What Are Double Pane Windows?
Having a comfortable and energy-efficient home is top of mind for many homeowners. One way to increase the efficiency of your house is to install double-pane windows. But what are they, and how do they work? Let’s dive in as we explore the benefits of installing double-pane windows in your home. We’ll cover their features, materials used for construction, installation process, cost, and more!
What are double-pane windows?
Double-pane or double-glazed windows have two sheets of glass separated by a sealed air space. This air space creates an insulating layer that helps to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
Double-pane windows are more energy efficient than single-pane windows. They can help reduce energy costs by preventing heat from escaping in the winter and hot air from entering the home in the summer. They also provide better sound insulation than single-pane windows, which can be beneficial in noisy areas.
In addition to the two panes of glass and insulating air space, double pane windows may also feature low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, which are thin, transparent coatings that help to reflect heat and block harmful UV rays. To improve energy efficiency, some double-pane windows also have inert gas, such as argon or krypton, in the sealed air space.
Double-pane windows are now a common standard in many modern homes and are often a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Can you repair double-pane windows?
Generally, no. If one pane breaks, you’ll need to replace the entire piece of glass, an insulated glass unit or (IGU). It doesn’t matter if the exterior or interior pane breaks. You’ll need an entirely new IGU. If you’re wondering, “if you can replace one pane of a double-pane window,” you cannot.
If your windows have condensation between the panes, you’ll also need to replace the entire double-pane window glass. You cannot replace only the interior or exterior pane of glass.
Are double-pane windows worth it?
If you want replacement windows to improve your home’s efficiency, you’ll need double-glazed windows. Not to mention, you won’t be able to permit a project with single-pane windows.
Can you clean between dual-pane windows?
Once the spacer fails and condensation builds up between the glass, there is no way to clean or eliminate the condensation. Your only option is to call your window manufacturer to see if the glass is under warranty. If so, you will likely receive a free piece of glass but pay the labor for swapping the glass.
What is the average cost for double-pane windows?
At Window Depot of Dallas, our windows start at $699 and go up. Even our base windows have double-pane glass.
How many years do they last?
Today’s dual-glazed windows can last decades. Window glass in vinyl windows does not move or flex as much as in old-generation aluminum frames. Older-generation aluminum frames transfer a lot of hot/cold temperatures to the glass, causing it to expand and contract. Over time, that movement led to a failed seal, which caused foggy panes of glass to appear. With today’s vinyl window technology, the hot and cold are not passed on from the frame to the glass.
How thick is dual pane glass?
Most double-pane windows have an overall thickness of 3/4″. Overall, they measure from the outside of both panes and include the dead air space in-between. The glass in most windows is 1/8″ thick.
Who makes them?
All of the well-known window manufacturers offer insulated glass. Typically, their base offering includes two panes of glass, but some retail companies promote triple-glazed windows. At Window Depot of Dallas, we build triple pane windows, but they are not recommended for the local North Texas market.
In closing
Double-pane windows are the standard for new windows today. If your home has old single-pane windows, you are likely paying more in heating and cooling costs than you need to. New windows can help improve the efficiency of your home, protecting you from temperature extremes both inside and outside. If you live in the DFW area, we would happily help you choose the right windows for your home. Contact us today to set up a consultation. Our goal is to ensure that every customer in North Texas has all the information they need to choose the best products available.
