The differences between double and triple glazing are fairly simple. Double glazing is made with 2 panes of glass and triple glazing is made up of 3 panes. In both double and triple glazed units, the panes of glass are separated by a spacer bar to create an air gap which is filled with an insulating gas to prevent heat transfer through your windows.
If you are renovating your home and are struggling with the choice of double or triple glazed windows it may not be the case of knowing which one is better but what are the benefits of both.
In order to help you choose which is best for you, and how your home can benefit from new glazing, we have broken down the key points so you can make an informed decision.
Is triple glazing better than double glazing?
This is completely dependent on your circumstances. Triple glazing offers great benefits, as does double glazing. Triple glazing provides slightly greater energy efficiency due to the extra pane of glass and it also offers better noise reduction due to the unit being thicker.
However, the 3 panes of glass will make the windows heavier and naturally more expensive. If you live in an older property, the heavier window unit may not be suitable for your home. If you don’t live somewhere particularly noisy, or subject to harsh weather, it may be that double glazed windows are enough.
Find out more about triple glazing
Double glazing vs triple glazing energy efficiency
One of the biggest reasons to change to triple glazing is because of the attractive energy efficiency ratings a triple glazed unit boasts. The additional pane of glass reduces heat loss even further, and when you know that up to 25% of heat loss in homes is via the windows, it’s not hard to see why triple glazing is appealing.
The extra glass pane doesn’t only offer better insulation, but the additional air gap between the 3 panes is filled with viscous argon gas. This is a common method used by manufactures to trap in the heat so you can keep the cosy warmth inside your home. The same technique is used with double glazing making it very beneficial to homeowners. Double glazing is a cheaper and more common alternative to triple glazing and is still a worthwhile investment to your property if you have a tighter budget or if it is more in keeping with your current home.
If your home doesn’t need additional insulation or have an issue with outside noise, then double glazing could be the better option for you as the extra investment may not be required.
Double glazing vs triple glazing noise reduction
If you live near a busy road, built up area or near train tracks, new replacement windows can greatly improve your quality of life at home by lessening noise levels from outside. Double glazing will effectively reduce noise levels in your home; however, triple glazing can decrease them even further. However, there are a few points to consider when trying to make the choice between double glazing vs triple glazing.
•The thickness of glass plays a strong part in sound insulation. You can further reduce noise by choosing glass thickness. Each thickness of glass will block a different frequency of sound. For best results speak to one of our advisors at Seal-Lite and we can discuss what is best for your requirements.
•The size of the gap between the panes is also vital. The bigger the gap the better the noise reduction.
•If you have trickle ventilators above your windows, they can destroy the benefits of sound insulation of the windows. It is best to be aware of this before you spend money on window replacement.
If you are undecided about your options of double or triple glazing for noise reduction, it is worth speaking with one of our Seal-Lite Group experts about your requirements. While triple glazing is the most effective, it is more expensive and double glazing can offer the right solution with the correct spacing and glass.
Price difference between triple and double glazing
When comparing any home improvements cost is always at the forefront of a homeowner’s mind. Triple glazing does come with a higher price tag due to manufacturing costs being more as more materials are needed to make a triple glazed unit.
Double glazing is the more affordable option and with expert help you can still achieve great results.
No matter which option you choose, both double and triple glazing will save you money on household energy bills for many years to come as well as offering you an aesthetically pleasing result.
If you choose triple glazing over double glazing based on a cost point of view it will be because you need the best possible solution for comfort and energy efficiency.
Find out more about double glazing
Weight and performance of triple glazing and double glazing
Triple glazed windows are heavier than double glazed windows. Although triple glazing has many benefits, the heavier window may need to be installed into a new frame as existing frames may not be able to take the weight. Putting triple glazing into existing outdated frames could lead to a property having structural problems.
Triple glazing will require strong fittings to hold the weight of the glass which is another cost consideration to your home improvements.
Will you pick triple or double glazing?
The most energy saving benefit is making the change from single to double glazing as double glazing is an A rated product. While you can make great savings with triple glazing, it will often not offset the additional cost.
Triple glazing is particularly suited to homes that experience harsher weather conditions, such as coastal homes or if your situated in a noisy area.
Whatever your biggest priority is, Seal-lite can help determine which window is the most suitable for your home. Choose Seal-Lite if you are looking for triple or double-glazed windows today.
For more information call us on 01275 342 656 or contact us online.