If you’re looking to replace your home’s windows or need better soundproofing, then you might be considering triple pane windows and wondering whether triple pane windows are more effective for noise reduction and whether they’re worth it.
About Triple Pane Windows
Double pane, or glazed windows, have two panes of glass with a gap between them. This gap is filled with argon gas, which reduces sound and energy loss.
Triple glazed windows have an additional pane of glass and a layer of gas. The extra pane increases the window’s ability to maintain the temperature in your home. It also means the window is better at noise reduction.
Triple pane windows have a metallic coating, which reduces the amount of sun that enters your property in the summer and keeps the warm air inside during the winter.
So the short answer is yes, you’ll find triple pane windows to be effective at noise reduction—more so than double pane windows.
The Amount of Noise Reduction Triple Pane Windows Offer
To get a solid understanding of how much noise reduction triple pane windows offer, we have to start with a basic understanding of sound.
Sound travels in waves at different wavelengths according to pitch, and can move through physical materials.
The effectiveness of windows at blocking sound is shown by an STC rating—this effectively summarizes how good the window is at blocking sound waves.
The rating scale starts at 25. If your window is rated 25, it’s about as good as a flimsy hotel wall through which you can hear everything your neighbors are doing.
An STC rating of 40 is considered essential to block most sounds and give you privacy.
Single pane windows have an STC between 26 and 28, double pane windows have one between 26 and 32, and triple pane windows have an STC between 28 and 35.
Put another way, a single pane will block all noise up to 15dB and a double pane unit can cancel noise up to 35dB. The acoustic triple pane will eliminate noises up to 54dB.
To understand this, the average conversation is held at around 60dB. A triple pane window would reduce the conversation to a slight hum. In contrast, a single pane would allow you to hear most of what is said. That’s true whether it’s two people talking outside the window or if the television is turned on.
Cost vs. Benefit
The biggest question you probably want answered is the cost of installing triple pane windows versus the benefit.
A triple glazed window is likely to cost you 30 to 40 percent more than a double-glazed unit. The major benefit of this is that 20 percent more sound is kept out by the windows.
This sounds impressive. However, in real-world terms, it’ll make the most significant difference if you live in a noisy area. Should you live in a relatively idyllic rural setting, it’s unlikely that the additional cost of triple glazing will be worth the benefit in terms of noise reduction alone.
FAQ About Triple Pane Windows for Noise Reduction
How much noise reduction do triple pane windows offer?
Triple pane windows have an STC rating of 28 to 35, which offers you some privacy—it’s enough sound reduction to block most sounds.
How much noise reduction do triple pane windows offer compared to single pane?
Impressively, a triple glazed window can reduce more than 50 percent of the sound from outside as compared to a single pane window.
Which offers better noise reduction: double or triple pane windows?
Triple pane windows are more effective at reducing noise than double pane windows. They eliminate roughly 20 percent more noise. This is because they have an extra pane of glass and an additional layer of argon gas. The gas is heavier than air, making it difficult for sounds to travel through it.
What noise reduction factors do triple pane windows offer?
The key to triple pane windows’ noise reduction is in the installation process. They need to be fitted perfectly into the window gap and high-quality caulking should be used.
If this isn’t done, then the sound and heat can move past the window at the edges.
When installed properly, a triple pane window offers two layers of gas and a metallic coating, ensuring that minimal noise gets through.
What’s the cost of triple pane windows?
Triple pane windows are more expensive than double pane. They use more materials and cost more to manufacture. Industry averages are approximately $1,900 per window. However, it’s difficult to put an exact cost on triple pane windows, as it’ll vary according to size and the following three factors.
- Type of gas used
Triple pane windows generally use argon gas, which is effective at offering sound insulation and reducing energy loss. There is a more expensive option, krypton. This is a heavier, denser gas and offers superior sound insulation and energy containment. But it costs more.
- Quality of construction
The quality of construction plays a big part in the cost of triple pane windows. High-quality materials cost more, but are also more durable, meaning the window will last longer. Of course, the additional construction cost will increase the cost of the window.
- Extras
There are a range of accessories that can be added to any triple pane window. Naturally, any accessory that isn’t standard will increase the cost.
For example, you can choose different handles, whether the window has more than one opener, or even to add patterns on the glass. These things can all improve the look of the window and your property, but they do increase the cost.
Is it worth investing in triple pane windows?
Triple pane windows offer very good noise reduction and will save you money on your heating and cooling bills. That makes them a valuable addition to any home.
However, as with most home improvements, it’ll take several years for the savings to cover the cost of the windows. If you’re planning on staying in the house for five to 10 years or more, they could be a good investment based on your individual needs.
Summing Up Triple Pane Windows for Noise Reduction
The short answer is yes, triple pane windows are better than double or single pane windows at reducing outside noise, though the amount of noise they reduce may not be worthwhile based on the additional cost.
Making the decision to purchase them would depend on various factors, such as how much you value the extra amount of noise reduction versus their additional cost and how important energy loss is to you as compared to how high energy prices are.
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