What goes into the glass, and what you can choose.
The glass is most of the window. In a triple-pane unit, three panes are separated by two sealed gaps filled with argon, and at least one pane carries an invisible low-emissivity coating that reflects heat back into the room. Around the edge, a spacer holds the panes apart. Every one of those parts is a choice we make with you.
Is triple-pane worth it in Seattle?
Where double-pane can make sense: interior partitions, some doors, and budget-led projects where the frame and installation matter more. We'll tell you honestly.
The parts of an insulated glass unit
- Panes: usually 4 mm float glass; thicker or laminated where needed.
- Gas fill: argon is standard.
- Low-e coatings: reflect long-wave heat. Coatings are chosen by orientation: more solar gain on north, more control on west.
- Warm-edge spacer: a plastic or composite spacer instead of aluminum, so the glass edge stays warmer and condenses less.
- SHGC: how much solar heat comes through. Our ranges run roughly 0.09–0.53 depending on system and glass.
People pick glass by the center number. The edge is where condensation starts.
Quiet glass
Laminated acoustic glass, asymmetric pane thicknesses and wider gaps cut traffic, airplane and neighborhood noise. Our systems are rated up to about 45–48 dB with acoustic glass on the European Rw scale. That isn't the same test as US STC, so don't compare the numbers directly. Near I-5, SR-99, Aurora Avenue or under a flight path, we start with acoustic glass.
Safety, privacy and specialty glass
Tempered or laminated safety glass where the code requires it (near doors, floors, tubs and stairs). Obscure glass for bathrooms. Laminated glass for security. Decorative and colored glass on request.
Options at a glance
| Option | Choices |
|---|---|
| Glazing | Double, triple; quadruple on MB-104 Pro and MB-Slimline |
| Gas | Argon standard |
| Spacers | Warm-edge, in several colors |
| Glass types | Low-e, laminated, tempered, acoustic, obscure, decorative |
| Grilles | Applied, between-glass, simulated or true divided lites |
| Frame colors | White, RAL solids, woodgrain foils, anodized, dual colors, wood stains |
| Hardware | Tilt-and-turn, tilt-before-turn, lockable handles, concealed hinges, restrictors |
| Screens | Fixed, flex and pleated; retractable for sliding doors |
| Install | Nailing fin, brackets, through-frame, renovation frames |