Are Triple Glazed Replacement Windows Worth the Investment? June 6, 2014 Shopping for replacement windows can seem like a chore, but when you go into the process with the ideology that it is an investment in your home, you will likely take more time to consider all of your options, and that will help you find the ideal windows, not just the cheapest ones. One option that you’ll likely hear about in your search will be triple glazed windows. This refers to the number of layers of glass within the window itself. The standard window sold in Toronto, and most other places, is double glazed. Double glazed windows are two panes of glass that are sealed with either a basic vacuum seal or a gas, such as argon or krypton gas. This layer of gaseous insulation provides protection against the cold during the winter months. It would stand to reason that if double glazed windows that are sealed with krypton gas are the most energy efficient, compared to argon gas or no gas insulation, or single pane glass, that triple glazed windows would be even more efficient. And that assumption would be correct. The problem, though, is not only the cost of the triple glazed windows but also the weight. Triple glazing requires more material, so they are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive. Being concerned with the weight of the windows has nothing to do with installation, mind you. It has to do with being able to open and close the windows. The more glass or the thicker the glass that a window has, the harder it is going to be to open them. If you’re talking about a double hung window and someone who is advancing in years, this might not be convenient for them, especially if they enjoy opening or closing the windows in their home when the temperature cooperates. However, if you’re looking for the most energy efficient windows, the kind that could cut down energy loss through your windows by up to 80 percent, compared to single pane windows, then triple glazing could well be worth the investment.
