Double Pane vs. Triple Pane Windows:
Why Triple Pane Are the Go-To Choice for All Canadian Renovations
Homeowners here know that our climate is anything but mild. Long, cold winters with biting winds are followed by hot summers with intense sun and high daytime temperatures. With a temperature range of -35C to +35C, Winnipeg has one of the most drastic variations in seasonal weather anywhere in the world. This means our building materials must perform well in both extremes, and sometimes ‘good’ products simply aren’t good enough.
That’s why understanding the difference between double pane and triple pane windows is so important when you’re upgrading your home.
Back in our September blog we made it clear that ACR only installs triple pane windows. Here’s why:
Triple pane windows have 3 layers of glass, creating two insulating spaces between panes. These windows typically include low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and high-performance gas fills that dramatically reduce heat transfer. The result is a window that is designed specifically for climates with extreme temperature swings like ours.
By comparison, double pane windows consist of only 2 layers of glass with a sealed space filled with air or insulating gas such as argon. Double pane is significantly better than older single pane windows, but simply can’t compete with triple pane.
Better Performance in Hot Summers
While winter performance is essential, Winnipeg summers can be equally demanding. Long daylight hours, intense sun, and periodic heat waves place heavy strain on cooling systems and can cause homes to overheat.
Triple pane windows help manage summer heat by:
- Limiting heat transfer into the home
- Reducing solar heat gain through the glass
- Keeping conditioned indoor air inside longer
The result is more stable indoor temperatures and reduced reliance on air conditioning during peak summer months.
Keeping Comfort In, Winter Wind Out
In winter, wind can magnify heat loss and create uncomfortable drafts around poorly insulated windows. Properly installed triple pane windows reduce these effects by maintaining warmer interior glass surfaces and reducing air movement near the window.
Homeowners benefit from fewer cold spots, less temperature fluctuation, and improved overall comfort throughout the home.
Reduced Condensation and Moisture Risk
Condensation is a common issue during our winters when extreme outdoor cold meets moderate indoor humidity. Cold window surfaces can allow moisture to form, potentially damaging window frames, drywall, and interior finishes over time.
Because triple pane windows maintain warmer interior surfaces, they reduce the likelihood of condensation, and subsequently reduce damage to surrounding building materials as the condensation turns into drips.
How Window Efficiency Is Measured
Let’s add some numbers to better demonstrate the difference.
- U-factor: This measures how well the window resists heat loss. Lower is better — a lower U-factor means less heat escaping in winter.
- R-value: The inverse of U-factor (higher = better insulation). This is the rating that most people are familiar with, as it is also used to rate fiberglass and other types of insulation.
Double Pane Windows:
- Typical U-factor: approx. 0.30–0.50 (W/m²·K)
- Rough R-value: generally R-3 to R-5
Triple Pane Windows:
- Typical U-factor: as low as ~0.15–0.25 (W/m²·K)
- Rough R-value: up to R-6 to R-9
Though these numbers aren’t necessarily intuitive for many homeowners, the difference between double pane and triple pane windows is significant.
Energy STAR = Energy Savings
In Canada, ENERGY STAR® certification sets minimum performance standards for windows based on climate conditions.
Rather than dividing the country into multiple regional zones, ENERGY STAR Canada now uses a single national standard, ensuring all certified windows are suitable for cold climates. While many double-pane windows are designed to meet these minimum requirements, triple-pane windows typically exceed them — and perform more reliably during our cold snaps.
This leads to:
- Lower heating costs in winter
- Reduced cooling expenses in summer
- Less strain on furnaces and air conditioning systems
Over the lifespan of the window, these savings can significantly offset the initial cost.
The Bottom Line for Prairie Homes
At All Canadian Renovations, we acknowledge that installing triple pane windows in your home will cost you a little more. But, we also believe that we would be doing you a disservice by saying ‘yes’ to double pane windows; you just won’t be happy. And that’s what matters most to us.
Our reputation has been built on providing the best solutions and the highest quality work for our customers. Knowingly installing a ‘fairly good’ window when we know there are ‘excellent’ windows available breaks that commitment.
So, send us an email, or give us a call, and we’ll help you make the right decision for your window upgrades!