Is it worth getting triple glazing?

Choosing the right glazing is a significant investment in a home, so if you're thinking about installing triple glazed windows, here's how to decide if they're worth it. Triple-glazed windows are becoming an increasingly popular option among today's window suppliers, particularly in the aluminium space, but long-standing concerns about the true benefits outweighing the perceived costs remain on homeowners' minds. 

It's a difficult decision for self-builders to make when it comes to specifying their final finishes, and with triple glazed windows costing around 20% more than double, why should anyone choose them? Proponents argue that it is more about quality and comfort, and that self-builders should consider triple glazing for the same reasons they instal underfloor heating: it is simply better.

Here are some things to think about when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of triple glazing:

First let us understand what triple glazing windows means. In brief overview, and as might be expected, triple glazing consists of three panes of glass within a sealed frame, just as double glazing consists of two. Between each pane is a pocket of air or an inert gas, such as argon; argon is heavier than air and acts as a noise and heat insulator. The third pane of glass, located halfway between the inner and outer panes of double glazing, creates two air locks, improving the energy performance of standard double glazing by approximately 50 percent.

Variables such as the type of air or gas used in the space between the panes, warm edge spacer bars around the perimeter to reduce thermal bridging, and different coating on the glass to reduce energy loss from the inside all help to improve energy efficiency. The frames themselves have a significant impact on overall performance (as well as the insulation). Look for insulated frames with a high air tightness rating.

The cost of triple glazing is significantly higher than that of double glazing, and the improvement in U-value is not significant. If you are having your windows replaced anyway, or if you are building a new home, triple glazing is not a bad idea; however, if you already have double glazing, triple glazing may not be the best option for you.

Either, If you're planning to use triple glazing watford windows or triple glazing north london windows, you'll need well-insulated frames, as this is one of the most significant heat loss areas in a window. Adding thick curtains and keeping them closed at night will also help you save money on your utility bills.

So, while triple glazing does not pay for itself, are there any other reasons to choose it over double glazing? I'll go over a few more reasons why you should consider triple glazing in this section.

Triple glazing reduces noise pollution significantly, making it ideal for those who live in noisy areas. Because windows have a higher u value than walls and doors, double glazing can cause cold spots in the house. This issue is exacerbated by modern insulation, as better and thicker wall insulation causes windows to become significantly colder than the rest of the house. Triple glazing is an excellent solution to this problem because it reduces the U-value difference between the windows and the rest of the building. 

The main alternative to triple glazing is to add secondary glazing to your existing windows, such as Ecoease. This is a removable pane that performs the same function as double glazing but at a fraction of the cost. While you won't get the same U-values with this type of option, it does have some advantages: it's less expensive, better at soundproofing, and helps you save money.

The debate over triple or double glazing is still raging, so I won't tell you which is best for your home. However, there are a few key points:

• If you already have good double glazing, don't bother with triple glazing.

• Triple glazing does not pay for itself, nor does double glazing.

• Typically, triple glazing is more expensive.

• Triple glazing is an option if you want to eliminate cold spots in an otherwise well-heated house or if there is a lot of noise outside.