Finding the best option between double glazing vs triple glazing can be very challenging. But at the end of the day you have to figure out what delivers the best value for money while also being safe and convenient. That being said, it all comes down to factors like cost, energy efficiency and sound insulation as well as the window pros and cons.
What is the difference between Double Glazing vs Triple Glazing?
As the name suggests, triple glazed windows have 3 panes of glass within a sealed frame. That’s compared to the double glazed windows that actually have 2 panes of glass within the sealed frame. As you can imagine, the triple glazed windows offer more protection because they have improved insulation and that’s definitely something to keep in mind. Triple Glazing tends to be better preferred in the colder regions of the country as you feel more of a difference between the two.
There are also similarities between double glazing vs triple glazing. For example, in between the glass panes you will find either air or an insulating gas like argon. That’s extremely important to consider when you want to insulate your home and just boost the energy efficiency. Since double glazing is an improvement over single glazing already, the triple glazed windows are obviously even better.
Insulation Levels and Ug-values
The speed at which heat transfers through a building material or part of a house i.e. the insulation efficiency, is measured in a Ug-value. In other words, a Ug-value expresses how good an insulator something is. The lower the Ug-value, the better.
As a rule of thumb, a brick wall has a Ug-value of 2.0. To compare this to windows, single glazing has a Ug-value of 5. Double glazed windows have a Ug-value of 1.2. Therefore, making them a lot more efficient. This is due to the double glazed window cavity having more optimisations, such as the use of inert gas within the gaps and low emissivity coatings and aluminium spacers.
To put things into perspective, triple glazing comes with a Ug-value of 0.6. It’s clear that as far as insulation is concerned, triple glazed windows are clearly the winner.
An added tip would be to add curtains or blinds that will help improve insulation and keep energy bills even lower.
Are triple glazed windows worth the money?
As you can imagine in the double glazing vs triple glazing debate, the double glazed windows are less expensive than triple glazing. So you have to wonder, are they really worth the money or not? Most of the time this is all a matter of perspective. In Scandinavia for example, triple glazing is a standard because it offers a much better way to protect against low temperatures.
When it comes to upgrading from single glazing, we highly recommend investing that extra bit more in triple glazed windows, if your budget allows, as you will see a higher increase in efficiency for your money.
The question is whether it is worth upgrading from double glazing to triple glazing? If you have recently had your windows replaced to double glazing then of course, it may not be feasible to upgrade to triple glazing just yet. If it is time to replace your windows because of their age and general need of replacement, then we would recommend upgrading to triple glazing to see a better return of your investment in the long run.
Triple glazed windows are offering some of the best energy efficiency on the market today. Their heat and sound insulation qualities are unmatched at present. Not to mention their durability and added security features.
So, which is the best option?
It all comes down to where you live, your current budget and the state of your current windows. If you were in an area with a naturally warmer climate, with a lower budget and windows 5-10 years old, then it wouldn’t make sense to go with triple glazing. However, if you are in a generally cold area with that little extra budget and your windows are in dire need of replacement, then triple glazing would be your best option, especially for future proofing. Our triple glazed windows will last for a very long time and they are super resistant. And with our 10 year insurance back guarantee, you have the added comfort of knowing they will last. Granted, they are more expensive, but in the end you really want to get the ultimate value for the money and they will deliver that without question.
Another factor to take account of as Money Supermarket explains, energy efficiency greatly effects the value of your home too. So it’s not something to over look. Getting triple glazing could make you money in the long run when selling your home.
If you need some help deciding what is best for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch today and speak to a friendly representative who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.