There are many ways to insulate a house, but it is important to consider the trade-offs of each. Double or triple glazing may be an option that suits your needs best.  The most common way people insulate their homes is by installing double glazed windows. But another way, more powerful, is on the market and its technology is even more advanced – triple glazing. These windows have two or three panes of glass with a space in between that is filled with Argon gas. Because the gas is a poor conductor of heat, it slows the transfer of heat through the window. This can reduce heat loss through the window by up to 50%.  However, there’s much more to know about double and triple glazing – the cost, the lifespan, the drawbacks, and more. Let’s dive into the most essential aspects of both and see if double or triple glazing is the best for you.

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traditional house

What is Double Glazing?

Double-glazing refers to the inclusion of the second pane of glass in the window frame, which clamps onto the first pane.  This can be achieved either by installing two separate windows on one opening or by adding a second single pane above the first one.  Both panes are separated by a spacer filled with Argon gas. The main benefit of having double-glazing is that it can improve the thermal insulation of your home. This means that your home will be better able to retain heat in winter and keep cool in summer.  The window panes work together to create an airtight seal that stops the outdoor temperature from affecting the inside of your home. In addition, the extra layer of glass helps to reflect heat back into the room, meaning you won’t need to turn up the heating as high in winter or use air conditioning as much in summer. Another great benefit of double-glazing is that it can help to reduce noise levels from outside. This is especially beneficial if you live on a busy road – by installing double glazing, you will find it easier to go to sleep at night and stop disturbances from disturbing your routine. The window panes act as a barrier against the outside world, helping to create an artificial silence in your home – ideal if you work from home or are trying to concentrate on other tasks.

window

Pros and Cons of Double Glazing

There are a number of pros and cons of double glazing which you should take into account before making a decision whether or not to install it in your home. Some of the pros of double glazing include:

  • It can help to insulate your home which can save you money on your energy bills;
  • It can help to reduce noise levels from outside, making your home quieter and more peaceful;
  • It can improve the appearance of your home, making it look more stylish and modern.

However, some of the cons of double glazing include:

  • It is more expensive to install than single-paned windows;
  • It can sometimes be difficult to get replacement parts if something goes wrong with the double glazing;
  • It can be less effective at insulating your home in very cold weather or if outdated.

Overall, the pros of double glazing surely outweigh the cons, and if you can afford to install it, it is a wise investment that will save you money in the long run.

window

What is Triple Glazing?

Triple glazing is a system of installing three layers of glass, with two air spaces in between for insulation. This is an effective way to make sure you are cutting down on the costs of heating and cooling your home.  Triple glazing can also help to reduce noise pollution, making your home a more comfortable and peaceful place to live.  In a nutshell, triple glazing is like a double system but with an extra layer of glass and an extra spacer. If you are looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, triple glazing is the answer.

tripple glazed windows

Advantages and Downsides of Triple Glazing

When it comes to keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer, nothing beats triple glazing. Triple glazing is a system of installing three layers of glass, with two air spaces in between for insulation. This set-up is far more effective than traditional single-glazed windows at keeping the warmth (or coolness) in your home.  As mentioned previously, triple glazing provides superior insulation and keeps your heating bills down, but there are some drawbacks.  First of all, this type of window is expensive. The materials alone can cost you much more than double-glassed windows and this can end up being a considerable difference – especially in big properties.Also, replacing existing windows with triple glazing will require a different installation process (and possibly structural changes).  If you’re looking for an easier way to insulate your home that requires little-to-no construction work then consider double glazed windows rather than triple ones.

Is Triple Glazing Worth it?

Triple glazing has a greater upfront expenditure, but it pays off in the long run. The additional U-value isn’t huge, however, triple glazing does have an increased upfront cost.  Triple glazing might not be ideal for you if you already have double glazing; nevertheless, if you don’t and are building a new house, triple glazing may be worth considering, especially for areas with harsh winters.

man in front of a window

Double or Triple Glazing – What is the Best?

Double-glazed windows have been in use for a long time, and provide better insulation from noise, heat, and cold than single glazed windows.  Triple-glazed windows are even more effective at blocking out noise, preventing condensation from forming on the inside of the glass when it is warm outside, and keeping your home warmer in winter. Adding a layer of insulation between the panes of glass in your windows is an effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home and save you money on your energy bills.  Both types of windows have their advantages, so it really depends on your individual needs and what you are looking for in a window. But it’s worth noting that, the ticker your unit is, the less sunlight will pass through your windows and, therefore, it is a downside that makes us recommend double glazing more.

building with with many windows

The Verdict

The most important thing is to consider the pros and cons of each type and the area where you live as well as if you’re still building your home or just replacing your units. There are many factors that go into this decision and we gathered the most important parts for you to make the right decision.