The Ultimate Guide to Triple Glazed Windows: Energy Efficiency and More
Triple Glazed Windows - Pros, Cons & Costs in 2024
Triple glazed windows are becoming more popular in the UK due to their better insulation, noise reduction, and added value to a home. However, they come with a higher cost than double glazed windows.
The cost of installing triple glazed windows may not be worth the minimal advantage gained in energy efficiency. While triple glazed windows are an excellent investment for homes that require heating in cold regions, they may be an unnecessary expense in milder climates.
Here are the pros and cons of triple glazed windows in the UK:
Pros
- Better insulation: Triple glazed windows provide better insulation than double glazed windows, making them an excellent choice for homes in colder regions.
- Noise reduction: Triple glazed windows reduce noise pollution from outside, providing a quieter and more peaceful environment inside the home.
- Increased home value: Installing triple glazed windows can add value to a home, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners who plan to sell their property in the future.
Cons
- Higher cost: Triple glazed windows are more expensive than double glazed windows due to the extra pane of glass, making them less accessible to homeowners on a budget.
- Increased weight: Triple glazed windows are heavier than double glazed windows, which can put extra strain on the window frames and require additional support during installation.
- Reduced light: The extra pane of glass in triple glazed windows can reduce the amount of light that enters the home, making it feel darker inside.
What is Triple Glazing?
Triple glazing is a type of window that has three panes of glass instead of the usual two in double glazing. The two additional panes of glass are separated by pockets of gas, usually argon, xenon or krypton.
The extra pane of glass can improve energy performance by up to 50%, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Aside from the additional pane of glass, triple glazed windows tend to have stronger frames to handle the extra weight. However, they can cost about 30% to 50% more than double glazed windows.
Triple Glazed Windows Pros and Cons
Triple glazed windows offer several benefits, including noise reduction, better temperature control, increased efficiency, and improved security. However, they also come with some downsides, such as being more expensive, region-dependent effectiveness, less sunlight, and heavy weight.
Triple Glazed Window Benefits
Triple glazed windows offer several benefits that make them a great option for homeowners. Here are some of the ways your home could benefit from triple glazing:
- Noise Reduction: Triple glazing thickness ensures that it can deflect sound waves trying to invade the home, making it ideal for noisy regions. The extra pane of glass provides better sound insulation than double glazing or single-paned windows.
- Better Temperature Control: The temperature coefficient of resistance for triple glazing is higher than that of double glazing or single-paned windows. Compared to double glazing, heat conservation increases by about 20%. Triple glazed windows provide better insulation, keeping the home warmer during winter and cooler during summer.
- Increased Efficiency: The extra window pane offers more durability, insulation, and toughness than other types of windows. Triple glazed windows achieve a higher energy rating and U-value than double glazed windows, making them more energy-efficient and reducing energy bills.
- Better Security: This extra-thick glass will last for years without any damage. It is also capable of withstanding strong winds and harsh weather, providing increased security.
Disadvantages of Triple Glazing
Triple glazing isn’t without its downsides or drawbacks. Here are some of the problems with triple glazing:
- Expensive: Adding an extra window pane to a window installation will certainly incur some extra cost. Triple glazed windows can cost about 30-50% more than double glazed windows. However, the increased energy efficiency of triple glazing can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.
- Region-Dependent Effectiveness: The extra pane of glass may end up being an unnecessary addition in regions of the UK that aren’t extremely cold. Before installation, properly research or ask an installer whether it will benefit your home. Triple glazing is more effective in colder regions such as Scandinavia.
- Less Sunlight: Along with the cold, triple glazing may also keep out more sunlight, while double glazed windows can let in more. However, homeowners can choose to install windows with a higher solar gain to allow more sunlight into the home.
- Heavy Weight: Triple glazing tends to be heavier than double. Consequently, your frame will need to be refitted to support the extra glazing, otherwise, there could be structural issues. Triple glazed windows require insulated frames and warm edge spacer bars to ensure optimal thermal performance.
Triple Glazing Cost in the UK
Triple glazed windows are generally more expensive than double glazed windows. The cost of triple glazed windows in the UK varies depending on the material used for the window frame, the size of the window, and the additional features like hardware and colours.
On average, triple glazed windows cost between £390 and £3,525, depending on the material used. This cost does not include installation fees which can vary depending on the installer. Typically, installation fees can add an extra 30% to 40% to the cost of the window.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of triple glazed windows in the UK:
| Material | Cost of Window |
|---|---|
| uPVC | £390 – £2,025 |
| Aluminium | £950 – £3,525 |
| Wood | £585 – £3,350 |
Keep in mind that the prices listed above are just estimates and can vary depending on the size of the window, additional features like hardware and colours, and the installer. Customers are advised to seek expert advice and compare prices from different installers before making a purchase.
Additionally, self-builders should take accurate measurements of their windows to ensure that they get the correct size and avoid any extra costs. Finally, customers should ensure that the installer they choose offers good customer service and is VAT registered to avoid any additional costs.
Triple Glazing vs Double Glazing
Triple glazed windows are often marketed as the more energy-efficient option compared to double glazed windows. However, double glazed windows still have some advantages over triple glazed windows.
Firstly, double glazed windows are typically cheaper than triple glazed windows. This is especially true when taking into account government grants for windows and doors, which do not apply to triple glazing.
Another advantage of double glazed windows is that they can be lighter than triple glazed windows. Triple glazed windows require a strong fitting to handle the weight of the extra glass, which can be especially heavy in the case of wooden windows.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the u-value is used to measure how well a window keeps heat inside a home. The lower the u-value, the better the window performs.
Triple glazed windows typically have a lower u-value than double glazed windows, which means they are more energy-efficient and can keep a home warmer.
The table below shows the potential u-values and possible temperature differences near the window for both double and triple glazed windows.
| Window Type | Potential U-value | Possible Difference in Temperature Near Window |
|---|---|---|
| Double Glazing | 2.8 | 16°C |
| Triple Glazing | 0.8 to 0.6 | 18°C |
It’s important to note that the cost of double or triple glazing can vary depending on the style of window chosen. For example, sash double glazed windows may cost more than other styles due to their complex design.
In some cases, double or triple glazing may not be permitted in heritage properties or listed buildings. In these cases, secondary glazing may be a better option since it is less disruptive. It’s recommended to check with the local authority to understand the rules in place.
Is Triple Glazing Worth It?
Triple glazing is worth considering for homeowners who live in colder regions. Triple glazing can provide significant energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and improve overall comfort.
According to building regulations, new builds must meet a high standard of energy performance, and triple glazing can help achieve this standard. Triple glazing can also add value to a home, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Triple glazing can reduce heating bills by up to 60%, making it a great investment for homeowners who want to save money in the long run. While the initial costs can be high, finding a reliable installer can save money on installation.
Triple glazing can also provide superior noise reduction, making it a great option for homeowners who live in noisy areas. It can also reduce a home’s carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
However, triple glazing may not be necessary for homeowners who live in warmer regions, as it can reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the home. Additionally, planning permission may be required for some homes to install triple glazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Triple glazed windows offer several benefits over single or double glazed windows. They provide better insulation, reducing heat loss and noise pollution. They also offer improved security, as they are harder to break than single or double glazed windows. Triple glazed windows can help to reduce energy bills, as they are more energy-efficient than single or double glazed windows.
Triple glazed windows are more energy-efficient than double glazed windows. They provide better insulation and reduce heat loss, which can help to reduce energy bills. They also offer improved sound insulation, reducing noise pollution. However, triple glazed windows can be more expensive than double glazed windows, and they may not be suitable for all types of properties.
The cost of triple glazed windows can vary. It depends on the size of the windows, the type of glass used, and the supplier. On average, you can expect to pay between £400 and £800 per square metre for triple glazed windows in the UK. However, it is important to get a quote from a reputable supplier before making a decision.
While triple glazed windows offer several benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider. They can be more expensive than double glazed windows, and they may not be suitable for all types of properties. They can also be heavier than double glazed windows, which can make them more difficult to install.
If you are looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home, then triple glazed windows can be a good investment. They offer better insulation and reduce heat loss, which can help to reduce energy bills. However, it is important to consider the cost of installation and whether triple glazed windows are suitable for your property.
To find reputable suppliers of triple glazed windows near you, you can search online or ask for recommendations from friends or family. Make sure to choose a supplier who offers high-quality products and installation services. You should also check reviews and ratings before making a decision.
Hello, I’m Keith Jones. I’m the author and head of content here of door and window guide. I’ve been in the window and door industry for over 10 years in the UK and North America. I’ve had quite a few roles during my career mainly in Worldwide sales. I’m now semi retired so I thought I’d put my knowledge to good use educating people about all they might need to know about door and window related topics.
