From television adverts and other forms of home improvement advertising, you may be aware that you can now have triple glazing in your windows and doors.
What is triple glazing and should you consider it?
Windows and doors can all benefit from triple glazing, but it is important to consider other factors as well.
Triple glazing is not a new technology. European and Scandinavian countries that have much colder climates have been using triple glazing well before it came to the UK. Additionally, triple glazing is not just the latest “trend” in home improvements, there are advantages to the product but also other consideration.
In simple terms, triple glazing is three panes of glass instead of standard double glazing that comprises two panes of glass. But the technology used in triple glazing is much more than just an extra pane of glass in your window.
Sophisticated manufacturing techniques are used, science and physics also come into play to provide a triple glazed window.
Why is triple glazing popular?
Triple glazing has come about not only as new technology but also to meet the demands of ever changing environmental and energy efficiency considerations in buildings.
If you are already aware of window energy ratings and the requirement that new double glazed windows and doors are energy efficient, triple glazing is one further step in working towards greater energy efficiency and reduction of wasted energy.
Should you consider triple glazing?
Many factors in the home determine where heat and energy is lost. Even though you may choose the very best in energy efficient windows and glass, if you are losing a lot of heat through your roof and walls this will compromise any benefits of new windows.
Triple glazing can give greater improvements over double glazing but it is not a wise investment if other areas of your home also need to be more energy efficient.
There are advantages and disadvantages to triple glazing but it also comes with a few compromises.
As you will be looking through three panes of glass rather than two, you may find that the clarity of vision through the glass is not as good. This is inevitable given the greater number of glass panes.
Additional weight is also a factor. Windows and doors will be heavier than normal and they may be fitted with larger hinges to accommodate for this extra weight.
Thermal expansion is also a consideration in triple glazing. Whilst this may not directly affect you, it is worth knowing that the middle pane in a triple glazed unit will comprise toughened safety glass. This is important to prevent shattering of the middle pane through excessive heat build up.
Whether you require new windows, new bifolding doors or other type of home improvement product, North West Bifolds have over two decades experience in windows and doors. Contact us for free help and advise and we can work with you and help you decide wither double glazing or the latest triple glazing is right for you.
