Triple vs double glazing: the real cost difference

People across the world live in the comfort of their double-glazed homes. Yet more and more homeowners are investing in triple glazing. What's all the fuss about?

From one point of view, the answer is simple. Double glazing has two panes of glass and one gas-filled gap. Triple glazing has three panes and two gaps. That means better heat retention, better acoustic performance and better security.

So, why isn't everyone all aboard the triple-glazing train? One word: money.

Yes, triple glazing is more expensive than double glazing. In many cases, however, it's well worth the investment – and not just because of its effect on energy bills. Above all, triple glazing gives you extra comfort all year round.

So, let's take a look at the headline numbers. What's the difference in upfront cost between double and triple glazing?

Headline numbers: what's the typical price increase for triple glazing?

At the time of writing, triple glazing in the UK is usually around 25% to 40% more expensive than an equivalent amount of double glazing. Some quotes go higher – especially if you're looking for high-end frames or unusual shapes.

A typical fitted uPVC window might cost between £400 and £700 when double glazed. This could go up to somewhere between £550 and £1,000 for triple glazing.

So, is it worth paying? Well, from a purely financial point of view, it's true that triple glazing is more thermally efficient and can reduce heating bills. But while there are savings to be made, they're often swallowed by the upfront cost – at least in the short term. There are savings to be made, but it might take you a while to see them.

Perhaps a more persuasive argument for triple-glazed windows is the comfort they provide. Triple-glazed windows have a superior U-value (thermal performance) and comfort level to double glazing. So, your home will become a more comfy place to be, no matter what the weather is doing.

For many, this increase in comfort is well worth the extra expense. But why is triple glazing more expensive in the first place?

Why is triple glazing more expensive?

The key reason triple glazing is more expensive than double glazing is that it's a bigger window unit. The extra costs cover extra materials, additional complexity at the manufacturing stage and a sturdier, heavier finished product.

In terms of construction, triple glazing has three panes instead of two and an extra insulating gap. This means more glass and extra spacer bars, seals and gas fillings. All of these are reflected in the price tag.

Then there's the issue of weight. The extra pane and air gap make the unit heavier. This means manufacturers need sturdier frames, hinges and even hardware.

The manufacturing process is more complex than when making double glazing. In particular, the alignment of the three panes and sealed cavities is more fiddly and time-consuming.

And finally, the extra money you spend goes on transport and installation. Triple-glazing units are harder to handle – especially when the units are on the bigger side.

Can triple glazing save you money?

Customers want to know what they're spending their money on. If triple glazing costs a hundred pounds or more than double glazing, is it worth the investment?

Well, it's true that triple glazing can save you money on heating, simply because less air escapes through that extra pane.

That said, the amount of heat your home loses is only partly down to your windows. It's also because of your walls, roof, floors, doors and ventilation. If these aren't thermally efficient, the savings you stand to make with your windows could be negligible.

This means that you can't expect your heating bill to fall proportionally with the thermal efficiency of the triple glazing window. What you can expect is a significant and noticeable increase in the comfort of your home.

The comfort value

If your priority when buying windows is thermal efficiency and energy savings, you may struggle to see the argument for triple glazing. But if your priority is comfort, it's a no-brainer.

Triple glazing has a warmer inner pane than double glazing. This stops cold draughts and chilly spots near the window. Less heat escapes, meaning you're less likely to lunge for the thermostat. And the extra pane acts as soundproofing – a boon to anyone who lives in a noisy neighbourhood.

The argument for triple glazing is even easier to make if you're already replacing the windows. This means you're only paying the cost of the upgrade.

It's also a compelling idea if your home has single glazing or older, less energy-efficient double-glazing.

If you're building a new home that has thermal efficiency at its heart, triple glazing is the obvious choice. The same goes for homes in especially cold or exposed locations – the key reason it's so popular in Scandinavia and some parts of Scotland.

Triple glazing in Yorkshire from Calder Windows

If you're in Yorkshire and you're in the market for triple glazing, we can help.

At Calder Windows, we've installed high-quality home improvements in Yorkshire for more than 30 years. In recent years, that's included some of the best triple glazing on the UK market.

Our triple-glazed windows have an A++ energy rating, meaning they have up to 40% better thermal efficiency than an equivalent double-glazed unit.

The results speak for themselves. You get a warmer home and energy savings in the long term.

So, if you're looking for high-quality, energy-efficient triple-glazed windows in West Yorkshire, get in touch with our team today. We look forward to hearing from you.

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