If you are still wondering whether upgrading your windows to triple glazed windows is good, then you are not alone. Getting the right windows for your home can make a huge difference, especially in winter weather. Especially if you are living in a zone where the temperatures can dip down really low, getting some of the best triple glazed windows is your best choice, especially considering the benefits you get such as higher energy efficiency, noise reduction, and better insulation to your house. However, these triple glazed windows could be really expensive than double glazed windows. So if you are still debating over which one to choose from triple glazing vs double glazing windows then here is a guide that will help you with everything from what is triple glazing windows are to what the triple glazed windows benefits.
What is triple glazing windows
So what is triple glazing windows that we are talking about? Well, just like the name suggests, it involves using double glazing and taking it to the next level by adding another third pane of glass. Between these 3 panes, there are 2 pockets filled with gas which most of the time could be either krypton, xenon, or argon.
The extra pane which is present can improve the energy efficiency by almost up to 50 percent. Apart from the additional layer in a triple glazed window they also tend to have very strong frames that are able to hold heavy weights and can cost almost about 30 to 50 percent more than double glazed windows.
Triple glazing vs double glazing Windows
While each of the two carries its own benefits, however, there is still a lot of difference when it comes to triple glazing vs double glazing windows. Here are a few of the points where you can find out the difference between both.
Insulation levels
While both double and triple glazing windows do help keep the heat in the house, however with an extra level of glass, it is easier to retain more heat in the house with triple glazing windows. This level of insulation can be determined with the help of UG values. This value is nothing but the measure of the heat loss through a panel of glass. To best explain this phenomenon, the lower the value of UG, the better the insulation of the window is. In this case, a double glazing window has a value of 1.2 whereas triple glazing windows could have values as low as 0.6. So if you are trying to retain as much heat as possible in your house then a triple glazing window is the best way to go ahead.
Temperature Control
It is not just the winter days that people struggle with, there is also summer where a lot of people are prone to the greenhouse effect. This is especially true for those houses that directly face the sun. Adding solar control glass or putting up tinted glass could help to control the heat while also keeping better temperature control. You can also determine this with the help of the g value. Where if the g value is low then it is good at reducing the amount of heat absorbed in your property. If you feel like the summer heat has been harsh on you then the best triple glazed windows should definitely be your choice.
Costs
When you compare triple glazing vs double glazing windows both of them provide great benefits based on how much you invest. However, the question is how much are you ready to invest. The installation cost when it comes to double glazing is lower as compared to triple glazing however there are also great benefits you get when you invest more. You might also want to take the rest of your house’s insulation properties before coming to the cost part. If your house is quite old and poorly insulated then a triple glazed window would not make much difference in your energy bills. On the other hand, if you have a well-insulated house then you are sure to get a lot of benefits from triple glazed windows.
Triple glazed window benefits
If you are wondering whether there are a lot of triple glazed windows benefits, then you are right, there are tons of them. Here are a few of them mentioned below.
Energy saving
Energy saving means lower consumption of energy which will also relate to reduction in greenhouse gases emitted and lower carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Also if there is better insulation, then the air inside your house could possibly keep all pollutants out.
Better temperature control
The temperature coefficient of resistance for triple glazed windows is way higher than that for double glazed windows. The heat conservation also becomes as high as 20 percent.
Increased Efficiency
The extra window pane that you get in triple glazed windows tends to offer more durability, insulation, and toughness than most of the other types of windows.
Better security
Windows that consist of three panes of glass allow for better security since they are tougher to break. This also helps you feel comfortable and safe in your own house. It is also capable of withstanding harsh weather and strong winds.
Reduces Condensation
Prevention of condensation means prevention of mildew or mold growth in your house. Especially if you live in an area where humidity levels are extraordinarily high then you might want to consider triple glazed windows which will lower the condensation levels.
Choosing the Right Frame Material
Now when it comes to triple glazed windows it is important to check what sort of frame you are fixing because it can make a huge difference in enhancing energy efficiency. Apart from this, it could also affect the overall performance of a triple glazed window. When it comes to framing options you get multiple here are a few of them.
Vinyl
A window frame that is made from vinyl is the most budget-friendly choice you will ever get. They are also low in demand since they are almost 100% resistant to scratches. They also help minimise loss of heat through windows and hence provide high energy efficiency. Also, they aren’t really great when you consider strength and durability, especially in cold regions.
Fiberglass
Made up of glass fibers interlaced and combined with vinyl resin, fiberglass frames are quite strong and are also better than wood or vinyl. They also resist thermal expansion and can be customised with paints for better home aesthetics. The pigmentation over it might however lose vibrancy over time. It is also resistant to rot which might not be the case in a few wood frames. While fiberglass could be a bit expensive than vinyl they are definitely lower in cost then wood or aluminium frames. There are, however, high chances of water penetration.
Wood
If you go from some of the best triple glazed windows then you might need a high-end traditional aesthetic frame to accompany it. Not to mention wooden frames provide great insulation properties. In fact wood even provides better insulation as compared to aluminium. Although they are quite expensive they are resistant to rust and could last much longer when maintained properly. Wooden frame maintenance however is time-consuming since you need to paint and prime it regularly. Also, they are easily prone to rot and insect infestations.
Aluminium
One of the main benefits of using aluminium frames along with triple glazed windows is that they are lightweight but also strong. They are mainly used in homes where there are huge glass windows and need to hold significant weight. One of the additional benefits is that aluminium doesn’t need to be resistant to fire or needs to be painted. It is however quick at transferring cold and heat both quickly which reduces its efficiency.
Where to use Triple glazing windows
While triple glazing windows are garnering a lot of attention, people are curious about where you can actually use them. Here are a few of the places where triple glazed windows would be the best fit.
For Quieter Bedrooms
You might know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep especially If you live in metropolitan cities, it might be hard to get good sleep with the loud vehicles going on all night long. If you also wish to get some good sleep then you can use triple glazed windows as these are the best options for reducing noise from outside.
In Living Areas
If you have a floor-to-ceiling type of window in your living room then you can give it a dramatic touch by adding triple glazed windows. One of the best parts about this is that you get aesthetic value along with enhanced security all in one.
Conference Rooms
Noise-cancelling properties of triple glazed windows are absolutely great when it comes to conference rooms. Here you can easily discuss all your important matters without having to worry about a lot of noise or audio leakage.
For Cosy Bathrooms
For places with cold weather, triple glazed windows could be one of the best options, since they keep a high thermal insulation and keep your bedrooms cozy. These windows also bring in ample amounts of sunlight while reducing the amount of harmful UV rays being let in.
Disadvantages of Triple Glazed Windows
Triple glazed windows do not just have a lot of benefits, they have quite a few downsides. Here are a few of the disadvantages of triple glazing that you need to consider before purchasing one.
Higher cost
Adding an extra pane of window installation will definitely cost you more than the other type. Triple glazed windows can easily go almost 30 to 50 percent higher than double glazed windows.
Installation difficulties
While triple glazed windows have great benefits they may end up being an unnecessary addition to a lot of regions that aren’t that cold. Also asking one of the installers whether it is good to install one is a good option.
Less sunlight
Along with the cold, triple glazed windows have one downside which is keeping away natural sunlight whereas double glazed windows could easily let in more sunlight.
Heavy
Triple glazed windows are way too heavier than double glazed windows. Also, your frame needs to be refitted such that it can support this extra glazing which is why it could cause structural as well as money issues.
Conclusion
If you are still wondering whether you need the best triple glazed windows for your house, then you might want to reconsider all of the above points. Not to mention you will get comfort and boosted energy efficiency with triple glazed windows. While the initial investment might seem like it’s too much, in the long run, you are sure to get a lot of benefits from the same.
FAQ:
1. What is the best quality triple glazing?
The best quality triple glazing is one which has a lower UG value. These provide great insulation and the best energy efficiency.
2. How long do triple glazed windows last?
Triple glazed windows can easily last around 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance and proper frames being installed.
3. What is the most energy efficient window glass?
Triple glazed windows are considered to be the most energy efficient window glass since they consist of air between the glass which keeps the heat trapped.
4. How heavy is triple glazing?
Triple glazing could be quite heavy in weight where most of them weigh around 14 to 16 kg.