Is it time to get triple glazing?

Do you want to improve the thermal performance of your home? Are you tired of being kept up by traffic outside your window? Are you looking for ways to increase the market value of your home?

If any of these apply to you, it may be time to invest in triple-glazed windows.

Triple glazing has become the norm in cold climates like Scandinavia and Canada, where trapping as much heat as possible in the home is a priority.

But it can make a difference here in the UK, too – especially at a time when energy bills are on the up and more and more homeowners are thinking about their carbon footprint.

Before we go any further, we should put our cards on the table. Triple glazing is more expensive than double – there's no way around it. But as with many big investments, it reaps dividends in the long run.

We're confident that in most situations, triple glazing will improve the comfort and thermal performance of your home.

How does triple glazing work?

Triple-glazed windows consist of three layers of glass that are sealed in an airtight unit. Between each pane is either air or an inert gas like argon, krypton or xenon.

These gases are useless at conducting heat – which makes them ideal for technology that aims to keep heat leakage to a bare minimum.

Triple glazing is heavier and more insulating than double. It's not much different from wrapping up warm in winter. If double glazing is a vest and shirt, triple glazing adds a jumper.

It's all about comfort. Even if your property's walls, roof and floor are well-insulated, poor glazing will lead to cold spots on the windows. Triple glazing ensures the warmth is distributed evenly throughout your home before you even consider putting the heating on.

That single extra pane of glass can make a world of difference. By retaining heat, it helps you to curb your energy usage. At a time when energy prices are spiralling and there's an emphasis on sustainability in the housing sector, it can be a prudent investment.

It's also more secure than double glazing. That extra thickness makes it harder to break.

And that same thickness does wonders for noise reduction. If you're fed up with having your sleep disrupted by the traffic outside your window, it could make a big difference.

What is a window's U-value?

This is a term you'll come across a lot when researching different types of windows. It's clearly important – but why?

U-values are a way of measuring a window's thermal performance – in other words, how effective it is at keeping the heat in.

Your home has an overall U-value which your windows contribute to. Having triple-glazed windows lowers the U-value – meaning they're providing better thermal efficiency.

It's especially important at a time when the housing sector is being pushed to focus on energy efficiency as part of a general drive to reduce carbon emissions.

Since June 2022, new buildings are required by law to have windows with a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K or less. Triple glazing is around 0.8 – so well ahead of the curve. Compare that to double glazing's U-value of around 1.4 and you can see why it's flavour of the month.

As well as U-values, you may come across a letter-based rating system. This is the British Fenestration Rating Council's way of measuring thermal performance. It goes from A++ (highly energy positive) to E (far from ideal).

Keeping heat in

Triple glazing has a positive impact on your energy efficiency by providing a thicker barrier between inside and outside. That airtight unit which contains the panes of glass means you'll reach for the central heating button less and less.

On average, triple glazing is between 40 and 50% more thermally efficient than double, especially if the frame is properly installed and insulated.

That means lower heating bills, a better U-value and a slimmer carbon footprint.

As well as warming you up in winter, triple glazing can make a difference in summer by reducing the chances of overheating.

Noise reduction

If you live in a busy area, triple glazing can help to dampen the noise.

But as with heat, it works both ways. As well as keeping noise out, it can keep it in. This can be invaluable if you have a large family or a job or hobby that means you make a lot of noise.

Highly secure

Security should never be an afterthought – and here at Calder Windows, it's baked into everything we stock and every job we do.

Triple-glazed windows are harder to break than their double-glazed counterparts and usually have a toughened middle pane.

Reduce condensation

Tired of dripping windows? Triple glazing lowers the chances of condensation in your property, improving comfort as well as your thermal performance.

Improve your property's saleability

All of the above qualities have the potential to boost the market value of your property.

Triple glazing and double glazing look the same – so the effect on saleability can sometimes be overlooked (literally).

But at a time when EPC ratings are required when renting or selling, your energy efficiency is part of your sales pitch. The issue of sustainability isn't going anywhere, so the thermal performance of your property is likely to become more and more relevant going forward.

The bottom line

If you're looking to improve your energy efficiency, reduce noise or add value to your home, triple glazing could be the way forward.

Yes, it's pricier than other options. However, it's a valuable investment for your property that you won't regret – and which, in time, will pay for itself.

Are you looking for a window supplier in West Yorkshire to install, replace or repair triple-glazed windows? Get in touch today for a quote or visit our showroom in Normanton.