For many years, double glazing has dominated the window and door market in the UK. It has revolutionised the industry providing huge upgrades to the now seriously outdated single glazed windows in terms of security, energy efficiency, durability, style, and much more besides.
Recently, however, there has been a surge in the popularity of the new kid on the block, triple glazing, offer even more protection between you and the outside world. But with higher installation costs and a smaller, yet still significant, gap between double and triple glazing compared to double and single, is it really worth it?
That is exactly what we are here to find out, examining the key differences between double and triple glazed windows and door to help you make the most financially sound decision when choosing new Advanced windows for your property.
What is triple glazing?
Many of our customers are surprised to learn that triple glazing is even an option, with double glazing begin seen as the industry leader for energy efficiency and security for so many years now.
It is an option though, and a fantastic one. That said, the concept really is as simple as it sounds. Three panes of energy reflecting glass, each separated by a gap that is filled with argon gas for ultimate heat transfer prevention.
Pretty much every benefit of double glazing that has made it an essential upgrade for UK homeowners to make, is also true of triple glazing, but significantly amplified.
What are the benefits of triple glazing vs double glazing?
Just as adding an additional pane of glass to single glazed windows resulted in upgrades in almost every single area, adding another pane to double glazing does the same, although the difference between the two is slightly smaller.
The most important of these upgrades includes:
Energy efficiency
The watch words on the lips of the nation right now. Triple glazing helps to prevent heat transfer from your home, improving insulation and reducing the amount of energy that is required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the winter months.
Three panes of energy reflecting glass backed up by two layers of argon gas creates an incredibly energy efficient unit achieving some of the lowest U-values of any product currently on the market.
Security
It would be a very foolish burglar who tried to target triple glazed windows or doors. These reinforced glass panes are extremely tough and hard to break on their own, never mind three of them combined.
Installing triple glazing provides an immediate and significant security upgrade to your property and most potential burglars will simply move on once they see that you have it installed.
Increase Curb Appeal
There is no getting around the fact that triple glazed windows look fantastic, and there have never been more customisation options on the market, giving you complete control over the aesthetic of your home. Visitors and passers-by alike with be wowed by your new windows and the crystal clear glass will give you unrestricted views of the outside world from inside your home.
Less noise penetration
Putting another layer between you and the hustle and bustle of life outside your home will reduce the amount of noise pollution that you have to deal with. This is particularly useful for those who live in busy city or town centres, properties that are located close to airports or busy motorways, and simply those who want a more private and quiet home to return to after a tough day at work.
What about the cost?
There is no doubt that triple glazing is more expensive than double glazing and this is the reason that many still opt for the latter option.
However, whilst the average cost of triple glazed windows is around £150 more per unit than double glazed, you have to remember that triple glazing is a long term investment. You will recoup this additional cost over the years in the form of lower energy bills, not to mention that just as double glazing is now seen as a must-have rather than a luxury, in a future when energy efficiency will be paramount the same could be said of triple glazing in a decade or so.
Installing triple glazing could also lead to a noticeable rise in your property’s value should you ever come to sell, improving curb appeal and reducing the amount of renovation work that new owners will have to do when they move in.
Make sure to get a number of different quotes from different well respected window installers in your local area to help keep triple glazing installation costs as low as possible, but never opt for an installer purely based on price alone as this will only end up costing you more further down the line if the products they provide are of a sub-standard quality.