairylander
7 years agotoddinmn
7 years agofridge2020
7 years agoDairylander
7 years agoJon Courtney
4 years agomillworkman
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoheih
3 years agotk_40
3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
Related Stories
LIVING ROOMSDouble- and Triple-Sided Fireplaces Offer Countless Benefits
They can divide an open layout, blur indoor-outdoor boundaries, warm a modern look or just your toes. Is a mutisided fireplace for you?
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made
Caution: Do not try these at home
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESReplace vs. Restore: The Great Window Debate
Deciding what to do with windows in disrepair isn't easy. This insight on the pros and cons of window replacement or restoration can help
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Learn what Energy Star ratings mean, what special license your contractor should have, whether permits are required and more
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe Art of the Window: Drapery Solutions for Difficult Types and Shapes
Stymied by how to hang draperies on a nonstandard window? Check out these tips for dressing 10 tricky window styles
Full StoryWINDOWSAwkward Windows and Doors? We've Got You Covered
Arched windows, French doors and sidelights get their due with treatments that keep their beauty out in the open
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESBoost Your Energy With Natural Light
Abundant natural light saves electrical energy and can lower energy bills, but the best benefit may be to your own energy and spirit
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESWhich Window for Your World?
The view and fresh air from your windows make a huge impact on the experience of being in your house
Full StoryWINDOWSHow to Ditch the Drapes and Let Your Windows Shine
If your home has beautiful windows and you don’t need to hide a view, consider dressing them in these elegant, creative ways
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESRenovation Detail: The Casement Window
If heaving open your windows leaves you winded, let the cranks or cam handles of casement windows bring in an easier breeze
Full Story
oberon476