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UK homes on average lose between 10 and 20 per cent of their heat through windows, so triple glazed windows are definitely worth considering. Triple glazing is also up to 30 per cent more energy efficient than double glazing, making it a cost that pays off in the long run.
Other benefits of triple glazed windows include improved soundproofing, increased security and better insulation during colder months. Some manufacturers even claim that triple glazing can reduce your heating bills by up to half.
Many homeowners find themselves asking if triple glazing is worth it, and the answer is most likely yes if you experience cold winters, have north-facing windows, or want added security and improved soundproofing. To help you decide, our team of experts weigh the pros and cons compared with double glazing, and whether the investment is worthwhile.
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Triple glazed windows have three glass panes instead of the two found in double glazing. The third pane will keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter. Triple glazed windows usually contain spacer bars between the panes, which further insulate the entire unit. They’re typically made from uPVC to enhance insulation and prevent heat loss. Manufacturers will also ensure the panes are fully sealed to prevent possible condensation.
Triple glazing is versatile and available in a wide range of window styles to suit various architectural and design preferences. This includes:
Window prices for triple glazing are around 10 to 20 per cent more expensive than double glazing. This is due to the heavier weight and a more complex manufacturing process. As a result, many installers only offer bespoke quotations for triple glazing, with the window units made to order. Installation is also more complex so, unlike double glazing, these additional costs for triple glazing are not always part of the quote.
However, the table below shows the approximate triple glazed windows costs for casement windows.
| Window style and material | 600mm x 900mm | 900mm x 1,200mm | 1,200mm x 1,200mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC casement | £600 | £680 | £750 |
| Aluminium casement | £1,200 | £1,370 | £1,500 |
| Timber casement | £1,820 | £2,050 | £2,240 |
Triple-glazing windows have more pros than cons, notably in terms of energy efficiency. There is some debate around whether that third pane beats double glazing in terms of combating noise pollution, but when it comes to higher thermal efficiency, better security, and lower energy bills, triple glazing is the winner.
One of the best benefits of triple glazing is thermal efficiency, which results in a warmer home. Thermal efficiency is measured in U-values and triple glazed windows have a much better U-value than double, resulting in an approximate temperature difference of two degrees.
Triple glazing generally also has a lower G-value (the measurement of solar gain) than double glazing. Solar gain can cause overheating in houses with large amounts of glazing, and a low G-value is especially important for keeping a south- or west-facing room cool in the summer months.
| Glazing type | U-Value | G-Value |
|---|---|---|
| Triple glazing | 0.8 to 0.6 | 0.46 |
| Double glazing | 2.8 | 0.78 |
When shopping for a triple glazed window, look for a low U-value for a warmer home and a low G-value to prevent your home from overheating.
Triple glazed windows typically rank highly on the window energy rating, scoring A+ and A++ (the highest value). By comparison, double glazed windows are usually A-rated. This is due to the sealed design of triple glazing, as it minimises draughts and condensation, while the thermal efficiency will reduce cold spots in the home. With all these factors considered, triple glazing could mean households will be less reliant on central heating systems, leading to substantial savings on energy bills. Some window suppliers highlight that triple glazing could save you up to 50 per cent on energy bills.
Upgrading windows is wise if you live in a high-traffic area and need to keep sound levels to a minimum. Both double and triple glazing offer improved soundproofing, particularly when replacing old, poorly fitting single-pane windows. The effectiveness of sound insulation generally increases with the size of the gap between the glass panes.
The additional pane of toughened glass means triple glazed windows are typically more robust and harder to break, especially compared with single panes. They are also typically designed with enhanced safety features, such as Secured by Design locking.
Secured by Design (SBD) is a UK police initiative focused on promoting high security standards in building design and construction. By incorporating crime prevention techniques and security specifications, SBD aims to reduce burglary and crime rates. It endorses products and projects that meet stringent security criteria to ensure safer living environments.
The CO2 emissions from manufacturing the third pane of glass, and the heavy transportation weight, gives triple glazing a high environmental cost.
However, a Glassonweb.com study that focused on residential glass installations found that the CO2 savings over the lifetime of triple glazed windows outweigh the CO2 emissions at the manufacturing level. The carbon payback period in northern European countries is around 35 months.
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As with every home improvement product, there are some disadvantages to triple glazing, and it’s wise to bear them in mind when deciding whether they are worth the investment.
As we’ve mentioned, triple glazed windows tend to cost at least 10 to 20 per cent more than their double glazed equivalent, which may put some people off – especially if you want to replace every window in your home.
The elevated prices result from triple glazing requiring more materials and being more technical in design.
The extra weight of triple glazed windows means there is a slightly higher chance of damaging walls during the installation process, although this shouldn’t be an issue with a quality professional installer or supplier.
Whether you choose triple glazing over double glazing really comes down to your home’s location, your energy efficiency needs, personal preferences and budget. It’s important to assess quotes from both triple and double glazing suppliers before deciding if this is something you should consider for your home.
When it comes to heat retention and energy efficiency, triple glazing does come out on top compared with double glazing, and with that comes increased energy and CO2 savings over time. So, although the initial cost may be more elevated, it may be worth it just for the lower carbon footprint and energy bills in the long run.
| Double glazing | Triple glazing | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy rating | A+ | A++ |
| Warmer home (lower U-value) | ✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Prevents overheating(lower G-value) | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓✓ |
| Price | ££ | £££ |
Combining triple glazing in cold rooms and double glazing in warmer, south-facing rooms could be a great way to get the best of both worlds. For instance, double glazing would be a good addition to south- or west-facing rooms, which are prone to overheating, while triple glazing could be installed in north- or east-facing rooms, which can suffer from feeling cooler and having lower light levels. Triple glazing helps retain the internal room temperature better.
To decide if triple glazing is worth it for your home, use our quote form to receive quotes on both triple and double glazed units in the same style and material.
Triple glazing offers superior insulation, leading to significant energy savings and a more comfortable living environment by keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer. It also excels in reducing outside noise, making it ideal for homes in noisy areas, and adds an extra layer of security due to its extra pane of glass. However, the initial investment is higher than that of double glazing, and while it delivers long-term benefits, especially in colder climates, the time it takes to recoup the investment through energy savings is longer.
Ultimately, triple glazing is a substantial upgrade for enhancing home comfort and efficiency, but its value is maximised in environments where its advantages can be fully realised.
Yes, triple glazing can add value to your home. It enhances the property’s energy efficiency, leading to lower heating costs – an attractive feature for potential buyers. Additionally, triple glazing improves security, sound insulation, and overall comfort. These benefits can make your home more attractive to the market, increasing its kerb appeal and resale value.
To find the best deals on triple glazing, compare quotes from several of our trusted suppliers by filling out our quote form. They often have seasonal discounts or promotions, and Everest offers free upgrades to triple glazing if you’re already considering installing double glazed windows.
Although there are no specific triple glazed windows grants, you can apply to other schemes that may allow you to enhance your home’s energy efficiency with other home improvements, including window installations and upgrades.
Triple glazed windows are designed for durability and longevity, typically lasting between 20 to 35 years. But this will also depend on what material is used for the windows: uPVC triple glazed windows might last from 15 to 20 years, while wooden triple glazed windows could last up to 60 years with the right maintenance. When properly installed and maintained, high-quality triple glazed windows can even exceed this range. The lifespan can be extended through regular cleaning, timely repairs of any sealant failures, and ensuring that the window frames are in good condition.
Investing in windows from reputable manufacturers and ensuring a professional installation are key steps to maximising the life of triple glazed windows and ensuring they perform efficiently throughout their lifespan.
Yes, triple glazed windows are available in a wide range of colours. This variety allows you to choose options that best match your home’s aesthetic and personal taste. From traditional white to contemporary anthracite grey windows, sage green, and even dual colour options that differ for the interior and exterior, you can find triple glazed windows that enhance your home’s energy efficiency and appearance. Manufacturers often offer custom colour services so you can achieve the exact look you desire.
Triple glazed windows can be fitted with various types of glass to meet different needs, including low-emissivity (low-E) glass that minimises heat loss, toughened safety glass for added security, and noise-reducing acoustic glass to cut down on sound transmission.
Additionally, there’s the option for self-cleaning glass, which uses sunlight and rain to keep windows clear, and decorative glass for aesthetic purposes.
Since the Part L Building Regulations came into effect in June 2022, new builds are required to have windows installed with a 1.2W/m²K U-value to comply with the 2023 Future Homes Standard, while replacement windows must have a maximum U-value of 1.4W/m²K or a B for its window energy rating (WER).
In January 2023, the Scottish government announced plans to introduce a standard for all new build housing to meet an equivalent of the Passivhaus standard. Although the exact Scottish standards aren’t obvious in the official report, triple glazing is often used by Passivhaus builds to achieve the low U-values required for certification.
