Double or Triple glazing?

Double or Triple glazing? Which one is right for you?
Choosing the right glazing is a key decision when specifying windows.
In today’s climate of energy conservation, there is a greater than ever reason to ensure you make the correct choice. But there are so many different specifications on the market, this can be confusing.
Whilst the case for double glazing versus traditional single glazing is without question, the difference between double and triple glazing is less clear cut.
So here we take a brief look at the difference between double and triple glazing and where each is most suited

[@abz8334]

In my opinion the two differences i found is its slightly warmer with triple glazing and the biggest difference is the sound you can barely hear noise through triple glazing

[@gryff8400]

Excellent concise clear summary of the pros and cons of both double and triple glazing according to circumstances 👍 thanks!

[@TheSimArchitect]

I want the sound proofing from extra panes. I am even considering a triple outside plus storm windows inside for a room or two where I want to make noise any time of the day or night without disturbing neighbors. Thanks for the warning about the specialized glass for sound proofing. I didn't know I could get a different one designed for it without it being custom made.

[@gerarda1218]

We went tripled glazing as the cost difference wasn't that much but we figured that to the layman 'triple glazing' is going to be an increased selling point should we ever move.

[@ilikemyprivacyuk]

Very good ty

[@bobmoulton3319]

very informative.

[@andrewjaynes9671]

Thank you

[@markgamester]

Think you missed some important points, triple glazing you have two seals so increased failure rate, much heavier so hinges and runners won't last as long, also won't let as much light in the room. But for things like aluminium bi-folds on new builds you'll probably need triple glazing to meet building regs U-values.

[@handle1196]

I attended the homeshow in Scotland and they done a talk on tripple glazing with data slides. They said that anyone selling tripple glazed claiming its better sound reduction than double, it isnt, very marginally it is but the human ear would not tell the difference.

[@andrewjaynes9671]

Thanks for your comment Dan

[@benjones3819]

Great video, very informative. The only thing I would have liked to have had some info on is how important is spacer size when it comes to triple glazing? As far as I understand it, triple glazing needs a sufficient spacer to be effective. Not sure how much of this is correct. Thanks

[@andrewjaynes9671]

Yes, cavity width is very important. I am about to upload a video explaining all about that

[@petervirnuls7879]

The issue that has not come up is that U-values are proportionate. That means a U-value of 0.5 loses half of the heat per hour of 1. Likewise, a low spec double glazing of 3 could would mean a 6 fold improvement in heat loss for top spec triple glazing, but only about 2 fold for low spec double glazing. Our 2003 detached house has dry fill cavity wall with a U-value of around 0.6. The other issue to consider is that upgrading your heating would be less impactful if you use much better levels of insulation. I’ve communicated with several window companies, and they just don’t seem to know the science behind their products, with one asking “what is a U-value?” My response was that I couldn’t understand how anyone could make an informed choice without knowing that. Finally, top spec triple glazing (U=£50k for our home. I’ve not taken this forward, because despite huge increases in fuel costs, it’s still cheaper to pay it as we’re only really talking about 4 months of the year

[@petervirnuls7879]

I forgot to add, Heat loss equates to the product of (U value) x (difference between the temperature you want inside, and the outside temp) x (Area of surface in sq meters)

[@scotiajinker8392]

Very informative, thank you. Will triple glazing stop the condensation that builds up on the bottom of the glass? Our double glazing pushing 30 yrs old , I’m looking to renew it & looking for the best option.

[@andrewjaynes9671]

Thanks for your comment. It depends what your existing glass is, but yes triple glazing should eliminate that

[@jaspreet_singh_247]

Sounds like hes trying hard to sell double glazing.

[@andrewjaynes9671]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@johnford5568]

It is amazing how biased they are against triple glazing.

[@jaspreet_singh_247]

@@andrewjaynes9671 thank you, but truth is every product has a good and a bad point, just need to mention them and let customers come to an conclusion is best approach else people will think you are biases. Sorry for feedback. Your video was very decent and informative thou so im glad i watched it.

[@maxworx1411]

​@@jaspreet_singh_247I have years in the field (although different country) and still can't see the benefits. Higher cost of production, shortened lifespan per unit due to higher weight, all the other things he mentioned such as insignificant gains in K-value over double glazed units etc. Not to mention the physical labor needed to install them. There are just no benefits

[@AdrianSams]

@@maxworx1411 As a Joiner who makes lots of windows I agree. If the UK had a Scandinavian climate then Triple glazing would have a place. However we don't and add to that the ridiculous rules we have on trickle vents being compulsory now is nothing short of laughable. I've recently been using the thin vacuum units with a .7mm spacer but have a 0.7 U value which seem very good. Not perfect but lots of advantages over triple glazing.

[@shanef8728]

I hope his day job isn't being a sales rep for windows cos he was fair negative, especially regarding triple glaze!

[@tf2368]

He’s right though. For sound you are far better off doing double glazing and then adding secondary glazing.

[@maxworx1411]

It's the truth. Triple glazing is ecological and economical rubbish. Not a popular opinion though because the industry is making more money on it. (edit) I am in the field, sold and fitted this stuff for years

[@martiruda]

this is BS, triple is way better than double. just make sure you put argon gas in between sheets