Noise pollution, environmental concerns, temperature control – there could be many reasons you are considering switching to triple glazing.
Whatever your reasons, triple glazing is a big investment in your home, and we understand that it is not a decision you take lightly. That’s why we have created a series of blogs to help you gain a better understanding of what you can expect from triple glazing.
At Manchester Window Factory, we are certified experts in triple glazing, with more than 25 years of experience selling and installing state-of-the-art windows, doors, and conservatories.
In previous blogs, we’ve looked at ‘what triple glazing is’, and ‘which windows are the quietest?’
In this blog, we’ll attempt to help you decide whether switching to triple glazing is the right choice for you.
Is it worth putting in triple-glazed windows?
To answer this question, we first need to look at the pros and cons of triple glazing. That way, you can weigh how much or little each is likely to factor into your decision.
For example, if you live in a quiet village, the noise-reducing properties of triple glazing are likely not to mean as much to you as if you live close to a busy road or beneath a flight path.
Pros of triple glazing
- Reduces heat loss by approximately 35% compared to double glazing for a warmer home
- Stops overheating – better temperature control
- Usually carries the best energy A+ rating compared to double-glazing
- Can help to lower heating bills
- The additional pane of glass makes it harder to break for increased safety and security. The middle pane is usually toughened
- Offers slightly better noise reduction than double-glazing and much better than single glazing
- Can help to reduce condensation on your windows
- Extra day-to-day comfort factor
- Helps to futureproof your home for years to come
Cons of triple glazing
- The upfront cost is significantly higher than double-glazing
- The UK does not yet experience the extreme temperatures of Scandinavian countries, which make triple glazing common
- Triple glazing with standard glass can sometimes block noise from leaving the room, resulting in an echo chamber
- Soundproofing triple glazing uses laminated glass and requires larger gaps between the glass, meaning a larger frame is needed to accommodate the weight
- The weight also makes triple-glazed windows more expensive to transport
Why are triple-glazed windows eco-friendly?
The eco-friendly point in favour of triple glazing is that it is more energy-efficient than single or double glazing.
The three panes of glass and two inert gas-filled air gaps reduce heat loss on average 50% better than standard double glazing. The type of inert gas used, coatings on the glass and warm edge spacer bars can all improve the performance of triple glazing.
Energy efficiency is measured by a U-value. The lower the U-value, the more energy-efficient the window.
Single glazing usually carries a U-value of around 5, while double glazing has a U-value of between 3 and 1.4, depending on their age and construction.
According to Building Regulations, new windows must carry a u-value of no worse than 1.6. Some triple glazing can achieve U-values of just 0.8, with some manufacturers claiming as low as 0.3.
If you were switching from single glazing to triple glazing, the savings would be considerable. Upgrading from good energy efficient double glazed windows to triple glazing, however, is only likely to save you around £20 -£40 a year on your energy bills. Still, as energy bills continue to rise, every little helps.
If you want to save money on your energy bills, triple glazing is likely not the best option, as the payback is minimal over several years.
It is important to note that the manufacturing of triple glazing carries a higher environmental cost than double glazing. This is because more materials are required, and 40%-50% of CO2 emissions are embodied in the windows.
Transporting triple-glazed windows also causes more CO2 emissions, as the heavier frames use more petrol to transport them over the same distance.
How thick are triple-glazed windows
On average, triple-glazed windows have an overall thickness of 28 – 44mm, with 28mm regarded as the standard. Double-glazed windows tend to be between 20mm – 28mm thick.
We offer both, with 28mm our standard triple glazing, and 44mm offered in our uPVC windows.
The configuration is three panes of glass that are 4mm thick each, with two air gaps of either 8mm or 16mm each, filled with an inert gas such as argon to create a multilayered barrier to heat loss and noise pollution.
How good are triple-glazed windows?
When asking this question, you are automatically comparing and asking why. Why are triple windows good? And how good are triple-glazed windows compared to double-glazed windows?
Both are, of course, valid questions.
We’ve listed some of the benefits of triple-glazed windows above. The second question is best answered by looking at what kind of double glazing you currently have. Double glazing has evolved over the years, so older double glazing is likely to need an upgrade.
If your property already has energy-efficient double glazing, you may find the benefits of upgrading to triple glazing are minimal.
When building a new home, the question becomes, ‘do the benefits outweigh the costs of choosing triple glazing?’
Self-builders who choose triple glazing tend to attribute their decision to an overall comfort and luxury factor. Although the tangible benefits may be small, they do exist and accumulate. Plus, an intangible quality of opting for ‘the best’ in all areas can make a new home feel extra special. If your budget allows, triple glazing does outperform double glazing in most areas, if only marginally.
If you have properly insulated your walls, roof, and doors, you should not neglect your windows. The few degrees of extra warmth, reduction in noise pollution, reduction in condensation, and increased comfort can add up.
Will triple glazing add value to my home?
One of the main reasons for any home improvements is to add value to the property.
Installing triple glazing as part of an overall spruce-up may make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Triple glazing can contribute to curb appeal. Potential buyers want the reassurance that they will not have to make expensive home improvements, such as installing triple-glazing, within a few years of purchasing their new home. If the property already has energy-efficient double-glazing, this is not likely to be a problem.
Every rented and sold property in the UK must now carry an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which indicates to the homeowner and potential buyers how energy efficient the property is. The ratings run from A (highly efficient) to G (inefficient) and can be used to determine how much it will cost to heat and light the building, plus the likely level of carbon dioxide emissions. If your property scores a low rating, the EPC offers suggestions on how to improve it. One such suggestion is to install triple glazing.
If the current windows are single-glazed or non-energy-efficient double-glazing, installing triple glazing could significantly improve the property’s energy rating. The difference between G and E, for example, could add approximately £25,000 to the value of your home in some areas.
Always remember that if your property has already hit its ceiling price, no home improvements can increase the value.
Should I switch to triple glazing?
Ultimately, the decision to switch to triple glazing is one you must make for yourself, based on all the available information and your own requirements.
You need to carefully measure the upfront cost against the long-term benefits.
For some, triple glazing enhances their property and overall quality of life. In other cases, the money could perhaps be put to better use in another aspect of the property.
With the UK starting to experience more extreme temperatures during the winter and summer months, improved temperature control could become invaluable in a few years.
Likewise, the UK Government is pushing homeowners to make their properties ever more energy efficient, and installing triple glazing now could be a step toward futureproofing your home.
We hope this blog has given you a better understanding of triple glazing and its various benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed choice.
At Manchester Window Factory, we offer both high-quality energy-efficient double and triple glazing.
If you would like to know more, you can give us a call on 0161 976 4739 or drop us an email at [email protected].
When considering a building project such as this, we advise you to get at least three quotes to compare. We make it easy for you. Just fill in our online contact form to receive a free, no-obligation quote.
We look forward to hearing from you.
