Triple-Pane Windows on One Side Only
Hey there,
Looking for some insight on my debate,
Building a new house in climate zone 6 nova scotia canada,
Full ocean exposure on west north west side, all other sides fairly protected by trees.
Walls looking like r30, slab r20,
Roof r50 or 60.
My thoughts are since eating area, living room and master are on water side, to put triple pane windows in for comfort only on that side,
Double pain on all others since you get more sun so higher solar gain?
(correct me if I’m wrong)
Waiting for pricing now but are triple pane windows generally 20% more?
And is it worth it just on one side with most weather
Thanks brenden
Picture attached is lot water facing rough house placement
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Replies
With comfort as the consideration, there's no reason not to put triple panes all around. No solar gain at night (and minimal when it's overcast), so the double panes would definitely feel colder compared to the triple panes in those conditions.
+1 for all triple pane windows. Just use windows with less aggresive low-E coatings (such as Cardinal's Low-E 180), since those tend to have better SHGC numbers in terms of allowing for more solar gain. The triple pane windows will reduce heat LOSS all the time.
Note that you should try to get full-width (1-3/8") triple pane windows. The narrower (7/8" especially, but also 1-1/8") triple pane windows are much lower performance.
Bill