How triple glazing works
What is triple glazing, how does it work and is it worth it? Get all the answers in our consumer guide.
A change is taking place in UK homes. Triple glazing is replacing double glazing as the standard for new-build homes across the country.
This is partly thanks to new building regulations, rising energy costs and government policies aimed at reducing emissions. But savvy homeowners are driving this development, too.
Yes – more and more people are getting wise to the benefits of triple-glazed windows. Their energy-saving properties. Their soundproofing benefits. Their increased security…. The list goes on.
But if you're new to triple glazing, you probably have questions. Questions like, "What is triple glazing, anyway?" and, "How does it all work?"
Fear not – we've got you covered. Let's jump in with the basics.
How triple glazing works
Triple glazing takes the science behind double glazing and builds upon it. Instead of using two panes of glass per unit, triple glazing uses three – each separated by a sealed gap filled with an insulating gas.
That extra pane of glass and insulating space help reduce heat and noise transfer from the exterior to the interior – and vice versa.
What are the advantages of triple glazing?
The design of our state-of-the-art triple-glazing units means your home could be reaping their benefits today, tomorrow and for many years to come.
The superior insulating properties of triple glazing can lead to an overall more comfortable living environment for you and your family. You can expect more consistent temperatures throughout the home, reduced draughts and even improved air quality. That's because triple glazing helps reduce the risk of damp.
And better insulation means more energy savings. This is good for the planet and your pocket.
Why? Because your home will be warmer and more comfortable. You'll be less likely to reach for the thermostat, which means cheaper energy bills in the long run.
Triple glazing FAQs
Will triple glazing reduce condensation in the home?
Yes! Triple glazing is an effective way to reduce reducing condensation in the home.
Condensation occurs when the warm, humid air inside your home comes into contact with the cooler surface of your window. This temperature change causes the water vapour inside the air to condense and form water droplets on and around your windows. If left untreated, this moisture can cause damp, mould and mildew.
Many UK homes battle against condensation, damp and mould – mainly thanks to our infamous weather. Older single-paned or insufficiently sealed double-glazed windows can increase your home's chances of excess condensation. Condensation, in turn, can lead to poorer air quality, potential health risks and possible structural damage.
The additional pane of glass in triple glazing offers better insulating properties than single- or double-glazed windows. In addition, gases with low thermal conductivity, such as argon or krypton, are used in the two insulating layers between the panes.
These gases minimise heat transfer, keeping the internal glass pane warmer and therefore less likely to reach the dew point – the temperature at which condensation occurs.
Pair this with water-resistant, airtight framing materials like uPVC or aluminium and you've got an effective solution for staving off condensation.
How does triple glazing reduce noise pollution?
You know how triple glazing's superior insulating properties can reduce condensation? Well, they can also help reduce excess noise pollution entering your home. Bonus!
Glass panes, although excellent for letting in sunlight, are fairly poor sound absorbers. They easily vibrate when hit by sound waves, which then pass through into your home.
Stuck with single glazing or poor-quality double glazing? This poor sound absorption is why noisy traffic or a garden strimmer can sound more like it's in your living room than outside.
It's not just the glass panes that let in the sound, either. Poorly sealed windows, or any gaps and cracks in the frames, can also allow noise to enter.
Triple glazing's extra insulating spaces make a big difference – as does its gas filling, which is denser than air. This combination helps to absorb and dampen sound waves travelling through the window. It also helps to reduce the amplitude and energy of the waves, further lessening the intensity of the sound.
Could triple glazing reduce my energy bills?
Triple glazing makes for an excellent investment thanks to its low U-value.
A U-value of a window measures how fast heat can travel through it. Most double glazing has a U-value of around 1.6W/m²K. Our triple-glazing units, however, offer a U-value of around 0.7W/m²K and achieve the best possible rating on the BFRC energy-efficiency scale. Installing our triple glazing can boost the thermal efficiency of your windows by up to 40%.
What this means is that your house stays warm in winter and cool in summer. It's the best of all worlds – a more comfortable living space, a reduction in energy bills and a little extra help for planet Earth.
Can triple glazing increase my property value?
As energy costs rise and the public gains a better understanding of climate change, more people than ever are looking for an eco-friendly, energy-efficient home.
So, when the time comes to place your house on the market, triple glazing will certainly act as an attractive selling point.
What's more, all our windows and doors are beautifully designed and expertly fitted. This means more of that all-important kerb appeal.
Are triple-glazed windows more secure?
While well-fitted double glazing is very durable, triple glazing works even harder to prevent break-ins and deter would-be intruders.
The extra pane of glass in our triple-glazing units boosts their strength. In addition, they have super-robust frames and secure locking mechanisms. It all adds up to extra peace of mind for you and units that will stand the test of time.
What are the disadvantages of triple glazing?
By design, triple-glazed units are slightly heavier than standard double glazing. And while they make for a good investment, you can expect to pay more upfront.
Or, at least, that's how it usually works.
See, here at Calder Windows, we're offering an amazing deal right now. Buy your triple glazing from us, and we'll supply and install it for the same price as double glazing.
That's right – you get all the benefits of triple glazing without paying an extra penny. And thanks to our talented installers, you won't have to lift a finger (or a window).
Ready to take advantage of this time-limited offer? Simply get in touch with our friendly team and we'll give you a fast, fair quote.
Calder Windows is a door and window supplier based near Wakefield, West Yorkshire. We've supplied and fitted high-quality glazing to local customers for more than 30 years.
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Are you on the lookout for uPVC window fitters in Wakefield or West Yorkshire? With over 30 years' experience and an extensive range of uPVC windows, we can help. Request a quote today or apply for finance and spread the cost.