What is the difference between double and triple glazing?

Here is a summary below.

Double glazing: The established choice for most households

Double glazing utilises two panes of glass separated by an air gap, providing several benefits:

• Improved energy efficiency: Compared to single glazing, double glazing significantly reduces heat loss, potentially lowering energy bills by 10-20%. This can translate to financial savings and a more comfortable living environment, especially during Yorkshire's colder months.
• Noise reduction: The air gap acts as a barrier, dampening external noise by up to 35 decibels (as much as 65%). This can create a quieter and more peaceful living space, even in bustling urban areas or near busy roads.
• Durability: Modern double-glazed units are built to withstand Yorkshire's weather, crafted with robust materials and weatherproof seals. They offer long-lasting performance and require minimal maintenance.
• Affordability: Double glazing remains a more cost-effective solution compared to triple glazing. This makes it a popular choice for most homeowners seeking value without sacrificing quality.

However, it's important to acknowledge potential limitations:

• Standards: Not all double glazing units are the same. Check that your unit has been designed to withstand the rigours of your surrounding environment and has been manufactured with the future in mind. A lot of units have been manufactured using old technology. It’s worth finding out how your unit has been made and familiarising yourself with the facts.
• Insulation: While significantly better than single glazing, double glazing might not deliver the optimal thermal performance in exceptionally cold areas, like the Yorkshire Dales, or homes prioritising maximum energy efficiency. Consider exploring further if absolute warmth is your top priority.
• Noise Reduction: Although effective, double glazing may not completely eliminate high-frequency noise or cater to specific soundproofing needs. If you require total tranquility, or you live next to a motorway, you might need to consider advanced double glazing or triple glazing options. Ask your installer for information on laminated glass and different glass thicknesses.

Triple glazing: Considering advanced options

Triple glazing adds another pane of glass and insulating air gap, potentially enhancing the benefits offered by double glazing, but not always across the board. Modern advancements in technology have narrowed the performance gap between the two options and you may not even need triple glazing.

• Advanced double glazing: High-performance double glazing units utilising specialised glass coatings (lamination) and using different thicknesses of glass can achieve thermal and acoustic values comparable to, if not better than, some triple-glazed units.
• Finding the right fit: The performance of both double and triple glazing depends on individual product specifications, including glass type, air gap width, and frame materials. Comparing apples to apples is crucial.

Potential benefits: In specific scenarios, triple glazing still offers advantages:

• Extreme climates: In exceptionally cold or hot regions, the extra layer can provide improvement in thermal efficiency. Think Norway not Norton.
• Ultra-high noise reduction: For environments with extreme noise pollution or specific soundproofing needs, triple glazing can deliver superior dampening.

Making an informed decision

As technology evolves, both double and triple glazing offer competitive performance depending on your needs and priorities. Consider these factors:

• Climate: Moderate climates might be well-served by high-performance double glazing, while extreme temperatures could warrant triple glazing.
• Noise concerns: Evaluate the specific noise levels and desired reduction before deciding. Advanced double glazing might suffice for moderate needs.
• Budget: The significant cost difference between double and triple glazing needs careful consideration for potential payback periods and long-term value.
• Expert consultation: Consult with window specialists like Yorkshire Windows to discuss your specific requirements and explore options tailored to your situation.

 

Transparency and specific recommendations

At Yorkshire Windows, we believe in transparency and informed decision-making. We offer a wide range of high-performance double glazing solutions and can recommend the best fit for your needs, whether double or triple glazing, based on specific details and expert analysis. Remember, the ‘perfect fit’ is unique to your home and priorities.

Don't hesitate to reach out to Yorkshire Windows – we're happy to guide you through the process and ensure you make the best decision for your windows and your wallet.

 

Video Transcript:

People often ask us about double glazing or triple glazing and whether they should go for triple glazing, or double.
A lot of the features of triple glazing can be, replicated in a double glazed unit.

The technology in glass moves on, pretty much on a yearly basis.

People perceive triple glazing to be more thermal efficient, more secure and acoustically better than a double glazed unit. But actually in fact, today's double glazed units now can perform equally as well, if not better, than a triple glazed unit.

For example if we look at acoustic properties - in a double glazed unit if you put two different thicknesses of glass, so a standard 4mm glass on the inside of the sealed unit, coupled with a 6.8mm laminate glass on the outside of the sealed unit. The acoustic properties of that sealed unit can be better than a triple glazed unit which has three panes of 4mm standard glass.

There's also a cost saving benefit to double glazing.
Triple glazing obviously has 50% more glass in that sealed unit than double glazing. So, there is an extra cost to triple glazing and the benefits don't really outweigh the lower cost of double glazing. It can be more efficient to have a double glazed unit rather than triple glazed unit.

If you are thinking of purchasing triple glazing for your new windows, please make sure that you get a like for like comparison to the specification that, that triple glazed sealed unit will give you. There are triple glazed units out there that actually perform worse than a standard double glazed unit.