One of the things to think about when buying new windows and doors are the differences between triple glazing vs double glazing. Virtually all our new windows and doors come with the option of triple glazing but it is worth the extra cost and is there noticeable benefits?
Triple glazing does give you better insulation and more energy-efficient windows as a starting point. In this article, we explain more about the glass we use in all our products and how triple glazing can improve these.
Triple glazing vs double glazing. What you need to know
As the name suggests, triple glazing uses three pieces of glass compared to the two pieces well-known with double glazed units. After all, the term ‘double glazing’ is used to describe newer windows or property with the original windows replaced.
Choosing the right glazing is as important as the investment you’re about to make in new windows and doors. As well as this, the recent awareness of greater energy efficiency and our energy usage on climate change will no doubt influence current and future buying decisions around glazing.
Triple glazing isn’t a new technology. Scandinavian countries have used triple glazing for more than ten years already and some climates even have quadruple glazing. You’ll also discover, composite windows using a combination of materials, often come as standard with triple glazing, that’s a perfect complement to the excellent insulation of timber inside and aluminium outside.
Both the latest generation of high specification double glazed units we use in our products contribute to energy efficiency. When comparing triple glazing vs double glazing, triple glazing is better.
Improved U-Values with Triple Glazing
The U-Values you get with new windows vary depending on the material and its insulation and the glass type. For instance, large minimal-framed sliding doors have excellent thermal performance even with double glazed units because there’s so much glass and so little aluminium.
Therefore many factors affect the energy efficiency of windows and even enhancements such as the aerogel insulation available in windows by Origin, again with excellent U-Values even with double glazing.
Triple glazing is used in the highest performing windows such as those used in Passivhaus and low-energy buildings. Where a typical double glazed unit high performance window can achieve around 1.4Wm2K U-Value, triple glazed windows go to U-Values below 1.0Wm2K. Remember, the lower the U-Value the better the energy efficiency of the window.
Extra insulation also means reduced condensation, although there are many factors that cause windows to condensate.
Therefore, if you’re looking for the best performing glass in your windows combined with an insulated or composite frame, triple glazing does make sense.
Sound insulation when comparing triple glazing vs double glazing
Acoustic glass uses two different thicknesses of glass, one usually being a laminated construction that helps lower sound levels. You’ll find acoustic glass used a lot on properties, residential or commercial, near busy roads, transport hubs, schools etc.
Triple glazing using three pieces of glass is better at sound insulation than double glazed units. If your triple glazed unit uses laminated glass in the middle pane, then the sound performance is better still.
Triple glazing is more secure
There’s no doubt, double glazing is already very secure, using toughened or enhanced security laminated glass in doors or windows.
Triple glazing undoubtedly gives a potential intruder a further barrier of glass to get through, so when you want insulation, acoustics and added security, again triple glazing is a consideration.
The disadvantages of triple glazing vs double glazing
There are a few disadvantages to consider with triple glazing, some being important, others subjective.
Triple glazing does cost more than double glazing. There’s a greater amount of glass with additional materials and manufacturing times. Typically you can expect to pay around 20-30% more for triple glazing vs double glazing as a glass cost.
The important factor is whether the energy-saving properties of triple glazing are worth the extra cost and especially taking into account a whole house full of triple glazed windows and doors. It can take many years to recoup the investment in triple glass compared with what it saves you on energy bills. However, it’s also a case of considering whether the enhanced comfort levels outweigh this.
Finally, there’s the extra weight. This isn’t a huge factor for most modern windows or doors as the hardware is designed for larger sizes and, in the case of doors, some pretty large sliding or folding panels. But you might want to consider the weight if, for example, there are disabled or elderly occupants that already find opening doors more difficult.
It’s also mentioned by some users, that whilst small, there’s a slight loss of visual clarity looking through three panes of glass compared to two.
Get a quote today for triple or double glazed windows and doors by Open Living
In June 2022 Building Regulations are changing requiring window replacements and in new build homes to have even better-performing windows. So there’s a strong argument that triple glazing will become the norm to meet these new requirements. As well as this, when comparing triple glazing vs double glazing, three pieces of glass do add more comfort inside the room.
Some windows like hybrid already come with triple glazing as standard, therefore it’s quite likely the market will shift to this glass type by default and address the issue of climate change and reducing heat loss even more.
Our Letchworth showroom showcases our entire range of windows and doors in all materials. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and discuss your glass options with a member of our team.
