warming drinks in a cozy place

Glass and Window Pane Options

By: Dave BrongNovember 02, 2020
The replacement window glass you choose is just as important as the window itself. However, most homeowners know very little about the glass options available to them, let alone which is best for their home. You might be familiar with single pane, double pane, and triple pane windows, but how do you know which option to choose? Our window replacement experts explain the difference between each option so you can find the best window to meet your home’s needs.

Panes of Glass

Single Pane Single pane windows have just one pane of glass, making them the least energy efficient option available. If your windows are more than fifteen years old or original to your home, you might have single pane windows. Most builder-grade windows are single pane, as they are often the cheapest option available. While these windows are serviceable for a few years, we recommend upgrading them to double or triple pane windows for a long-term solution. Double Pane Windows Double pane windows are best for homeowners looking for energy efficiency at a value. These windows have two panes of energy efficient glass to keep your home comfortable no matter the season. Our windowpanes are coated in a Low-E glass coating, reflecting 80% of sunlight to keep your home protected from damaging UV rays. These windows are a popular choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills without breaking the bank.

Triple Pane Windows

If you’re looking for a major energy efficiency boost, consider upgrading your windows to triple pane windows. These windows offer the same benefits as double pane windows, but with an additional pane of glass for maximum energy efficiency. Triple pane windows from Window Nation reflect 90% of sunlight, allowing your heating and cooling systems to work smarter, not harder. You’ll enjoy lower energy bills year-round!

Glass Coatings

Replacement windows from Window Nation have a Low-E glass coating for top-of-the-line energy efficiency. Low-E stands for Low Emissivity, which involves the ability of an object to radiate heat. What does that mean for your windows? Low-E means a “low” amount of radiation and heat from the sun will be entering your home. Your home will feel more comfortable, as your HVAC system will be able to work more efficiently. Modern replacement windows also come standard with a metallic oxide coating to help reflect heat. The more precious the metal, the more effective it is at reflecting heat. Most builder-grade windows use tin, a lower-grade metal that does a serviceable job reflecting sunlight. However, at Window Nation, our windows are coated with silver oxide, a cost-effective option that will prevent harmful UV rays from entering your home.

Window Gas

You might not know that a special gas is inserted between your windowpanes to boost your windows’ energy efficiency. At Window Nation, we insert Argon gas between each pane to minimize heat transfer, keeping the temperature of your window close to the temperature in your home. The amount of gas between the panes depends on the style of window you choose. If you have double pane windows, your windows will be filled with 98.8% Argon gas, while triple pane windows will be filled with 99% Argon gas for maximum energy efficiency.

Spacer Systems

Window spacers play a critical role in keeping your home comfortable. Spacers separate the glass panes, playing an important role in determining how much heat or cold can pass through the windowpanes. Replacement windows from Window Nation use top-of-the-line Super Spacer technology, reducing the rate of heat loss through your windows.

Need New Windows?

When you’re ready to start your window replacement project, schedule an estimate with one of our exterior design consultants. Our team will discuss your project with you and go over your options so you can find the best windows for your home. You’ll then receive a quote good for up to six months. Schedule your in-home estimate today at WindowNation.com.