What Are Single Pane Windows?

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You won’t consider single-pane windows if you’re looking at new replacement windows. Single-pane glazing is a thing of the past and is not an energy-efficient option, and more modern window companies can’t use single pane in manufacturing. At Window Depot of Dallas, we replace hundreds of single-pane windows yearly with the latest double-pane options. Unlike single-pane windows, dual and triple-glazed options protect your North Texas home from the extreme summer temperatures.

We’re writing this article because many Texans need to know what type of glass is in the home. However, we want to shed light on all types of glass, even outdated single-pane glazing, to help you make a good buying decision.

Keep reading to learn more about:

  • What single-pane windows are
  • Repair options
  • Purchase options
  • Efficiency
  • Lifespan
  • Purchase options

What are single-pane windows?

Single pane glass refers to a type of glass that is made up of a single sheet or pane of glass without any additional layers or coatings. This type of glass is commonly found in older buildings, especially those constructed before the mid-20th century.

Single-pane glass has several disadvantages compared to modern, double, or triple-pane glass. It is less energy efficient, providing less insulation from the outdoor environment, which can result in higher heating and cooling costs. Single-pane glass is also less effective at blocking noise and ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, single-pane glass is more prone to breaking and shattering, making it less secure than double or triple-pane glass.

Recently, there has been a shift towards using double or triple-pane glass in new construction and for retrofits in older buildings. These types of glass have additional layers and coatings that help to increase their energy efficiency, security, and soundproofing capabilities.

 

Can you repair single-pane windows?

No. When a single piece of glass breaks, you must replace the entire piece. How it breaks depends on whether that glass is annealed or tempered.

 

Can you still buy single-pane windows?

Yes. If replacing an existing glass with led caning, you can get the new one to match. The most common place to find single-pane windows today is in the sidelights of a front entry door system with led caning. The caning houses pieces of clear sheet glass, so it must be a single layer.

 

How efficient is single-pane glass?

Cardinal Glass Industries states single-pane clear glass delivers these window performance ratings.

  • Visible Light Transmittance – 90%
  • Visible Light External Reflectance – 8%
  • Visible Light Internal Reflectance – 8%
  • Fade Transmission UV – 71%
  • Fade Transmission ISO – 84%
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – 0.86
  • U-Factor – 1.04

 

How well does single-pane glass insulate?

Not well at all. According to Cardinal Glass Industries, if the outside temperature were -20, your inside glass temperature would be 0. If the outside temperature were 20, your inside glass would be 31.

Single glazing does not insulate well. Double-pane glass with Low E has a 69-degree swing from -20 degrees and 38 degrees better when it’s 20 degrees outside.

 

How many years do they last?

Unlike dual-glazed windows, a single pane lasts until the glass is cracked. Because they aren’t sealed, you won’t see foggy panes on single-pane windows. The most likely cause of cracked glass is a stray object during mowing or weed eating. We also get many calls from parents who had a kick throw a ball through a window – yikes!

 

How thick is it?

Most single-pane windows have an overall thickness of 1/8”. 1/8″ is double-strength glass, providing more support. In much older windows, you could have single-strength glass that is 1/16″ thick.

 

Who makes single-glazed windows?

Most local glass shops provide single-pane glass, but window manufacturers typically do not. You can visit glass.com to source a local glass fabricator that offers affordable single-pane glass.

 

In closing

As you can see, single-pane windows are less efficient than double-pane or even triple-pane windows. If you’re considering replacing your windows, now is the time. Double-pane and triple-pane windows are much more energy-efficient and will help you save money in the long run. If you live in the DFW area, we would happily help you choose the right windows for your home. Schedule a consultation today!

We aim to ensure that every customer in North Texas has all the information they need to choose the best products on the market.