Triple Glazing vs. Double Glazing: What are the Differences?

In current architectural and interior design, bigger usually is better especially when it comes to windows and glass. However, having a lot of windows or glass doors in the design of your home is not the most practical or energy-efficient thing to do because they are not well insulated. Windows and doors account for around 30% of total energy loss in a home. The more windows there are, the greater the loss. So, how can you preserve the design and have a warmer, quieter, safer and more energy-efficient home?

We believe the answer is glazed windows, slowly becoming the most common of home improvements. Triple glazing or double glazing is essentially the two options you have when it comes to your windows. It is important to understand what the differences are between double glazing and triple glazing. In short, they both play a very similar role in your home, but there may be a few things to consider before spending your money, the difference in cost of triple glazing vs double glazing is substantial, even though the practical differences are few. 

What are Double Glazing Windows?

A double-glazing window is built from two panes of glass, with the gap between them filled with dehydrated air or gas, making them effective insulation agents. Double-glazed windows help keep the heat out in the summer and the warmth in during the winter, reducing the number of times your heating or cooling system needs to turn on and off. Thermal insulation is created by the airtight structure of double glass windows. This slows the flow of heat both entering and exiting. Lower energy expenses arise from using less energy to heat or cool your house. 

Because double glazing is not as cold as single glazing, it helps to decrease condensation on the interior of your windows (within the room). The air gap inside the double glazing also stops condensation from occurring as the inside pane of glass is at normal temperature while the outside pane is cooler due to exposure. 

The Benefits of Double Glazed Windows

If you live in a bustling and noisy metropolis, you may crave a peaceful evening at home. Double glazing significantly minimizes outside noise. It will also keep noise levels within your home under control, so you won’t bother your neighbours.

The bulk of intruders enters homes through windows or doors. Double-glazing provides exceptional home security since its composition and design make it extremely difficult to shatter.

Double glazing may dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling, as well as your carbon footprint.

Double glazing may appear to be expensive at first, but it will end up saving you a lot of money by lowering the amount of money you would spend on heating and cooling your house. 

Adding double glazing will also make your home a better and more comfortable place to live. When compared to a property with single glazed windows, this conveys an energy-conscious message that will appeal to more potential buyers. If you ever need to sell your house, you can be confident that you will obtain a greater price than if you continue with single glazing.

What are Triple Glazing Windows?

Triple glazing consists of three panes of glass within a sealed frame, similar to double glazing. There is a pocket of air or an inert gas, such as argon, between each pane; it is heavier than air and acts as an insulator for both noise and heat, but with a maximum efficiency boost of only approximately 20%. The third pane of glass, which is situated halfway between the inner and outer panes of double glazing, generates two airlocks, resulting in a modest gain in energy performance.

While shopping for triple-glazed windows, keep in mind that the upgrade advantage is not worth the extra cost owing to the technology, specification, and performance of a high-quality double-glazed window. In reality, the benefit of triple glazing for sound insulation may be obtained in a double glazed window with sound insulating laminate glass; the heat benefit is likewise minimal with triple glazed windows rated at A++, whilst a good quality double glazed window is rated A+. 

Cost of Triple Glazing vs Double Glazing

You’ll see basically the same advantages and disadvantages when comparing triple-glazed to double-glazed windows in that they’re better at reducing heat loss and gain, are more energy efficient, reduce even more condensation and provide more noise reduction. With all this in mind, triple-glazed windows can cost around 20% more than double-glazed windows, which is considerable. Yes, the extra cost comes with slightly better performance, but the fact is that, first and foremost, if you already have double-glazed windows, the enhanced efficiency of the glass is likely to be so minimal that it is not worth spending up to 30% extra for it. And secondly, if you’re a first-time buyer of glazed windows and you’re trying to decide between double glazed and triple glazed, by going with double glazed, you will be getting similar results for cheaper.

Where to Find High-quality Double Glazed Windows?

First Home Improvements offer a comprehensive range of double-glazing window designs, suitable for all types of buildings. All our UPVC double glazing windows offer exceptional levels of energy efficiency as well as a choice of opening styles, solid colours and wood grain effect.