Double Glazing vs Triple Glazing – Is it worth the upgrade?
Replacing single glazed doors and windows with double glazing is widely considered as one of the best home upgrades that you can make in terms of energy efficiency, security, and style.
In the modern world any property without double glazing is considered below standard due to rapid heat loss that will occur through single glazed glass.
For a while, if you were having your windows replaced, getting double glazing was a no brainer, but there is not a new kid on the block in the form of triple glazing.
This article will look at whether it is worth going one step further when installing new windows Edinburgh and having triple glazing installed or whether you should stick to the double glazing that has been the go-to choice in UK homes for decades now.
Double vs triple glazing – What’s the difference?
In basic terms the difference between double glazing and triple glazing is as simple as it sounds; double glazed windows are constructed out of two panes of glass whilst triple glazed windows are constructed from three.
As it is likely some years since your double glazing was installed, new modern triple glazed units are also likely to come with a range of additional security and energy efficiency features within the frame itself.
But these are also present in new double glazed units, and given the additional cost of going one step further and choosing triple glazing, is it really worth it.
This is exactly what we are about to help you find out.
Energy Efficiency
In a time when making the most of your energy has never been more important, for both environmental and financial reasons, energy efficiency is the biggest property of new window buyers.
As with the switch from single to double glazing, triple glazed glass is an upgrade in terms of energy efficiency as it is harder for heat energy to escape through three panes of glass than two. As a quarter of the total heat energy produced in the average domestic home in the UK is lost through windows, triple glazing really does help you minimise your heating bills, and will save you a huge amount of money over the years.
However, the upgrade from double to triple glazing is not as large as the one from single to double, and whilst you will make savings over time, it will take you a few years to recoup your investment in making this upgrade. If you plan to be in your property for many years to come, triple glazing is a no brainer but remember you must combine your new windows with other heat saving measures such as proper insulation in order to keep your energy bills as low as possible.
Prevent Condensation
Condensation forms when cold patches form around the home that come into contact with excess moisture.
Windows tend to have a significantly higher U-Value, the scale used to measure thermal efficiency, than walls, meaning that condensation will often form on the inside of poorly insulated windows.
Triple glazing offers far better U-Vales that double glazing and hence the risk of condensation is much lower. Preventing condensation from forming on the inside of your windows is important for a number of reasons. Firstly it indicates that as mentioned above, less heat transfer is occurring between the inside and outside of your home. It also reduces the amount of moisture in your home and lowers the risk of mould and mildew growth as a result.
Our triple glazing is also fitted with innovative thermos-spacer bars between the panes of glass near the frame that are designed to eliminate cold spots and reduce the risk of condensation even further.
Eliminate outside noise
If you live in a busy town or close to a main road you are more likely to see the full benefits of triple glazing that if you live out in the countryside.
This is due to the fact that triple glazed glass achieves far superior noise reduction, blocking out sounds of cars and lorries and making your home a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The exact type of glass that will suit you best will depend on the type of sound you are trying to reduce and a professional installer will work with you to find the perfect solution.
