Whether you want to improve the appearance of your home or save energy, double pane windows are an excellent choice. They’re also a great selling point when it comes to putting your house on the market.
The insulating air between the two glass panels helps reduce noise pollution from traffic, neighbors, and weather sounds. Double pane windows also provide added moisture resistance.
Vinyl
When it comes to budget friendly window replacement options that still offer energy-efficiency, vinyl is an excellent choice. It’s durable and doesn’t corrode or separate like metal. It’s also available in a wide variety of styles and colors that can suit any home.
Today’s state-of-the-art double pane windows use a spacer between the two glass panels that is filled with an insulating gas, such as argon, krypton, or xenon. The thinner gap between the panes of glass reduces heat transfer, increasing energy savings.
Double pane windows have become the industry standard for a reason. They keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while reducing monthly energy bills. However, if the seals between the panes break down it can allow moisture and condensation to form. This will lead to fogging and the infamous crackling noise.
Fiberglass
Double pane windows are a good way to save energy, especially since they reduce the amount of air that can escape your home. They also improve your home’s acoustics, making it less noisy from outside traffic or neighbors.
Fiberglass is 8 times stronger than vinyl and resists expanding or contracting in any climate, ensuring a tight fit that will last. It also doesn’t stick or swell and won’t rust or need to be caulked.
The strength of fiberglass allows for a slimmer frame and more glass, ideal for historic homes. However, fiberglass must be treated with UV protection because it is vulnerable to sun damage and fading. This can be accomplished with a thick acrylic layer applied during the pultrusion process or by adding a powder coating before installation.
Clad
Double pane windows offer excellent insulating qualities, which can help you save money on energy bills. They keep the heat from escaping your home in winter and prevent cold air from entering it in summer. These windows also reduce noise from the outside world and allow you to enjoy your privacy without disturbing neighbors or noisy traffic.
Clad windows have an aluminum exterior that protects the wood interior. The cladding is available in different colors and finishes, so you can choose the one that matches your home’s architecture. Clad windows are also more durable than other types of windows and require minimal maintenance.
Clad windows are more expensive than vinyl, but they add value to your home. They are a popular choice in new constructions and homes with modern architectural styles. They can also improve the look of older homes by blending in with their surroundings.
Aluminum
Double pane windows offer several benefits that will add value to your home. These include better thermal insulation, better UV blocking, and better sound-blocking capabilities.
In addition to reducing energy costs, double pane windows can help to eliminate cold and hot spots in the home. They also improve comfort and make the home easier to maintain a consistent temperature.
Originally, double pane windows used an additional layer of ambient air to separate the two glass panes. Over time researchers discovered that filling this space with a dense gas (usually argon or krypton) maximized their insulating benefits.
The only drawback of double pane windows is that it is challenging to clean them without breaking apart the seals around each pane. Doing so would also be extremely difficult to reassemble and reseal the window units.
Composite
Double pane windows are more than just energy efficient – they help stabilize your home’s temperature and reduce outside noise. The gap between the glass is filled with an inert gas (argon, krypton or xenon) that acts as an additional insulator to keep outdoor noise out and your indoor comfort in.
The thick double panes also soften outdoor sounds and result in a quieter, more restful living environment.
Fogging between window panes is a sign of seal failure and can be an inconvenient and costly problem to deal with. In addition, condensation can block visibility and cause a dirty appearance that is difficult to clean. When this happens, it’s important to consult with a window vendor and installer for proper repair. It’s also worth noting that double pane windows are more durable than single pane windows.