Single Pane or Double Pane Window Decision

Replacing windows can be an expensive process, but is necessary for the upkeep of your home or shed. The biggest choice to make when replacing windows is between single pane windows and double pane windows – but what does that mean, and what are the advantages of each?

Single pane windows are made with just a single pane of glass, while double pane windows are made with two panes of glass with space in between for air or another gas. The biggest thing you are affecting when choosing between single or double pane windows is the insulation in your home or shed. If insulation is a concern, double pane windows are usually the best choice, but are expensive.

Use & Structure Helps Make Window Choice Easier

So, what kind of structure are you choosing windows for? If you are choosing new windows for your home and deciding between double and single pane windows, you should almost certainly choose double pane. Insulation is a much bigger consideration in your home versus an outdoor structure like a shed.

Double pane windows have a higher upfront cost, but they will save you lots of money in the long run on energy bills. If you are replacing windows in a shed or other outdoor structure, you can give single pane windows more consideration!

While insulation is important in almost any structure, it is not as important in your garden shed or outdoor workshop. Ideally you are not paying energy bills to heat or cool this structure, especially not for 12-24 hours a day! In this situation, single pane windows are great because they are so much cheaper than double pane windows, and you won’t notice the impact, financially or otherwise, of their lesser insulating qualities.

Climate, Framing & More

Keep in mind that the framing materials of the window are also contribute to how much heat is lost through a window; wood, vinyl, and fiberglass are best at insulating and are important for cold climates. If insulation is still somewhat of a concern, whether you live in a colder climate or your structure or shed is in a shaded, cooler area of your property, consider using window coverings to decrease heat lost through the windows in your shed.

Windows for Tiny Homes, Office & Guest Sheds

Plastic shades provide very little insulation and can become damaged easily, even though they are cheap. Cellular shades have honeycomb shaped fabric tubes that are great for providing insulation while still letting natural light into your shed. If you need extra insulation or you want to be able to prevent more natural light from entering the shed, you can pair these shades or any other window treatment, with curtains.

Curtains allow you to choose the amount of natural light and insulation by choosing the thickness of your curtain fabric. Thicker curtains will provide the most insulation and block out the most light, while thinner curtains will let in lots of natural light and provide little to no insulation. If you are choosing a window treatment just to provide maximum insulation for your single pane windows, make sure that the cost of the treatment doesn’t go over the initial cost of double pane windows. If you are not on a budget, and you are concerned about insulation, it is probably best to go ahead and choose the double pane windows.

When Double Pane Windows Are a Good Investment

If you use your shed as an overnight guest room, you should most likely consider double pane windows for the comfort of your guests. Double pane windows will prevent the room from getting too hot or too cold, so it is not only the best choice for colder climates, but more moderate and warm climates as well. If you live in a very moderate climate and your outdoor guest shed stays at a mostly tolerable and consistent temperature all day and night, then you might be able to get away with installing single pane windows. However, most likely your guests will be most comfortable with double pane windows to prevent their sleep from being interrupted by shivering or sweating!

In general, double pane windows are the way to go, especially for homes and spaces in which people will be sleeping. Single pane windows are best for a budget, but require consideration and planning to make sure your shed will be comfortable enough to use! You can count on Shed Windows and More for the very best selection of windows for any shed or speciality shed you will be building as a DIY project.