Triple Glazing


I will be looking into triple-glazed windows over a few upcoming posts, including availability in the US market. Triple-glazed windows are even attracting interest now for building projects that are not attempting to meet Passive House standards, for which these windows are considered a must to achieve the right SHGC and U-factor values.  

In North American temperate to cold regions, high SHGC and low U-values (indicating greater resistance to heat flow) are typically sought.  A separate post checks in on values supplied by different manufacturers of triple-glazed products.

An article by Scott Gibson at Green Building Advisor provides a good introduction to the debate, Are High-Performance Windows Worth Their High Cost?

For a first-hand perspective and comparison, read Larry's Window Decision post at Up Hill House blog on his experience as he builds his own net positive and Passive House standard house.

A somewhat obvious note about windows is their relationship to building air-tightness in general.  The entire enclosure must be considered.  A super efficient set of windows doesn't solve neglected gaps around openings and in the envelope, which permit new sources of infiltration.   Windows function as an air barrier.  For further reading, check out this article series from Building Science about air sealing windows.

Comments

  1. Anonymous11/16/17, 8:31 PM

    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.
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