However, the greater the glazing ‘level’, the higher the installation cost. While double-glazing has a significant impact compared to single glazing, it can often take years to see the pay-off.”
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2. Why should you invest in triple-glazing? The energy efficiency of windows is measured using a ‘u value’ figure, with values improving dramatically over the years. The lower this 'u' value is, the more efficient your window is, with current figures as follows:
Single glazing - 'u' value of 4.8
Double glazing - 'u' value of 1.2
Triple-glazing - 'u' value of less than 0.8
Window cavities use inert gases, low emissivity coatings and aluminium spacers, sometimes called cold bridges. With modern double glazing considerably bringing down 'u' values in windows, you may ask - is it worth considering triple-glazed windows at all? On average, the walls in your building have a 'u' value of 0.3, so a triple-glazed window is an excellent investment!
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3. Is triple-glazing commonly used? In Scandinavian countries, triple-glazing is standard, along with insulated frames. U values of their windows are around 0.8, a considerable improvement on modern double glazing.
Elsewhere, triple-glazing features in new builds, with property developers acknowledging triple-glazing as being better due to the low ‘u’ value.
Generally, triple-glazing has the same pay-off as high-quality double glazing in terms of the money saved over the years. As a result, you may wish to consider that before paying for triple-glazing for your uPVC windows. However, it seems to be the best option for new buildings wherein you are already paying for a long-term investment.”
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4. Will introducing triple-glazing have an impact on noise pollution? Yes! As sound travels in waves and vibrates against anything it hits, having several window layers will weaken the strength of the sound wave. Unfortunately, glass is a material that allows travel through it - but, with triple-glazing, this is minimal! The argon gas situated in each ‘layer’ of glass helps to insulate not only noise but also heat.
In addition to using triple-glazed window panes, you can also invest in further alterations to the windows in your home. For example, introducing a thin plastic layer and coating on the glass may further help to trap noise.”
5. Will installing triple-glazing reduce condensation? As well as significantly reducing noise pollution, triple-glazing is an excellent solution to condensation. Due to the difference in 'u' values between double-glazed windows and walls, cold patches can appear in your home.
This problem is further exacerbated by modern wall insulation, as the windows become even colder than the rest of the house. Triple-glazing offers the best solution, as it dramatically decreases the difference in 'u' value between your walls and windows
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6. Do triple-glazed windows impact the security of my home? Triple-glazed windows can be a great asset regarding home security. Not only are there an additional two layers of glass to break in comparison to single glazing, making it more difficult, but they may make a louder noise when broken.
This loud noise may alert you, the family dog, or the neighbours if a break-in occurs. As triple-glazed windows are more expensive, they are moreover premium quality in solid units, so it may be more difficult for an intruder to attempt a break-in.”
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7. Should you get triple-glazing? Triple-glazing is perfect for people who:
- Want to lower the 'u' value of their windows
- Live in noisier areas
- Those situated in cold climates
Triple-glazed windows are, above all, an excellent investment for those who live in cold climates. Despite the cost of the units, the money to install a window will ‘pay off’ itself by reducing your heating costs.
Insulating your home to a greater degree ensures minimal energy consumption, especially when you have larger-sized windows installed. This feature is vital when considering the rising cost of gas and electricity worldwide, so these windows are more cost-effective than ever!”
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8. Is triple-glazing expensive? In the UK, uPVC catchment-style triple-glazed windows vary in price from about £505 to £770 per window. While these units are expensive, double-glazed windows cost between £200 to £700.
As a result of these costs, it is beneficial to install double-glazed windows unless you live in an exceptionally noisy or cold climate. However, you can only install triple-glazed windows in the vital areas that require it the most, such as your bedroom or living room, to ensure relaxation time.
* Graham Lock works at Art Windows & Doors *
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I like everyone else would like to save the planet but more importantly the cost of paying for heating which I do in all my HMOs and I have had over 160. I do not say this to boast but to explain that I have tried every type of energy conservation and they do not work in HMOs. How do I know this? Because I read the meters every week and when I have fitted new A rated boilers, double glazing, wall insulation etc it’s made no difference to the amount of energy used in the building. I know this does not stand up to rational analysis but it’s what happens in practice. They have got the first three letters right in energy “conservation” it is no more than a “con”! Yes I take on board the point that in a HMO it is because the tenants are not paying for the heating they just open the windows when it gets too hot. The problem is if you want evidence having 160 HMOs and checking with the before and after results gives this evidence. No change in heating costs! If you only have one house and you’ve put triple glazing are you really saving money or do you only believe you are? Every time I ask someone who has used some conservation measure they never have the evidence of the before and after meter readings. It’s always “ of course it works” or “ it’s got to work it says on the packet”
The only two thing that I find saves money on energy is to fit prepaid electric meters to every HMO room and this nearly halves the amount of electricity used in the HMO and most of the rest of the cost is recovered from the sale of electric. Why because the tenant’s behaviour changes when they are paying for electric they switch everything off when they go out. I have just written a book on fitting prepay meters, anyone who will agree to proof read it for me and or give me feedback can I have a copy for free. Just email me. The other way to save on cost is to put heating on timed. If it is only on for eight hours and off for 16 hours this saves one third of the cost of heating - note not 2/3 of the cost even though it’s off for 2/3 of the time. I stopped putting heating on timed because it upsets the tenants and questionable from the housing standards angle who say tenants should have control over the heating.
Double glazing is certainly effective form the comfort point of view, reducing cold drafts, noise and condensation. I now no longer repaint wooden windows or repair broken single glazed windows. It is almost as cost-effective to replace the windows with double glazing and you do not have to paint the frames. As for saving on energy- no!
Jim Haliburton
The HMODaddy
Simply summed up as one big con
Jim, send me the book telephone is 07838 200 843 because they won't have links. l have been in the energy industry for more years than l care to think. Strangely the local swimming baths opens the windows when the attendants get too warm ! Which chills the pool and creates a demand for heat !
Jim l think you mean uPVC windows, double glazing can be just an extra lightweight interior window.
Hi Edwin
I’ve text you my email address.
You’re right I mean UPVC double glaze windows. Yes I’m aware that you can double glaze wooden windows by putting double glazed units in or fit secondary glazing
Jim Haliburton
The HMODaddy
Thanks everyone on the theory and practical aspects of energy improvements ,could some respond on the effects off triple gazing an epc performance.
Thanks everyone on the theory and practical aspects of energy improvements ,could some respond on the effects off triple gazing an epc performance.
Interesting question, I have an EPC due to be done in a couple of weeks I'll ask my lady that one
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