Double Glazing or Triple Glazing – Which to Choose?
Upgrading your windows is not something we do very often so it can feel a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, Energlaze is here to help. One of the main decisions homeowners are faced with is whether to choose double or triple glazing.
Upgrading Windows To Double Glazing or Triple Glazing
New double glazing and triple glazing windows both vastly improve upon single glazed windows or old double glazing. They both do this by significantly reducing heat loss, lowering noise levels, and enhancing home security.
However, each option has its own set of advantages and trade-offs. Triple glazing is usually seen as the best option. But as we will show you, modern double glazing might be just what your home needs. Especially when you compare price and the overall level of improvement.
The difference between double and triple glazing
Double glazing consists of two glass panes with an inert gas (typically argon) filled gap between them. The inner pane will also have an invisible low-E coating. This configuration creates a thermal barrier that improves insulation and reduces noise.
Triple glazing works the same as double glazing but with three panes of glass with two insulating gaps and two low-E coatings. The extra layer provides an additional barrier against heat loss and sound transmission.
Benefits of upgrading your windows
Single Glazing Upgrade
If you have single glazed windows then upgrading to double or triple glazing is a must. Single glazing is a terrible insulator. It will leave your home feeling cold in winter and uncomfortably warm in summer. This not only drives up your heating and energy bills – but also has a negative environmental impact. Especially if your home uses oil or gas for heating.
If you live in a period home or listed building and want to keep your sash frames then check out Fineo vacuum glazing. Fineo is the width of single glazing but performs like triple glazing, perfect for retrofitting into existing timber frames.
Old Double Glazing
If you have double glazing but it is over twenty years old, then there is a chance this does not have a low emissivity (low-E) coating. Low-E is an invisible coating on the glass pane that works as a barrier, providing enhanced insulation. To check if your glass is inefficient, check the colour of your spacer bar. If the spacer is silver there is a high possibility your glass is inefficient.
The good news is that you might be able to save up to 50% by keeping your existing uPVC window frames and retrofitting new heat-retaining Low-E-Plus2™ double glazing from Energlaze. But if you prefer a change of style and an upgrade to your frames with new windows, keep reading. We will compare new double glazed windows with new triple-glazed windows.
The benefits of double glazing
Improved Thermal Insulation — Low-E-Plus double glazing has a low U-value. U-values measure thermal insulation. The lower the U-value the better the insulator. The overall U-value of a 28mm double-glazed unit is 1.3 W/m²K (single glazing is 5.8). The glass has a centre pane U-value of 1.0. Note: The cavity in the overall unit will affect the final U-value. The lowest U-value available for triple glazing is 0.8 W/m²K in a 44mm unit.
Reduced Energy Bills — When you upgrade your glass or windows to modern Low-E double glazing your energy bills will be reduced. This is because less heat is required to warm the home due to the improved thermal insulation.
More Installation Options – As double glazing is thinner than triple glazing it can be retrofitted into existing window frames. This can save homeowners up to 50% in installation costs.
Improved Comfort — Modern double glazing upgrade will make your home warmer and more comfortable. Low-E double glazing has noise reducing, solar control and privacy variations available. This provides a bespoke solution to the specific needs of your home.
Costs Less — As there is less material used in production, double glazing costs less than triple glazing. This can be a significant factor when deciding on new windows due to the impressive performance of modern double glazing.
The disadvantages of triple glazing
Costs More — As there is more material used in production, triple glazing costs more than double glazing. Some of the advantages on modern double glazing can be subtle so the costs might not be as attractive.
Less Flexible Installation — Triple glazed units are far larger than double glazing. This bulk rules out retrofitting into existing frames.
Ventilation Required – Both double glazing and triple glazing will reduce unwanted noise and external condensation. However, ventilation is an important factor in any healthy home and may impact both.
Conclusion: New Double or Triple Glazed Windows
Double glazing is the preferred option for retrofit projects. If new windows are required or preferred, triple glazing outperforms double glazing. However, modern double glazing has incorporated new glazing technology that has narrowed the gap significantly. This may be enough to reconsider paying the extra cost for triple glazing.
Either way, if you are upgrading your windows to modern double or triple glazing, you will notice huge improvements. This is because single glazing and old double glazing are poor insulators. Therefore, no matter what you choose your home will be warmer, quieter and more comfortable. Your energy bills will be lower and your carbon footprint will be reduced. What’s not to love.
Energlaze are experts in all things windows and glass, with a proven track record all over Ireland.
Energlaze Home Energy Upgrades has improved the warmth and comfort of homes all over Ireland. The SEAI do not offer grants for new windows unless they are part off a full retrofit using the SEAI One Stop Shop scheme — Energlaze is a registered SEAI installer. Book a free consultation today and get expert advice and a free no-obligation quotation.
Important information everybody should know about their glass and windows
U-values explained
Identify inefficient glass
Stop condensation
If you can’t find the answer please contact us here or email us at info@energlaze.ie
Is there a grant for new windows?
As an individual measure, no.
As part of the SEAI One Stop Shop scheme, yes. Up to €4,000.
Read more about grants for windows here.
Will changing my glass get rid of my condensation?
This is usually a ventilation problem and cannot be caused purely by the installation of heat-retaining double or triple glazing. By acting as a heat barrier and providing an inner pane which is considerably warmer than the outer pane, condensation may be reduced. For more information visit our condensation information page.
Can I upgrade just one window?
No. We recommend a minimum of half-of-house upgrade (usually 3 or 4 full windows) to get the full impact of the heat-retaining glass. For more information on this please feel free to contact us.
Are the heat retaining coatings invisible and permanent?
Yes and yes. The coating is transparent and microscopic so you won’t notice them. And they are hermetically sealed during manufacture, making them durable and permanent. Get a free quote here
I have alarms on my windows - do I need do do anything beforehand?
Yes. If your alarm has sensors on the window or glass, these will need to be removed. In some instances, you will need to have your home security provider remove these for you. Energlaze fitters cannot remove them on the day of fitting. Failure to remove sensors will delay your fitting.