Are you interested in replacing the windows you currently have in your home? Are you having difficulty choosing between double glazed or triple glazed windows? In this post, we'll help you make a more informed decision by looking at double glazing vs triple glazing.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to pick out the windows that are best for your specific property, but let’s look at this subject in a bit more detail.
In a rush? Here's our quick summary:
Double or Triple Glazing - Which Should You Choose?
Don't just rush out and buy triple glazing windows feeling that "more is better", when double glazing may be all you really need.
Similarly, though, don't be put off by the more expensive upfront costs of triple glazing, as you could make it back eventually in the savings you benefit from on your energy bills in the long term.
The choice of whether you should get double or triple glazing is really one that only can make. You need to weigh up all the factors (discussed in detail below).
There are different pros and cons of each double and triple glazed windows. You'll need to consider things like the area you live in too.
The Pros and Cons of Double and Triple Glazing
Let’s explain exactly what each are, to avoid any confusion and then go straight into the benefits and disadvantages of each of the window styles.
We will also consider the difference between the two and the various factors you need to consider when choosing which option is best for you. We'll explore who will benefit and who won't, like if you are interested in energy saving and want to reduce noise.
What Are Double Glazed Windows?
Windows with double glazing are windows that feature two panels of glass, as opposed to the more standard single glazing which features just one. Rather than these panes being placed together, they are separated by a gap that is either kept as a vacuum or filled with a gas that helps to reduce the transfer of heat and noise from the exterior of the property to the interior.
Double glazing is the standard for most modern properties and remains the most popular, due to its affordability. It’s likely that unless your home is very old, that you already have double glazed windows.
Pros
- Double glazed tend to be less expensive than triple glazed windows
- Reasonable sound insulation properties
- Can, when installed properly, reduce most heat loss
Cons
- Not nearly as secure as triple glazed windows, but still secure for areas where crime is not too big an issue
- Shorter lifespan
- Higher U-values than triple glazing, meaning they are less energy efficient
What Are Triple Glazed Windows?
Just as single glazing refers to windows with one pane of glass and double glazing refers to windows with two panes of glass, triple glazed windows are simply modern versions that feature three panes of glass.
You may be thinking that this difference in itself is enough and that because triple glazing features one more layer of protection from outside weather and noise, that the choice is simple, but there are several factors you need to consider.
Like many things in life, it is not quite as simple as one is better, but the other is best. It is worth considering triple as one of your options.
Pros
- Lower U-value, which relates in them being more energy efficient
- Are best if you are looking to reduce noise, than double glazing
- Securer against crime and break-ins
- Higher durability and lifespan than double glazing
Cons
- Pricier than double glazing
- Much heavier window
- Could be more than you actually need for the climate we have in the UK
Cost
One aspect of buying new windows and whether double or triple glazed is right for you and your home that you need to think about is the cost. Triple glazing, rather unsurprisingly, is pricier than double.
Given that windows, as well as being an essential component to a safe and secure property, are an investment.
So, when thinking about the cost, you need to not just think “one is more expensive, so it’s better”.
You need to think about the return on the investment and whether the upgrade to triple glazing is really worth it.
Energy Efficiency - U-Value
That leads us onto what is probably the single most important aspect of buying new windows for most people that you need to consider, energy efficiency and the windows, whether its triple glazing or double glazing, energy performance.
After all, we would all like to reduce our heating bills. Obviously, when you are changing from single to double, the heat retention and noise reduction, as well as security of your windows is improved dramatically. The extra pane of glass does that.
As you would imagine, triple glazing increases this even more.
It is reported that as much of a quarter of the heat in the average home is lost through the windows.
That is why it is important that when improving insulation in your home, you are reducing the loss of heat.
The U-value is something you will come across when reading and researching windows and energy efficiency. This is how heat loss (often referred to as energy loss or energy transfer) from a property or home is measured.
The U-value of the average single glazed window is 5.6, while it is 2.8 for the average double glazed window and 0.8 for the average triple glazed window.
That again would make it seem like an easy decision to make. Triple glazing windows have better U-values.
However, it is not just replacing the windows that can help you save energy, as energy is lost in various other parts of your home.
Before spending money on triple glazing windows, it is wise to look at other aspects such as the floors, doors, roof and loft space and the insulation you currently have.
It may be that all you need is double glazing windows instead of triple glazing and improvements to other parts of your home.
Noise Reduction
Another area to think about when choosing between double or triple glazing is noise reduction. Is your home in a built-up and noisy area or do you live along a busy road that has a lot of traffic?
Then this will be more of a concern than it would be for someone who lives in a quiet rural area.
Although as is the case with reducing heat loss, triple glazing is going to be better than double glazing at keeping noise out, there are some important factors to consider.
- Glass panel thickness is crucial to sound insulation, rather than the number of panels. Furthermore, when you have a combination of panels of different thicknesses, you can improve it even more, as each thickness blocks different frequencies. If you choose to have asymmetrical glazed windows, and noise reduction is a key feature, consider opting for there being a difference of 33%.
- The gap size is also important, because the bigger the gap, the better it will be at reducing noise.
- Any trickle ventilators you have on your windows or intend on having will completely ruin any noise reduction you may have benefitted from with the features outlined above.
Taking all of the above into consideration, if noise reduction is something you are interested in, and you are trying to decide between double and triple glazing, you need to be aware that although triple will definitely improve it in many ways, it is a lot more expensive and you may be able to save money by opting for double glazing with the correct thickness and gaps.
FAQ's
Is triple glazing better than double glazing?
The answer to this question is yes, technically, they are better. An extra layer of glass will obviously come with many benefits. However, there is a lot you need to consider before deciding whether it's the best option for you.
It really depends on what you are looking to get from the glazing. Triple is better for retaining heat, but it could be that two panes of differing thicknesses will be just as effective, if they have a larger enough gap between them.
The amount of heat you use and lose and your overall energy costs need to be factored into your decision.
Can you replace double glazing with triple glazing?
Yes, you can replace double glazing with triple glazing, despite the difference in the number of panes of glass and the spaces between them, they are both very similar.
How much more expensive is triple glazing than double glazing?
Triple glazing can be as much as 33 to 50% more expensive than double glazing when you are using the same style of window. With a U-value of around 0.8, that price may not seem like too big a deal when you calculate your savings over the long term.
Is triple glazing worth the extra money?
This is a yes and no kind of answer. It really depends on a lot of other factors related to your home, beyond just the type of replacement windows and window frames you want to have.
When you are looking at improving the thermal efficiency of your home, for example, you need to think about the windows and doors and how much heat is lost through them and other places like the external walls, lofts and roof.
For affordable windows in Hertfordshire or Essex with a 5-star rated installation service, contact our friendly team today to arrange a free, no-obligation quote or call us on 08081688563
