Throughout the years of owning a home, some features just become outdated or in need of a fix. There are big investments like the garage door, roof shingles, wall insulation and pool resurfacing, but there are also small upgrades that need to be made some time along the road. Eventually, homeowners need to change features because of technological or architectural advancements and benefits. One of these simple, yet overlooked, features are window panes. There are many variations to the window designs, however different types of window frames and panes are available to homeowners as well. 

Different Types of Window Frames - Best Window Panes

Single Pane

As you would guess, a single pane window is made with a single pane of glass. Single pane windows used to be very popular because of it’s inexpensive upfront installation cost; however, as the years went on, homeowners were realizing that the light and heat coming in from the window was increasing the heat in the whole home. This lead to people covering their windows with sheets and curtains, losing out on the natural light. Even still, covering the window with a sheet didn’t cool the home enough to make a difference. Therefore, when choosing windows you should consider heat transfer. 

Double Pane

Not too long ago was the world introduced to the invention of double paned windows. Double pane windows are 2 sheets of window glass with an inert gas in between the two panes, creating pressure and insulation, reducing the amount of heat transferred from outside to inside the home. Along with better insulation, noise reduction is to be expected when upgrading from single pane to double pane windows. Because the outside heat won’t affect the inside environment, homeowners have been known to save up to $500 in energy costs by the end of the year. Maintenance is costly, however, since damaging either glass on this fixed with a simple repair. In order to fix a damaged window that is multi paned, you will need to replace the whole unit with a new window installation. 

Triple and Quadruple Panes

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than double paned windows, architectural advancements have made triple and quadruple paned windows a reality. For buildings that need the best insulation and noise protection available such as hospitals, schools and business buildings, the extra 2 or 3 panes make a very significant difference. While these options cost the most initially, in the long run, the energy costs will be considerably reduced. With all the essential benefits that a window must serve, the increase in the number of glass panes bring even more advantage. 

There are many benefits to considering the different types of window frames and panes for updating windows in your home. While quadruple pane windows are the most expensive, they are also the best for insulation and energy efficiency. The world started with just single paned windows allowing a view from outside in while controlling the airflow in and out. The more architecture advances, the more benefits we receive from those who provide new window designs.