Double vs Triple Glazing: An In-Depth Comparison

Are you in the market for some windows, but have no idea what you need? It’s okay not to know what you’re looking for—when you’ve had your windows for 10+ years, there’s bound to be a shift in the market.

Whether you simply no longer like your windows or just want to see what’s new, we have two great solutions for you. While both double and triple glazing have similar benefits, triple glazing strengthens them, but that doesn’t mean you should pick it.

Is triple glazing better than double glazing? In this article, we will answer your questions in an in-depth comparison of double vs triple glazing windows.

Double vs Triple Glazing

Double glazing has been around since the 1930s, possibly before then, but didn’t become popular until the 1980s. After almost 100 years, it’s understandable why double glazing is used more than triple glazing, which is still a relatively new invention.

Not only does double glazing offer the majority of the protection needed, it has more known benefits than triple glazing, but that doesn’t mean it’s more efficient overall. Because of the amount of glass panes in triple glazing, its benefits can be slightly stronger in comparison to double glazing.

Double Glazing Benefits

Reduced electricity bills (cost-effective and energy-efficient)
Lowered noise pollution
Less condensation, deterring mould and damp
Better security against intruders and accidents
Added value to your property
Ease of maintenance, even self-cleaning
Used in a bigger variety of places
Smarter appearance
Greater insulation, keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer

Triple Glazing Benefits

Much more cost-effective and efficient than double glazing
Better soundproofing
Potentially no condensation, leading to less maintenance
Greater durability (more resistant to smashing and scratches)
Much larger added property value
Potentially larger lifespan (up to 50 years)
Typically used as regular household or commercial windows
Smarter appearance
Increased insulation (less drafts even in winter)

Cost Difference Between Double and Triple Glazing

The average household has no more than 12 windows, so these are by no means a fixed price. For a commercial or industrial lot, you can expect this price to significantly increase.

Double Glazing Cost

The average cost of a double glazing window is £325. Not including the installation, you should expect to pay between £6,000 and £15,000 for eight windows and two doors.

However, it’s important to note while some want their doors and windows to match, you can buy them separately and lower the average cost of £12,000. There are also multiple types of double glazing with different frames, such as wood sash and casement windows, that affect the price.

Triple Glazing Cost

On average, triple glazing costs £485 per window. Excluding installation, replacing eight windows in a semi-detached house could cost £9,600, but this also depends on the size. Bigger windows could cost £1,200 each.

Double vs Triple Glazing Cost Conclusion

So, what is the cost difference between double and triple glazing? There is a small difference of £160 per window, making double glazing cheaper than triple glazing.

Regulations

You often don’t need planning permission to replace similar windows, however, the majority of people require it. This is because your walls and window area will likely become damaged during the process, whether that’s taking out the old windows or installing new ones.

Unfortunately, there is no way to bypass this as it’s a legal requirement. Not sure if you require planning permission? You can ask a trusted trader or your district council for advice.

To apply for planning permission, you must contact your district council. If you don’t know who this is, simply input your postcode on the government’s ‘find your local council’ page.

Maintenance

Double vs triple glazing maintenance is typically the same as cleaning any other window. With proper maintenance, both double and triple glazing can last 25 to 30 years. While this also depends on weather conditions and the area in which you live, there’s a lot you can do to maintain your window’s lifespan.

This is the recommended way to clean double and triple glazing:

Clean your windows once a month to remove debris from the glass and frame (you can hire a professional to do this)
Don’t use harsh chemicals or rough sponges, simply use soapy water and a microfibre cloth
Some glazing is self-cleaning, so the manufacturer may suggest safe cleaning products or sell their own
Glazing does not eradicate condensation, which you will need to wipe away with a towel each morning in winter (opening your window helps with this)

Design

There isn’t much difference between double vs triple glazing. In fact, it boils down to the obvious: double glazing only has two glass panes, whereas triple glazing has three. This not only improves their benefits, but their energy rating too. For example, most double glazing is rated between A+ and B, whereas most triple glazing ranks between A++ and B.

Both double and triple glazing have similar styles, but double glazing tends to have more options available, including frames and colours, while triple glazing is typically more traditional.

These options below are popular choices, but not every business offers them because of the cost and expertise required:

Types:

Tilt and turn
Casement
Sliding
Georgian bar
Fixed
Awning
Bay

Frames:

uPVC
Hardwood
Softwood
Aluminium
Composite

Patent Glazing at Lonsdale Metal

So, is triple glazing better than double glazing? In conclusion, the choice is yours whether you prefer double or triple glazing. Now you have a better understanding of the difference between double vs triple glazing, we encourage you to take the next step to securing your property with our patent windows.

Our glazing provides efficient thermal insulation and air-tightness that sees a reduction in electricity bills while still providing all the heat and cooling required. They’re not just suitable for your standard window, but for slopes and skylights in stations and museums too.

If your current windows are giving you grief or you just fancy a change after several years of wear and tear, contact us today.