Understanding double-pane windows and egress requirements together helps you meet code and improve efficiency in a single project. Double pane windows feature two window panes separated by an insulating space. They often include low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas in the air space to improve energy efficiency.
These windows are very popular because they help homeowners save energy costs and lower their utility bills. They also reduce outside noise and provide more comfort and security.
Meeting the NFRC Performance Benchmark
High-performance windows have superior insulating qualities that help keep homes warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. They also significantly reduce energy costs, making them a smart investment for any homeowner.
To maximize energy efficiency, choose a window with an NFRC-certified U-factor rating below 0.30. Look for a Low-E glass coating that helps to reflect solar heat while transmitting visible light.
Insulated frames are another key element of high-performance windows, utilizing foam fills and other materials to provide better insulation than traditional wooden frames. Some fiberglass frames are designed with insulating gases like argon and krypton to boost performance. Additionally, warm-edge spacer systems are used between double and triple panes of glass to reduce condensation and seal in escaping air.
Frame Options for High-Performance Double-Pane Windows
Clad-wood windows combine the beauty of solid wood interiors, factory stained to match your décor, with durable exterior cladding materials like aluminum or fiberglass. The unique design creates a thermal barrier that helps lower energy bills by keeping the heat out during scorching summers and the warmth in during cold winters.
Fiberglass is another strong option, and it’s generally considered a more environmentally friendly choice than vinyl, since it doesn’t out-gas or produce volatile organic compounds over its lifespan. Fiberglass is also strong, durable, and highly insulative, and it expands and contracts at a stable rate, which helps prevent cracking or warping over time.
Double pane windows work well in most climates, including our Utah winters, which are cold but not as harsh as those in northern states and the upper Midwest. If you live somewhere with more extreme winters, triple-pane windows offer even better performance.
Double-Pane Windows and Egress Code Requirements
Egress windows are required by building codes to ensure a safe exit in the event of a fire or other emergency. They provide an escape route, help preserve belongings, and prevent smoke damage by allowing toxic gases to vent outside instead of building up inside your home.
A double-pane egress window combines both requirements at once: two glass panes separated by an insulating gap filled with a clear, odorless gas such as argon or krypton, meeting code while also minimizing heat transfer and outside noise.
Ask your installer for a start-to-finish package that includes bringing your egress windows fully up to code, rather than needing to coordinate separately with a different contractor for the structural work involved.
Choosing Your Style and Finish
For homeowners looking to make a lasting impact on their home, double-pane windows provide an elegant aesthetic. They are available in a variety of materials, such as vinyl, wood, and aluminum.
These window options can be further customized with grid patterns, frame colors, and hardware. Customizations like these allow Murray UT homeowners to align their replacement windows with their architectural style.
Get Double-Pane Windows and Egress Requirements Met
Murray Window Replacement can help you find the right double-pane windows for your home’s energy performance and egress needs. Contact us or call (385) 786-6447 to schedule a consultation.