We're building a cabin up in the mountains (around 9,000 ft elevation), and I've been going back and forth about windows. Some folks swear by triple-pane, others say double-pane with argon gas is enough. I'm worried about condensation and keeping the heat in during winter, but also don't wanna overspend if it's not necessary. Curious what everyone else went with or prefers... quick poll:
- Triple-pane windows
- Double-pane with argon gas
- Regular double-pane
- Something else (tell me below)
I've installed windows in a lot of mountain cabins, and honestly, double-pane with argon gas usually hits the sweet spot. Triple-pane is nice, sure, but unless you're dealing with extreme cold (think Alaska-level winters), the extra cost isn't always justified. Condensation mostly comes down to ventilation and humidity control inside your cabin anyway. I've seen triple-panes fog up just as much as doubles if the indoor humidity isn't managed well.
One thing I'd suggest—spend a bit more on quality frames and good installation. Even the best window won't help if there's air leaking around it. Had a client last year who went all-in on triple-pane glass but skimped on installation... ended up with drafts and condensation issues anyway. Good luck with the build!
"Triple-pane is nice, sure, but unless you're dealing with extreme cold (think Alaska-level winters), the extra cost isn't always justified."
Yeah, agreed. When I built my place up in the mountains, I got talked into triple-pane windows by a very enthusiastic salesperson. Honestly, didn't notice much difference except in my wallet. More important was sealing around the frames properly and adding some decent blinds or curtains for colder nights. Spend your money on proper sealing and insulation first—windows alone won't cut it.
Honestly, didn't notice much difference except in my wallet. More important was sealing around the frames properly and adding some decent blinds or curtains for colder nights.
Interesting points, but I think triple-pane windows can be worth it even if you're not in Alaska-level cold. When we renovated our old farmhouse—definitely not Alaska, but winters here still bite—we switched from double-pane to triple-pane windows. At first, I was skeptical too, especially after seeing the price tag. But honestly, the difference in comfort was noticeable almost immediately. The rooms felt warmer, drafts were practically eliminated, and outside noise dropped significantly.
I agree sealing and insulation are crucial (no argument there), but I'd say don't underestimate the long-term comfort benefits of triple-pane glass. Maybe it depends on your home's layout or how exposed your location is to wind and weather...but for us, it turned out to be a worthwhile investment.
Interesting to hear your experience with triple-pane windows. I've been leaning toward double-pane with argon myself, mainly due to cost considerations, but your points about drafts and noise reduction are making me reconsider. Condensation is definitely a concern for me at high elevations, and I've read that triple-pane can significantly reduce that issue compared to standard double-pane. Still, the previous comment about proper sealing and insulation around frames makes sense too—no point in investing heavily in glass if the installation isn't airtight. Maybe the ideal solution is somewhere in between: invest in triple-pane for the most exposed or frequently used rooms, and stick with quality double-pane elsewhere. Has anyone tried mixing window types like that? Curious if it creates noticeable inconsistencies in comfort or performance...
I've actually done exactly that—triple-pane in the bedrooms and main living area, double-pane elsewhere. Honestly, haven't noticed any weird comfort differences room-to-room. Just make sure your installer seals everything properly...otherwise, you're just tossing money out the window (pun intended).
"Just make sure your installer seals everything properly...otherwise, you're just tossing money out the window (pun intended)."
Haha, couldn't agree more on that sealing point. Learned it the hard way myself—spent a fortune on fancy windows only to realize the drafts were sneaking around the edges anyway. Once we got that sorted, though, it was night and day. Good to hear your mixed-pane setup is working out; makes me feel better about my own window choices upstairs. Guess sometimes it's less about triple vs double and more about doing it right in the first place...
"Guess sometimes it's less about triple vs double and more about doing it right in the first place..."
Exactly—seen this happen more times than I can count. Had a client once who insisted on top-of-the-line triple panes, but the installer rushed the sealing job. First winter storm, they were calling me back because of drafts. After we redid the sealing properly, problem solved. Good installation beats fancy specs every time...glad your setup's working out now though, sounds like you're on the right track.
Couldn't agree more—seen plenty of fancy windows installed poorly, and basic ones done right that held up beautifully. Had a job once where the homeowner went with standard double panes but had us spend extra time sealing and insulating properly. Years later, still no complaints about drafts or leaks. Quality install is definitely key...those mountain winds don't mess around, haha. Glad you sorted it out!
Had a similar experience myself. Worked on a cabin up around 9,000 ft elevation, and the homeowner insisted on high-end triple-pane windows. They looked great on paper but honestly, the initial install was rushed and sloppy—ended up going back twice to fix leaks and drafts. Eventually redid the sealing properly, and only then did it hold up against those brutal winter gusts. Just goes to show, even top-tier windows won't save you from a careless installation...