3-Panel Windows: What Are They and Which San Diego Homes Need Them?

If you’re not familiar with the various styles of replacement windows on the market, it can be difficult to know what type of window to place where. Each style has its own set of unique characteristics and benefits to consider. One popular type of window is one that many people call a “3-panel window.” We get a lot of inquiries about this type of window, so we thought we’d dedicate a blog post specifically to it.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get about 3-panel windows and our answers to those questions:

What Exactly Are 3-Panel Windows?

3-panel windows are a style of window with three distinct framed panels of glass arranged side-by-side-by-side. The two end panels slide open horizontally in front of the fixed middle panel. The three sections are known as “lites” in the window industry, so we call these types of windows “3-lite sliders.” 3-lite sliders are longer than they are tall. They provide rooms with a lot of natural light as well as the option to let in fresh air.

Where Should I Put a 3-Panel Window in My San Diego Home?

A 3-panel window can go in any room in which you have the space, really. They are great in larger rooms that have a good amount of horizontal wall space. A lot of our San Diego customers put them in family rooms, living rooms, and master bedrooms, but they could go in any room in which you want a good amount of natural light as well as the option for ventilation. If you want a large window but you don’t need the ventilation, you should opt for a less expensive picture window that has no operable panels.

What Sizes Do 3-Panel Windows Come In?

All the replacement windows we sell at BM Windows are made to order. That means you can get windows in whatever size you need. Typically, we will replace an old window with a new one of the same size. By doing this, there is no additional construction needed and your interior and exterior walls are not damaged. There’s no need for drywall repair, stucco repair, or siding repair after your new window is installed. We simply remove your existing window and insert your new replacement window in the same spot.

What Are Some Good Brands of 3-Panel Windows?

With 3-panel windows, it’s especially important that they be energy efficient. This is because there is a lot of glass surface area in this type of window. If there isn’t a good glazing system in the brand of replacement windows you buy, your home will heat up more than it should in the hot summer months. On the rare cold San Diego day, a high-quality window will help keep your home cozy inside, without having to use your heater as much.

At BM Windows, we carefully choose the brands of replacement windows we offer our San Diego customers. We only offer windows that provide a good balance of quality, durability, energy efficiency, and affordability. Sometimes, the brands we offer change due to issues like pricing, quality control, and turnaround times, so contact us for the brands we currently sell. You can be sure that any brand of replacement window we recommend has been carefully vetted by our team of window experts. We only sell products that we can wholeheartedly endorse!

A 3-panel window is just one style of replacement window that works great in San Diego homes. There are many others to consider. When you work with BM Windows, one of our replacement window specialists can help you choose the best windows for every room in your home. Contact us to schedule an in-home consultation, during which you can get all your questions answered and receive an all-inclusive quote on new windows for your house.