Double or Triple glazed windows

Double or Triple glazed windows

Double glazing has quickly become a must-have for many homeowners. In fact, it’s a standard part of new homes throughout the UK, with double glazing a compulsory part of a new build. You’re even required to replace single glazing with double glazing if you’re planning on renting a property in the United Kingdom.

About 86.7% of homes across the country already have double glazing installed, as a way of keeping energy bills low and reducing carbon emissions.

However double glazing isn’t the only option on the market anymore. Today, it’s possible to take your window efficiency to the next level, with triple glazing. While this solution is naturally more expensive than double glazing, it’s considered by many to be well worth the extra expense.

So, how do you decide whether double glazing or triple glazing is right for you?

The Pros and Cons of Double Glazing

To make the decision between double glazing and triple glazing, homeowners first need to understand the advantages associated with both options. Double glazed windows feature two separate panels of glass, as opposed to the single-glazed, traditional window.

These panes are separated by a gap which is filled with an inert gas to assist in reducing the transfer of noise and heat from the outdoors to the inside of your home. Double-glazed windows are the standard for most modern homes. Unless your property is quite old, there’s a good chance you already have double glazing.

Double-glazed windows come with a number of great benefits, and a couple of downsides. Let’s look at the pros and cons for homeowners.

Pros:

Double glazed windows are less expensive than triple glazed windows

Double glazing is excellent at reducing sound and heat transfer

With double glazed windows, you can reduce your energy expenses

Cons:

Double glazing isn’t always as secure as triple glazing

Double glazed windows MAY have a shorter lifespan due to increasing requirements for thermal efficiency in the future

With double glazing, you have higher U-values (making them less energy efficient)

The Pros and Cons of Triple Glazing

Just as double glazing brings two panes of glass to your window design, triple glazing comes with three separate panes of glass, with gaps between the sheets to reduce heat and noise transfer. The extra pane of glass delivers a lot of bonus benefits to a triple glazed home.

With another pane of glass, you have additional protection from the outside weather and noise, as well as a greater level of security, as triple glazed windows are much harder to break through than double-glazed alternatives. As consumers become more eco-conscious and worried about their energy bills, triple glazing is growing increasingly popular.

Like double glazed windows, triple glazed windows have their own positives and negatives to consider. Let’s list the pros and cons.

Pros:

A lower U-value, and higher energy efficiency ratings

Slightly better noise reduction than double glazing

More secure against crime and break-ins

Cons:

Triple glazing creates a much heavier window

Increased likelihood of external condensation

These windows are pricier than double-glazed alternatives

The Differences Between Double and Triple Glazing

Both double and triple glazing deliver very similar benefits to homeowners, just at different levels. They can reduce internal condensation and draughts, improve energy efficiency, and help to block some of the excess noise of the outside world getting into your home.

Where double glazing usually wins out over triple glazing, is in cost. A double-glazed window is typically much more affordable than it’s triple-glazed alternative. Plus, most homes already have double glazing, which means you may not have to invest in upgrading your home at all, provided your windows are relatively new. If you’re on a budget, you’re likely to stick to double glazing.

However, for everything outside of cost, triple glazed windows do perform better. They’re a lot more energy-efficient than double-glazed windows, and they’re fantastic at reducing draughts and noise.

Triple glazing has a very low “u-value”. In the homeowner world, the u-value is a window is the measurement of how heat is lost from a property. An average single glazed window has a u-value of around 5, while a double glazed window has a u-value of 1.4. This means you can essentially half your U-Value just by installing double glazing.

A triple-glazed window, on the other hand, has the smallest U-Value of all, at around 0.8. This means you virtually lose no heat at all from your property when you invest in triple glazing.

Another area where triple glazing excels is with noise reduction. If you live in a busy area with a lot of traffic and neighbours, triple glazing could be an excellent way to ensure more peace and quiet. Triple glazing can even help to keep you safe, by providing an extra layer of protection to your windows, making it harder for criminals to break in.

Getting the Most from Double or Triple Glazed Windows

On average, a triple glazed window will generally provide better energy savings and improved performance compared to a double-glazed window. However, whichever option you choose, it’s worth remembering not all windows are created equal. There are windows out there with higher energy ratings, and better sound-proofing capabilities. You could also consider vacuum glazing this type of glass can considerably reduce the u-value of your window and door project

With this in mind, it’s worth exploring all of your glass and window design options carefully when you’re choosing a new set of double or triple glazed windows. Everything from the gap size between the panes, to the glass thickness will make a difference to your results.

What’s more, some windows come with trickle ventilators installed, which help with air flow, but reduce the noise management capabilities of your windows. If you’re concerned about noise reduction, you should talk to your window installer about the best option for your needs.

Above all else, remember to ensure your windows are always installed by an approved and accredited professional. The KJM group specialises in offering highly efficient, durable and reliable windows and doors to people all around the UK. Contact us today to find out more about your double and triple glazing options.