By Katie Flannery | Published Apr 26, 2023 12:03 PM
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Triple glass pane windows, also known as triple-glazed windows, have three panes of glass with a spacer gas in between each pane. The gas, which can be krypton or argon, insulates the windows much more efficiently than with single- or double-pane windows. A three-pane window can increase energy efficiency by up to 50 percent more than double-pane options. The additional spacer gas and glass pane also decrease outside noise pollution by approximately 20 percent. How much do triple-pane windows cost? According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, triple-pane windows cost ranges from $400 to $3,540, including labor, with the national average at $1,935. Homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $2,740 per window depending on the window style, size, and gas spacer type. Labor pricing can run from $100 to $800, which typically includes the disposal of the old windows. The overall price could triple for a picture window or for an extra-large bay window, and window installations on the second or third floor add at least an additional hour to the installation process, which increases the labor pricing.
Many homeowners decide on triple glazing for their windows to save on energy costs. A triple multi-pane window is more resistant to condensation and prevents heated or cooled air from escaping. This keeps the HVAC unit from overworking, which in turn results in lower heating and cooling costs. Triple-pane windows can last between 10 and 20 years in many homes, although impacts from windblown debris, projectiles like baseballs, or wildlife can reduce the longevity of the window. Thermal pane windows such as triple-glazed options can sometimes crack and fail. This can happen during the spring and fall, when the daytime temperatures are much warmer than the colder nighttime temperatures. Thermal stress is one of the drawbacks of thermal pane windows, but many homeowners install them because of their energy-efficient benefits. This guide will examine the important factors that influence triple-pane window cost, additional costs and considerations that can change the final cost of triple-pane windows, the types of triple-pane windows, and the benefits of installing triple-glazed windows in a home.
While many homeowners spend between $400 and $3,540 for triple-pane windows, the overall cost can vary from the national average of $1,935 due to several important factors. These can include the number of windows, frame material, window type, window size, spacer type, window location, window brand, and local labor pricing.
The number of windows that are needed will influence the overall cost of the installation project: The more windows, the more expensive the installation. A home with 20 windows will cost between $6,000 and $54,800 for the windows, and labor will run from $2,000 to $6,000. On average, triple-pane windows cost from $25 to $40 per square foot, but many professional window installation experts charge a project rate based on the number of windows rather than the square footage.
Triple-pane windows can cost from $300 to $2,740 per window for materials only. Vinyl and aluminum frames are typically more budget-friendly than wood-frame windows, which can cost considerably more. Aluminum is usually the least expensive material, but it’s not the best insulator. If a homeowner is looking for the best insulator, fiberglass is an excellent option, but it’s more expensive. Below are the most common triple-glazed window frame materials and their average prices.
Prices can vary greatly due to the type of triple-pane window. Smaller and less complex windows will be less expensive than larger windows. Since triple-pane windows require more care during the assembly process, they also need more materials, which will raise the overall price. Some of the most common triple-pane window styles are awning, bay, bow, casement, double-hung, hopper, picture, single-hung, and skylight windows. Each of these types of windows is discussed in a section below.
Oversized bay and picture windows can cost as much as three times more than standard-size windows. Odd-shaped windows will require more installation time, which results in additional labor costs.
Triple-pane windows are filled with an inert spacer gas, most often krypton or argon. These gases add an extra layer of protection against thermal transfer and aid in decreasing noise pollution from the outside. Argon is a common choice for homeowners due to the fact that it’s more affordable and more readily available; however, while krypton costs more, it’s a better insulator. Both gasses are colorless, odorless, and nontoxic and will not harm family members if it leaks into the home.
When homeowners are budgeting for triple-pane windows, it’s important for them to consider where the window will be installed. Installing windows on upper floors will take at least an hour more than installing windows on the first floor; costs will rise as a result, since the process will take more time and additional safety measures will need to be implemented.
Many trusted window brands offer double insulated windows, but it may be more of a challenge to find triple-pane windows. Below are the companies that offer triple-glazed windows.
Labor for installing new triple-pane windows can run from $150 to $800 per window, while triple-pane replacement windows can range from $100 to $300 per window for labor, which typically includes the price to dispose of the old window. Labor for installing new windows is more expensive, as it includes the removal of a section of the wall, the framing of the window, and the additional finishing touches. Installing windows on the upper floors will add about an hour of installation time to each window, so the labor prices will increase for second- and third-story windows.
When budgeting for triple-pane window cost, homeowners will often find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the overall cost from the national average of $1,935. These can include the difference in the price of double-pane vs. triple-pane windows, new vs. replacement windows, operable vs. inoperable windows, and glass treatments, insulation, and weatherproofing.
How much does window replacement cost? It’s typically less expensive to replace old windows than to install new ones. Installing a larger window in a space where a smaller window was removed requires additional time to cut out the wall and frame in the window, resulting in higher labor costs. Oversize windows and windows with complex designs will cost more to install than standard-size windows. Opting for a replacement window that’s the same size can help homeowners save money. The cost to replace window glass ranges from $400 to $950, depending on the brand and quality of the glass.
While triple-pane windows can help increase energy efficiency compared to double-pane options, they are more expensive. Triple-pane windows are about twice as expensive as double-pane versions, and they can be 15 percent more expensive if they have a low-emissivity (low-e) coating on the glass. Triple-pane bay windows and extra-large options can increase the price as much as three times the price of standard-size windows.
Operable triple-pane windows, or windows with a movable sash that can be raised and lowered, are more expensive than non-operable triple-pane windows. Stationary windows, or windows that are fixed in place and cannot be opened, are less expensive. Non-operable windows are used for picture windows and for some windows in a triple window unit, such as a bay window.
Triple-pane windows that have low-emissivity (low-e) coating allow less sunlight through the glass, which makes them more efficient by blocking ultraviolet and harmful UV rays. This coating can reflect heat to ensure the HVAC unit doesn’t have to work so hard to heat or cool the home. Homeowners will want to be aware that opting for low-e window coating can increase the window price by 15 percent. Window tinting cost ranges from $316 to $907, with the national average at $587. Window tinting can boost a home’s safety, privacy, and energy efficiency while adding a decorative element to the glass.
Triple-pane windows provide increased insulation and are better at maintaining a consistent temperature throughout a home compared to single- and double-pane windows. While the upfront cost of triple-pane windows is higher, over time many homeowners will spend the extra money to save on their heating and cooling bills. Adding additional insulation and weatherproofing to each window will increase the overall cost of the installation project.
There are many different types of triple-pane windows, and the two most significant factors that influence cost are window frame material and window design. The purpose of the window, personal taste of the homeowner, and overall home aesthetics can influence what type of window is chosen for a space. When homeowners are deciding on the type of triple-pane window to install, it’s recommended that they consider the location of the window, purpose of the window, and frequency with which it will be opened and closed. Homeowners will also want to be aware that window size is another important factor in the final price of triple-pane windows. Below are the average prices per window, including materials and installation.
Awning windows open with a hand crank that is also the window lock. The window opens upward to create a weather-resistant awning that can protect against rain trying to get inside. This type of triple-pane window can cost about $1,100 per window.
Bay windows are composed of flat windows set in an angled frame that protrudes from the side of a house. A flat center window and two side windows are installed at a 30- to 45-degree angle to create additional square footage inside the home. By creating additional seating or a shelving area, these windows typically add to the value of a home. Triple-pane bay windows can cost about $4,000 due to the increased price of the triple-pane glass and the additional time it takes a professional to install the triple window unit. Even if the window doesn’t use triple-pane glass, the cost of a bay window is always more than the cost of a standard-size alternative.
Bow windows use custom-shaped curved windows to create a circular area. While similar to bay windows, bow windows have at least five windows, compared to the three windows in a bay window. Triple-glazed bow windows cost approximately $9,600 each, but the overall price depends on the size of the window and the number of window panels.
Casement windows swing up or out to the side to open. With one casement window on the left and another on the right, this type of window offers a less obstructed view than other window types, since it’s made from solid glass. Triple-pane casement windows cost about $1,250 apiece, but the overall price can differ depending on the frame material.
Both the bottom and top sash move up and down with double-hung windows. Since they also tilt out for maintenance and easy cleaning, the double-hung window is one of the most popular windows for homeowners to install. A triple-pane double-hung window costs approximately $820.
A hopper window opens downward and inward from the top of the window. Most commonly installed in basements and bathrooms, triple-pane hopper windows cost about $700 each.
Homeowners who want a lot of natural light to flood a room will often choose a picture window. Made from a large pane of glass, picture windows are usually rectangular in shape. A triple-pane picture window can cost about $650 or more, depending on size.
With a single-hung window, only the bottom sash moves up and down for ventilation, and the top sash is fixed in place. Triple-pane single-hung windows run about $575 each.
Skylights are an excellent way to allow for increased natural light if there are limited options to install windows on exterior walls. Triple-pane skylight windows add increased insulation and strength compared to single- and double-pane versions and can cost about $1,800 apiece.
While the upfront cost of installing triple-pane windows is more than the cost of single- or double-pane options, many homeowners are willing to pay more for the overall benefits of installing triple-glazed windows. Some advantages include increased energy efficiency, better soundproofing, reduced drafts, and additional safety.
Triple-pane windows can increase the energy efficiency of a home by up to 50 percent compared to double-pane windows. Since triple-pane windows provide increased insulation against hot and cool air trying to enter or escape, the heating and cooling system will not have to work so hard to keep the indoor temperature comfortable and consistent.
Triple-pane windows have been shown to reduce outside noise pollution by up to 20 percent. For homeowners who live in busy urban locations that experience noise pollution, triple-pane windows are a popular choice. They have a sound transmission class (STC) value of 26 to 38, compared to a single-pane window, which has an STC of 27. The higher the STC, the better the window will be at reducing exterior noise infiltration.
The three panes of glass with insulating spacer gas in between each pane reduce the potential for drafty windows. Windows with a higher R-value (the rating of thermal resistance, or the measurement of the overall insulating value) are much better at blocking heat, which means less heat will escape through the window. Triple-pane windows have an R-value of up to 5, compared to double-pane windows, which have an R-value of 3 to 3.7.
Triple-pane windows are more difficult to break than single- and double-pane windows, so they can increase the overall safety of a home. Homeowners can add to their home’s safety measures by installing one of the best home security systems, which include window sensors and glass break monitors (such as one from Vivint or ADT).
Since many homeowners install triple-pane windows to increase energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution, installing them as a DIY project may result in improper installation, which would negate any benefits and can potentially void any product warranty. As a result, installing triple-pane windows as a DIY project is not recommended. While installing windows on their own will help homeowners save on local labor costs, they will still need to buy all the tools and equipment to correctly install the windows, and the costs can quickly add up. Triple-pane windows are also heavier than single- and double-pane options. It’s recommended that homeowners use experienced, professional window experts to install triple-glazed windows to ensure the wall and window frame can handle the additional weight and to make certain the installation is done correctly. Window pros can install triple-pane windows with a tight seal to ensure energy efficiency, and they also know how to meet local building codes regarding window installation. Additionally, window experts can assist homeowners with selecting the best type of windows for their home and match the window to the home’s overall design aesthetic. If homeowners want to complete some of the preparation or finishing touches on their own, they will want to talk to the window installation professionals before the project begins.
Triple-pane window prices can be expensive, and the cost to replace single- and double-pane windows can quickly add up. Below are some money-saving tips for homeowners buying triple-pane windows.
Asking a window professional the right questions about triple-pane windows can help save money and avoid miscommunication. Below are some important questions for homeowners to ask about triple-pane windows and the installation process.
When homeowners are deciding on triple-pane windows, it’s important for them to have all the information available regarding triple-pane window cost. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding triple-glazed windows and the installation process.
Homeowners can expect to recoup about 70 percent on their investment in new windows. More expensive windows, like triple-pane windows, might not have as much of a return on investment, especially if they’re not commonly installed in the area. For homes in areas with extreme climates, triple-pane windows may be more common and so installing them can increase a home’s value compared to installing single- or double-pane windows.
A quick way for a homeowner to tell if their home has triple-pane windows is to hold a lit lighter to the window. If there are three distinct reflections of the flame, then the windows have three panes of glass. If there are only two reflections, then the windows are double-pane.
Triple-pane windows reduce noise pollution significantly more than single-pane windows but are only slightly more soundproof than double-pane options. Many homeowners opt for laminated glass windows to reduce sound transference and noise pollution.
No, triple-pane glass is not bulletproof. Many bullet-resistant products are made of glass-clad polycarbonate, acrylic, or polycarbonate, and the amount of protection is based on the thickness of the material, the way the material is made, and the type of bullet-resistant material that’s used.
Double-pane windows have two panes of glass with a spacer gas in between each layer, and triple-pane windows have three panes of glass with a spacer gas in between. The additional materials make triple-pane windows more expensive than their double-paned counterparts. Triple-pane windows provide more insulation and energy efficiency than double-pane windows. With the added window glass and additional spacer gas, triple-glazed windows are better at blocking heat flow. Double-pane windows can allow up to 10 percent of heat to escape, while triple-pane windows only allow about 3 percent. Triple-pane windows are also harder to break than double-pane, so they can add an extra amount of security to a home. High-quality triple-glazed windows add a minimal amount of soundproofing compared to a double-paned option but significantly more than single-pane windows.
Triple-pane windows are worth the money if you need increased insulation and energy efficiency. Those living in a climate that experiences extreme hot or cold temperatures will benefit the most from triple-pane windows. Replacing windows is a costly investment, but many homeowners choose triple-pane windows to reduce noise and cut down on heating and cooling costs.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, This Old House, Homedit
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