If you’ve been researching aluminium windows for your home, the chances are you’ll be wondering whether you need to have double glazing or triple glazing. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between the two options and offer some insights to help you choose which is right for you.
What is double glazing?
Let’s start by quickly explaining what we mean when we talk about double glazing and triple glazing in aluminium windows.
Double glazing is two panes of glass separated by a spacer and then held together in a unit. (You sometimes hear people talking about double glazed units.) The gap between the two panes of glass is filled with a harmless gas such as argon. Argon gas is denser than ordinary air, so heat transfers more slowly from the inside to the outside (and vice versa).
Double glazing is more energy (or thermally) efficient than single glazing. It also reduces the amount of sound that travels from the outside when compared to single glazing.
Double glazing is by far the most popular choice in UK homes with 88% of properties having double glazed windows.
What is triple glazing?
Triple glazing is exactly what it sounds like – three panes of glass. Each pane is separated with a spacer. The gap between each pane is filled with a gas such as argon. All the panes are held together within the sealed unit.
As you’d expect, the benefits of double glazing are taken to the next level in triple glazing. Triple glazing is even more thermally efficient and even better at reducing noise transfer too.
Triple glazing is much less common – it’s estimated that less than 1% of British homes have triple glazing. However, as we continue our journey towards net zero, more and more homeowners are opting for triple glazing because of its thermal efficiency, and the benefits it brings around reductions in energy use.
Comparing double glazing and triple glazing for aluminium windows
The extra pane of glass in aluminium triple glazing brings many benefits. When sustainability and reduced energy usage are prime considerations, triple glazing is undoubtedly better than double glazing. If you live near a busy road or are on a flight path, triple glazing’s ability to reduce sound is a brilliant advantage.
There are other things to consider though. The additional pane of glass means triple glazing is heavier than double glazing. Aluminium is inherently strong, so it is the ideal material for triple glazed frames. However, triple glazing will need stronger, more robust hinges and handles to cope with the additional weight. Because of the additional material involved, the upfront cost of aluminium triple glazing is more expensive than aluminium double glazing, although this will be offset in the longer term with reduced energy bills.
Consider too that the extra pane of glass can affect light transmission. The strength of aluminium means the frames can still be super-slim in comparison to other materials, so they maximise natural light and make it an excellent material choice if you do opt for triple glazing.
Do you need double glazed aluminium windows or triple glazed aluminium windows?
There is no right or wrong answer to the question of whether you need double glazed aluminium windows or triple glazed aluminium windows.
The answer will depend on many things, including your budget, your sustainability goals and your home’s location.
Here at Capital Windows we manufacture and install both double glazed aluminium windows and triple glazed aluminium windows. We are always happy to discuss the options with customers to help them reach the decision that’s right for them.
To have a conversation and see our double and triple glazed aluminium windows for yourself, give us a call to book a free home consultation or visit our showroom.