Are there any disadvantages to triple glazing? If there are, the advantages most certainly outweigh them. Triple glazing can perform for your home more effectively than double glazing, so it’s surprising that not a lot of houses in the UK use this design. Or is it?
It could be because of the initial cost outlay. After all, a window that uses triple glazing will cost around 30-40% more than the same window with just two panes of glass. As a result, it is a slightly steeper price tag, and it can put some homeowners off. However, if you’re prepared to spend more by installing triple glazed windows, you’ll reap the rewards and save even more in the long run.
Whilst the main disadvantage of triple glazing is how much it costs, you can recoup your initial investment much more quickly, making triple glazing worth the money. With a triple glazed window, you get three panes of advanced glass working to keep your home warm instead of two. Because of this, you get more effective insulation for your living space, better energy efficiency and lower energy bills.
Triple glazed windows let even less cold air through, and they are fully weatherproof as well because of the triple glazing thickness. Your air and water-tight windows will also be durable, so should last longer than a comparable double glazing design, allowing you to continue saving money on your heating costs for longer.
Compared to double glazing, triple glazing units could save you as much as 50% on your home’s energy bills. So, you’ll be able to pay the cost of your investment back more quickly, and save even more money every day that you have them.
Another advantage triple glazed windows have over double glazed windows is that triple glazing lasts years longer than double glazing so you won’t have to renew the units so soon.
If you want to install double glazing, why not consider triple glazed windows? We compare the two and work out whether double or triple glazing is the best option for your home.
Triple Glazed Windows vs Double Glazing
So, what are the main differences between triple glazing and double glazing? The most obvious is that triple glazing uses three panes of glass instead of two. Triple glazed units offer more protection from the outside world, and more control over how your home feels inside.
When the temperature drops, triple glazing deals more effectively with cold air. With each pane of glass, you can reduce the impact of cold temperatures. This is because triple glazing offers two internal voids and so two layers of argon gas. That way, you can consign cold air into a thing of the past, and retain more of your home’s natural heat.
Not only that, but triple glazing is much harder to break. Whilst double glazing is pretty tough, it can sometimes crack from a sudden impact, or crack from within because of contrasting temperatures. Triple glazing, on the other hand, is an almost bulletproof option and it’s virtually impossible to break most triple glazed windows.
Some suppliers will offer the option of tempered glass for triple glazing which is four times tougher than standard designs. Three panes of toughened glass will provide complete peace of mind, and you’ll never have to worry about your windows breaking unexpectedly. Additionally, the three-panel design reduces the risk of temperature pressure cracks.
The Disadvantages of Triple Glazing
While triple glazing has plenty of advantages over double glazing, the biggest downside is undoubtedly the cost. You’ll have to pay between 30-40% more per unit if you’d like to get a new window with three panes of glass over one that uses two. So, triple glazing is initially a less affordable investment compared to double glazed windows.
If you want to get multiple windows for a large home, then you could be spending thousands of pounds more than the cost of equivalent double glazed windows. However, because triple glazing has 50% more energy efficiency than double glazing, you will end up saving more money in the long run, if you’re prepared to make that initial investment.
Another disadvantage with triple glazing is its weight because of that extra layer of glass. Triple glazing, naturally, puts more strain on window frames than double glazing. Because of this, over time, internal components in the design could function less smoothly, and your window could be more likely to stick when you open and close it.
However, this is easy to prevent with regular cleaning and a few maintenance checks during the year. You won’t have to do it very often, and it will help your triple glazed windows maintain their stylish appearance for many years as well as offering complete weatherproofing and air and water-tight glazing.
The Advantages of Triple Glazed Windows
Superior Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Everyone knows that heat transfer from your home is reduced with double glazed windows. Installing triple glazing, that’s three panes of glass and two layers of insulating gas, adds an extra pane which makes your home even more energy efficient, generating higher energy savings than your old double glazed unit. Better energy efficiency means your home keeps residual heat for longer, so you use your heating system less and have lower energy bills as a result.
Does triple glazing stop condensation? Yes, that extra internal pane and superior insulation also reduces condensation, a feature of both double and triple glazing but, with triple glazing the impact is even greater.
Secure Triple Glazing
Whilst you could save more money if you opt for double glazing rather than triple glazed windows, there are some things you can’t put a price on. One of these is feeling safe and secure inside your home. Your windows are the second most likely place an intruder or burglar will use to gain access to your home.
We’ve mentioned how one of the main disadvantages of triple glazing is its weight; well, when it comes to security, this becomes a positive advantage. With a heavier window, it’s harder for burglars to gain entry by trying to remove the unit.
Triple glazed windows are much harder to force or break because of that extra window pane, especially compared to old double glazing which needs upgrading. As well as the third pane, you can make your triple glazed windows even more secure with additional features like multi point locking mechanisms. These shoot bolts lock your glazed windows in place within either a uPVC or aluminium frame, materials which are themselves both highly durable and robust and protect the locking devices from rust and wear. Other features include handles that deter picking and are snap-resistant, and anti-tamper locks. Triple glazed windows will give you the security you can rely on, and peace of mind you will cherish.
Quiet Triple Glazing
One of the disadvantages of double glazing is that it doesn’t block out as much sound as triple glazed windows. The constant hum of traffic can keep you awake at night if you live in an urban area or there could be noise from nearby commercial buildings during the day.
Triple glazed windows offer the ultimate sound insulation and noise reduction with exceptional acoustic performance compared to their double glazed counterparts. Triple glazing provides a truly soundproof window and a quieter indoor environment.
The technology is simple. Sound waves travel and come into contact with each pane. Three glass panes weaken the waves. That extra window pane reduces sound vibrations even more, turning the noise into something you can barely hear.
Even the loudest noises can benefit from the superior noise reduction properties of triple glazing, perfect for homes located on busy roads or near airports. Keep the outside world out of your home with an extra pane of glass.
You may notice a slight reduction in natural light with triple glazed windows compared to double glazing, however, if you live in a noisy area then noise reduction may be your priority. Triple glazed windows will create a peaceful living space for you and your family.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Triple glazing will last longer for your home than double glazing, something that makes triple glazing worth the initial outlay for many people.
When you invest in new windows, most purchases of single glazed windows or new double glazed windows will only last a couple of decades at most. However, triple glazed windows could last you a lifetime.
Triple glazed windows partnered with durable uPVC or aluminium frames that protect from rust and wear, will make your glass highly durable. It’s less likely to weaken, break, or shatter over time. These energy efficient windows guarantee no gaps for wind and water to penetrate even after several years. Your windows will protect you for as long as you need them to.
If you opt for triple glazing for your new window installation, it will stand out as an unusual feature; most homes usually only have double glazed windows. Triple glazed replacement windows as an upgrade to your old double glazing are a desirable selling point when you decide to move on, attracting buyers because of their longevity but also a better thermal performance, reduced heat loss, and higher energy efficiency ratings for your home. All this means an uplift in your home’s value.
Eliminate The Disadvantages of Triple Glazing with Our Double Glazing Online Quote Tool
Those triple glazing disadvantages will evaporate when you find your quotes through our online tool. Let’s face it, the main objection to triple glazing vs double glazed windows is the initial increased outlay. However, with Double Glazing on the Web, you can save money on your new triple glazed windows from the get go. We’ll reduce your triple glazed window costs, and you’ll still generate incredible savings over time with your new energy efficient units.
We have a network of trusted local installers who offer lower prices than the national brands. We also extensively review our network on a regular basis, so only work with the best installers. Compare quotes now to get the best deal. Many of these companies are Checkatrade members and Which? Trusted Traders as well!
Start your journey now and eliminate any disadvantages of triple glazing for your home. Use our online calculator today. Once you’ve got in touch, one of our friendly team can take you through the process.
If you’d like to find out more, you can also call us on 0800 015 5679!
