Quadruple pane windows price is between $800 to $3000 per large window and between $500 to $1000 per small one. Quadruple pan windows are on average 40% more expensive than triple pane windows and 50% – 60% more expensive than double pane ones. Quadruple pane installation and replacement prices do not differ from triple pane installation and replacement cost as the builder wage would be the same.
How Much Do Quadruple Pane Windows Cost
Quadruple pane windows are much more expensive than triple and double pane windows, costing up to 60% more than double pane ones. The cost of quadruple pane windows ranges from $500 to $3000 per window. Small quad pane windows can cost from as low as $500 to about $1000. Larger ones in quadruple glazing can cost upwards of $3000 – $4000 per window in some cases. There are 3 reasons for why quadruple pane windows are more expensive. These are that quadruple pane windows require more material, that they are harder to make properly, and that they need to be of the best quality to ensure good results. When these are taken into consideration, the price comes out big.
So, some companies try do minimize there supply cost as to lower the overall price. While doing so, they can provide a better price. But, these windows usually lack in some way. With double and triple glazed window technology you are usually fine with a compromise in a less significant area. However, with quadruple pane windows, everything is important to get right. So, not many companies can provide quadruple glazed windows that are reliable for a good price.
However, you can be sure that with our quadruple pane European windows you are getting the best for a balanced cost for home improvement.
With manufacturers, the price may be lower, however, it is still quite high. Some manufacturers don’t even offer this option as it is very expensive and as such they may count on that not many would buy them.
The Benefits of Quadruple Pane Windows
- Energy savings on quadruple pane windows are from 10 – 15% through the windows. This makes up from $50 – $75 per year saved more than with triple pane windows.
- Some soundproofing advantages
Drawbacks of Quadruple Pane Windows
- Cost
Quadruple pane windows cost up to 60% more than double pane windows and are up to 40% more expensive than triple pane windows.
- Faster gas (argon or krypton) leakage and this leakage is more important for quad windows.
This can decrease the life time of the windows.
- 100 year return on investment.
Sadly, with the initial cost being so much higher and the savings being only marginally bigger, the return on investment with quadruple glazed windows is usually between 100 – 200 years.
- Heavy sashes, heavy windows
The heavy window sashes of quadruple pane operable windows make them a pain to install by hand. The instillation procedure with quadruple pane windows is harder. It also takes longer, and costs more. In most cases, they also require special equipment and tools. Moreover, this does not stop with picture windows. Operable quadruple pane windows are heavy for builders (and homeowners). A Large and even medium-sized picture window with quadruple pane glazing can weight hundreds of pounds. This heavyweight glazing also limits the size lift and slide doors can be. Large lift and slide doors with quadruple pane windows would weight too much for safe instillation.
Price to Performance
Although new quadruple pane windows offer some benefit over triple pane windows, they are not worth it. When comparing energy savings, yes you do save more each year with quadruple glass layer windows. However, in comparison to the initial cost, you get an over 100 year return on investment date. By the time you get the ROI, your windows would not even be functional.
Another aspect is the mortgage one. Due to mortgage requirements, you would need to take out a bigger plan in order to get quadruple pane windows. This is due to the high cost of the windows. However, by going through with this, there comes a larger interest sum. Although the heating and cooling savings from the windows would help you pay it of over time, this amount only translates to about 1/3 of the increase in interest sum.
When looking at sound proofing benefits of quadruple pane windows, you are getting better results with the base models of quadruple pane windows. However, the same and higher R-value can be achieved on triple pane windows. All for a lower cost.
Quad Pane for Passive House
Some see quadruple pane windows as a good choice for passive house projects. However, this is not the always the case. With quadruple pane windows, you do get better energy efficiency with the increase in glass panes and Low e glass coatings. This helps the house be more efficient as it saves you more money on energy bills. This would be a great quadruple glass layer window feature for passive houses if it weren’t for the decreased visual and heat transmittance the windows have. But, this is a key aspect with solar passive homes. These are the main type of passive house. Solar passive houses need window units with higher visual and thermal transmittance on the south wall windows.
South Wall Windows
This is because they use windows on the south wall to increase the house temperature in the winter. That is the heating technology. They would be on the south wall because in the winter, the sun is closer to the horizon. But, with the decreased visual and heat transmittance of quadruple pane window units, you are actually lowering the amount of heat that can enter. So, on one side you are saving money by minimizing how much heat you are loosing. But, on the other side, you are lowering the Initial amount of heat that can enter. In the case of quadruple pane windows, increased energy savings do not compensate for 10 – 15% lower visual and heat transmittance.
To try to fix this problem, some would suggest making the windows bigger in order to get more sunlight and heat inside. However, by making the windows bigger, you are also increasing the need for energy efficiency improvement. So, by trying to fix the performance disadvantage of quadruple pane windows, you are compensating on its benefit. All in all, the performance balances out, but your budget does not. This is a classic root problem of quadruple pane windows for homeowners (and builders).
With casement windows with quadruple glazing, you have very similar issues, however, operable windows can not be avoided.
R-Value Optimization and Noise Blocking Results
When looking to optimize the R-value of your windows, it is best to go by the motto of quality over pane quantity. It is better to invest in great quality triple pane windows with 2 low e coatings rather than in base model quadruple glazed ones. The price would be similar in both cases but with advanced triple glass windows with quality glazing, you are getting much better performance than with basic quadruple pane glazing. With quadruple glazed windows especially, it is important to get good spacers. Good spacers allow the sides of the glass to increase in temperature and thus higher condensation resistance. Going from bad spacers to good ones can have a bigger impact then the argon or krypton gas filings which also affect the condensation resistance. This part is very important for cold climates but only a feature for hot climates. We do offer quadruple pane European windows in picture or tilt and turn casement style. Nonetheless, we do let people know about its disadvantages. We care about our customers and offer honest information, even if it means sacrificing on revenue.
To find our prices, you can use the quick estimator on our website or submit a quote.
When looking at noise blocking results, with basic triple and quadruple glazed windows, you are getting better soundproofing with the quad pane ones. However, with the price difference being an estimate of 40%, using even just 10% of if on basic window soundproofing for triple glass windows, you can already getting very similar, targeted results.
