It’s not uncommon to experience high energy bills and drafts, even after upgrading your building’s windows and doors just a few years back. While windows can be inefficient for several reasons, it largely boils down to the type of glazing you are using in your building.
You must have learned that triple glazing is the way to go if you seek energy efficiency. However, considering the cost of replacement and inconveniences to business operations, you might wonder whether it’s worth it.
Is it worth replacing double glazing with triple glazing?
Is triple glazing better than double glazing?
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons so you can decide if triple glazing makes sense for your building. But before then, let’s begin with the major differences between double glazing and a triple glazing unit.
When comparing triple glazed vs double glazed, the primary differences lie in their construction and performance.
Here’s an overview of the major differences:
Double-glazed units consist of two panes of glass with an air gap in between, which is sealed to create an insulating barrier. On the other hand, triple-glazed units utilise an additional third pane of glass, creating two separate air gaps. This design variation is the fundamental difference affecting their performance.
The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how well a window can prevent heat transfer. The R-value of double-glazed units typically ranges between 2 and 3. In contrast, triple-glazed units can achieve R-values between 7 and 8 due to the extra pane and additional air gap, which enhance their insulating properties.
The structural difference between double and triple glazing means the latter is more insulated. Triple-glazed units provide better sound insulation because the extra pane and air gap offer another layer of sound dampening. This can significantly reduce the amount of external noise entering a space.
From a cost perspective, triple-glazed units require a higher initial investment compared to double-glazed units. This is due to the additional materials and complexity of the triple-glazed units. However, they’re more cost-effective in the long run. We’ll discuss more about the cost differences later in this article.
In summary, triple-glazed units have three panes of glass, in contrast to double-glazed units’ two panes. They also have more effective sound and thermal insulation, making them a great choice when considering an upgrade from double or single glazing. Let’s now examine the benefits of upgrading to help you understand if triple glazing is worth it.
Upgrading to triple glazing has several advantages. These include effective heat management, reduction in noise pollution, durability, and the extra value it provides.
Upgrading from double glazing can lower your energy bills by up to 60%, thanks to triple glazing’s superior insulation. Triple glazing consists of three panes of glass with two air pockets in between, so very little heat can escape. This means warmer office space in winter and less money spent on heating. For businesses, the savings can really add up.
One of the common double glazing problems is noise transmission. The extra pane of glass in triple glazing acts as an effective sound barrier, blocking outside noise from entering your building. This can help create a peaceful work environment and increase productivity. With triple glazing, you can enjoy quieter, more comfortable spaces.
Triple-glazed units are highly durable and long-lasting. The multiple panes of glass and air pockets provide excellent insulation for up to 50 years. This means you can enjoy the benefits of triple glazing for decades after installation without needing to replace the windows.
Replacing old double glazing with modern triple glazing can significantly increase a property’s value. This is an appealing upgrade for business owners looking to sell their building down the line.
Upgrading from double to triple glazing is a smart investment that pays off through energy savings, noise reduction, increased value, and durability. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term rewards make triple glazing worth it for many UK companies. However, you should also consider the applicable downsides before making a decision on triple glazed vs double.
While triple glazing does offer some benefits over double glazing, there are a few downsides to consider before replacing your existing double-glazed units, including bulkier frames, more significant upfront costs, etc.
Triple-glazed units require thicker, sturdier frames to support the additional pane of glass. This can make the windows significantly heavier, requiring a stronger material like uPVC or aluminium. The heavier frames may require additional structural support and can be slightly strenuous to open and close. However, you’ll soon get used to it after a few days of usage.
Triple-glazed units typically cost 10–20% more than comparable double-glazed units. The extra pane of glass and more substantial frames mean higher production costs for manufacturers, who pass much of this cost onto consumers and businesses. While energy savings from triple glazing can offset some of these costs over time, the initial outlay can still be a barrier for some.
The extra components and complexity of manufacturing triple-glazed units mean they typically have longer production and delivery lead times. It can take a couple of weeks longer to receive triple-glazed units compared to double-glazed units. Plan and factor in these additional timelines with a professional glazing company if replacing windows on a tight schedule or during colder months.
In summary, while the energy efficiency and insulation benefits of triple glazing appeal to many businesses, the cons are equally important factors to weigh up based on your needs and priorities. However, upgrading to triple glazing is more cost-effective in the long run. Speaking of cost, let’s examine the price differences between a double-glazed unit and its triple-glazed counterpart.
When comparing costs between double vs triple glazing, triple glazing costs significantly more upfront, typically 10–20% higher for the same type of window or door. On average, a triple-glazed unit costs between £660 and £4,320, while a double-glazed unit costs between £600 and £3,600. The additional pane of glass and improved sealants add to the total cost.
While there’s a price difference between double and triple glazing, the latter can save you money in the long run. Let’s do the maths:
Triple glazing is usually 50% more efficient at insulating than double glazing alone. With triple glazing, you may notice heating costs decrease by up to 60% per year. This is a significant saving that can quickly add up to your business’s bottom line, effectively paying for the initial cost of the upgrade over the long run.
Another factor to consider in a triple glazing vs double glazing analysis is their lifespan. Triple glazing typically lasts up to 20 years longer than double glazing before needing replacement. The extra pane of glass and high-performance sealants help the units last that much with proper maintenance. This means you can continue enjoying your upgrades long after saving up the initial cost from the reduced energy bill — a lasting value for your money!
In the end, both double and triple glazing can be excellent options for improving your building’s thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Analysing the costs and benefits of each for your unique situation will help determine whether the additional investment in triple glazing makes sense or if standard double glazing fits the bill. With all of these considerations, does it make sense to put money into new triple-glazed units?
Replacing your existing double glazing with triple glazing is really a choice that comes down to your priorities and how long you plan to stay in the building. If energy efficiency and soundproofing are most important, and you want windows that last decades, then triple glazing may be worth the investment despite the higher initial cost. However, if budget is a concern and you may only occupy the building for 10–15 more years, double glazing could suit your needs at a lower price point.
Another important factor is the comfort of occupants. Employees and customers alike may benefit from the enhanced environment that triple glazing provides. A more stable internal temperature and reduced noise pollution create a more pleasant and productive atmosphere. However, you need the right professional for the best result.
As you weigh up these benefits, remember that the expertise of the installer plays a significant role in the success of your investment. It’s essential to choose a glazier with a proven track record of delivering high-quality results. At GLRE (Glazing Refurbishment Ltd), we can ensure the integrity of your upgrade.
With 25+ years of experience, we have maintained and repaired glazed structures for prestigious companies, as evidenced in our case studies. Our range of services includes glass replacements and window refurbishments, carried out by skilled professionals who understand the nuances of commercial glazing.
Investing in a professional glazier means that your new triple glazing will not only be a product of the latest technology but also be installed with the highest standards of craftsmanship. This ensures longevity and performance, safeguarding your investment and making triple glazing worth it. Our satisfied clients, including BNP Paribas, John Lewis, Eurostar, and Heathrow Airport, speak volumes of our reliability and expertise in the field.
Contact us today to discuss your triple glazing project requirements!
The disadvantages of triple glazing include its potential to decrease natural light penetration and its significant weight, which demands sturdier frames for support. This added weight can pose structural challenges, possibly necessitating reinforcement of existing window frames or the installation of new ones to ensure safety and integrity.
Yes, replacing double-glazed units with triple-glazed ones is feasible; however, the performance improvements may be marginal. The upgrade primarily adds another glass pane, which doesn’t inherently optimise the window’s design or its insulative properties. It’s crucial to assess whether the frame can support the extra weight and if the investment aligns with your energy efficiency goals.
Triple glazing is more effective than double glazing. Its three panes of glass and two insulated gas spaces excel at preventing heat loss, leading to higher energy efficiency and potential savings on energy bills.
Triple glazing can greatly reduce, but not eliminate, condensation. High indoor humidity or significant temperature differences may still cause moisture buildup, albeit less frequently than with single or double-glazed units.
Yes, in some cases, secondary glazing can outperform both double and triple glazing thermally and acoustically. It’s an excellent alternative, offering enhanced energy efficiency and noise reduction without the need for extensive installation work.
Yes, you generally need new frames for triple glazing. Due to triple glazing’s heavier weight compared to double glazing, existing frames must be assessed for strength. Often, they’ll need to be refitted or replaced to support the additional weight and prevent any potential structural problems.
So, is it worth replacing double glazing with triple glazing?
This depends on your specific needs and circumstances, so it’s important you take a close look at your current glazing units, energy costs, and budget. Triple glazing lasts longer and better insulates your building, but it costs more upfront. Run the numbers to see if you’ll recoup the investment in energy savings over time.
Don’t forget to explore other options, like secondary glazing. You know your business best; trust your judgement on what makes the most financial sense for your bottom line. With guidance from experienced glazing professionals, you can make a smart, informed decision about upgrading your units.
Contact GLRE today to evaluate your glazing units and to discuss if upgrading to triple glazing is worth it!
