Benefits of double glazing

Double Glazing versus Triple Glazing

Posted by | February 12, 2021

When you are investing in new windows you want to get it right the first time!
That nudge to deal with new windows can come in a variety of ways. It may be that continual draft that puts you off sitting by the windows, or condensation build-up every morning. Alternatively, you may find that your existing windows are not insulating against outside noise. Whatever your reason, purchasing new windows is a significant outlay that is made with the expectation of decades of protection for your home.

With the thermal insulation benefits of windows being more recognized than ever, it is understandable that you will want to select windows that have the best thermal performance and ratings as well as sound structural integrity and security. Double glazing has long been the go-to choice for high-quality, durable glazing, but triple glazing is making a name for itself as a performance alternative with superior energy efficiency.

Triple glazing is a market contender for truly energy saving glazing.
Triple glazing is touted as the way to go for truly performance windows. The name alone inspires confidence that this is a window that will exceed the capabilities of regular double glazing. It is incredibly popular in the cold, northern European climes of Scandinavia where timber and aluminium triple glazed windows are chosen to eke out every bit of warmth from the nordic chill.

What is triple glazing?
Triple glazed windows are windows that are made up of 3 panes of glass, rather than the two panes that are used for double glazing. Each pane is separated by a layer of inert gas (such as Xenon or Argon) and the entire frame is sealed. Like double glazing, the gas layers between the panes act as effective insulators for noise and heat, with two insulating layers, compared to the single gas layer in double glazing. Both the gas layer and extra pane are thought to contribute to enhanced energy performance and acoustic insulation.

Is triple glazing worth it?
The added value of triple glazing is down to its insulative properties. But are they worth the premium, compared to double glazing?
One of the best ways to make a sound assessment of the thermal performance of any window is to evaluate its U-value. U-value is a measure of the window’s ability to transmit heat from a warm environment to a cold one. Understandably, the lower it is, the better as it will mean that your windows retain your heat in your home.
For comparison:
Single glazing carries a U-value of approximately 5.
Double glazing, depending on its age, can have a U-value of between 3 and 1.6.
Triple glazing can achieve U-values of as little as 0.8.
● A wall has a U-value of 0.3!

The type of energy savings will be affected by the thickness of the glass used in the glazing as well as the type and quality of frames and their installation. As the U-value of triple glazing is closer to that of walls in your home, there may be less temperature disparity between windows and walls than is sometimes experienced with double glazing.

Why over 90% of UK property owners make double glazing their tried and trusted choice.
Double glazing is not yet obsolete!
Modern double glazing delivers excellent thermal performance and noise abatement which in many cases negates the additional insulation gains of triple glazing, especially when the cost is considered. If you are choosing between double glazing and triple glazing, high specification double glazing with thicker glass may deliver better value for money and deliver a wider range of design options.

Looking for new windows? Make sure you talk to the experts.
By sitting down with a member of our local team of expert window fitters, you can have your questions answered and benefit from free, impartial advice on the range of glazing options available for your property. We can also measure your windows and show you our extensive catalogue for frame designs that will make not only a durable but tasteful enhancement to your home.

To get started simply call our email us and we will be delighted to arrange a no-obligation visit to your property at a time of your convenience.