EXTERNAL ENVELOPE 45
No pane no gain – the double versus triple glazing debate
Is triple glazing really worth your client’s investment and the extra issues it brings? Ben Brocklesby from Origin considers the relative benefits and drawbacks of both double- and triple-glazed window and door options
W
hile in terms of aesthetics it is the frames of doors and windows that make the biggest difference
to a project, the glazing also has a pivotal role to play in managing acoustics and thermal efficiency. On paper, triple glazing has a clear advantage over double glazing, especially when it comes to insulation; better at preventing heat transfer from inside to out as well as stopping cold air from entering a property. This of course means it will assist in keeping homes feeling warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. For example, a particular window can have a U-value of 1.2 W/m2
glazed version, compared to 1.4 W/m2
K in its triple- K
with a double-glazed equivalent. This added performance will help reduce energy bills, which is a particular concern for many at the moment.
Although triple glazing can achieve lower U-values, it is possible to achieve high levels of thermal efficiency with double glazing. Such levels are achievable thanks to careful design, plus the use of special thermal breaks to limit the transfer of heat. The additional pane of glass in a triple- glazed window or door can also help reduce external noise pollution as well as improve acoustics, which can be an advantage for properties in urban areas or those located near a main road. However, there are some important considerations to weigh up before recommending triple glazing as standard for your clients’ projects.
The cost problem
The price of triple- versus double-glazing is likely to be the biggest deciding factor for homeowners. A triple-glazed unit can cost up to twice as much as a double-glazed alternative, so you should consider whether
the value added to the property through energy savings is enough to outweigh this. If the client plans to stay in their home for the long term, then they are more likely to be concerned with the long-term return on their investment, meaning that the energy savings of triple-glazing might be appealing. The extra pane also results in the unit’s overall weight being much heavier. This means that fewer units can be delivered per van to site, as there will be a likelihood of exceeding the maximum load weight. As the installer will be able to transfer fewer units at once, projects may take longer and incur more costs. Some may also require machinery to lift large expanses of glass, adding further cost. Being much lighter, double-glazed units shouldn’t generally present as many issues in terms of transport or installation.
The Future Homes Standard presents a problem for those manufacturers already relying on triple glazing to meet the current standards
ADF MARCH 2023
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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