All You Need to Know About Triple Glazing in 2024

Triple glazing is growing in popularity in homes and commercial buildings across the UK. An essential element of achieving energy efficient, airtight buildings and lowering heating costs, triple glazing offers many benefits for its users.

What are triple-glazed Windows?

Triple-glazed windows have units with three panes of glass. The space between panes is filled with an inert gas – usually argon or krypton – which is a better insulator than air. The insulation, noise reduction and security properties of these windows are significantly better than any single or even double-glazed equivalents.

"The windows and doors have certainly met if not exceeded our expectations"

"Looking for energy efficient triple glazed windows and doors is not easy... The windows and doors ... are of a very high standard and finish, triple glazed and very low U values. The exceptional energy efficiency and lack of draughts immediately made a big difference to our home..." read more

What are the benefits of Triple-Glazed windows?

Superior thermal insulation: In most houses, 20-25% of heat is lost through windows and doors. Using superior triple-glazing with low U-values, homeowners benefit from lower energy bills and a noticeably more comfortable living experience, with no draughts, cold spots or condensation. Many of Norrsken's triple glazed windows have a U-value of less than 0.8 W/(m²K) – 50% better than the best double glazed windows.

Enhanced noise reduction: Triple glazing reduces noise by physically blocking sounds. Most customers report noticeably quieter homes with triple glazing installed. In our laminated glass units, a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB) bonds glass sheets together. Originally used for safety and security, laminated glass also provides excellent acoustic performance by dampening sound waves.

Increased security: All Norrsken’s triple glazed windows and doors conform to PAS 24:2016 enhanced security performance requirements. Key-operated, multi-point espagnolettes and multiple locking points to both windows and doors provide extra security and resistance to forced access. For enhanced safety and security, we offer laminated glass as an optional upgrade for all Norrsken products used in new build projects.

Potential condensation reduction: Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a colder surface. Triple glazing creates a bigger barrier between warm air inside and chilly air outside. This keeps the inside window surface warmer, reducing the chance of condensation. The extra air/gas gap acts like another insulator, slowing heat transfer and keeping the inside glass from getting too cold – another key factor in condensation.

Reduced UV rays: Triple glazing offers increased protection against UV rays by the presence of three factors:

More barriers: Each glass pane blocks some UV, and with three panes, there are more opportunities for UV rays to be blocked before reaching the interior of your home.
Selective coatings: Some triple-glazed windows incorporate special coatings on one or more panes specifically designed to reflect or absorb UV radiation for even greater protection.
Gas fillings: The inert gas between panes can also absorb some UV radiation.

The combined effect of these factors is a significant reduction in UV penetration compared to single or even double glazing, slowing furniture and interior fading, reducing skin cancer risk and enhancing eye protection.

Comfort: Triple glazing reduces draughts and cold spots.

Security: PAS24 products and laminated glass provide extra breakage resistance.

Lower heating bills: using superior triple glazing with low U-values reduces energy consumption.

UV control: this Cheltenham home uses solar control glass for year-round comfort.

Double or triple glazed? What should you consider when choosing windows and doors?

Cost

Bespoke triple-glazed windows typically cost more than double-glazed windows. Prices depend on the model selected, size and shape, and requirements for additional services such as installation. However, the increase in thermal performance from Norrsken's double to triple-glazed range is about 40-45% - while the uplift in cost is usually only 10-15%.

Further, while triple glazing usually has a higher upfront cost than double glazing, the long term savings it provides are often a tipping point in the decision-making process for window buyers. Savings come from:

Energy Efficiency: Triple glazing's superior insulation can significantly reduce your energy bills for heating and cooling. Over time, these savings can offset the initial higher cost. If windows are a major source of heat loss or gain in your home, triple glazing can offer a greater return on investment.
Reduced Maintenance: Triple-glazed windows are generally more durable and require less maintenance compared to single or double glazing, potentially saving you money on repairs or replacements down the line.
Increased Value: Triple glazing can enhance the value of your property due to its energy efficiency and improved comfort features.

Weight

The extra glass pane in triple glazing creates a heavier overall unit than a double glazed product of the same dimensions. The extra weight may require a more robust window frame to ensure proper support. When choosing your windows, consider:

Window Size: Weight increases with the unit size, so larger triple-glazed windows and doors require more planning to manage and install.
Building Structure: Ensure your home's structure can handle the additional weight of triple glazing.
Installation: Factor in potential difficulties during installation due to weight. Norrsken provides a full supply & installation service to give you complete peace of mind for your new windows and doors.
Opening Mechanisms: Choose appropriate opening mechanisms that can handle the heavier windows. Explore the options available to you in our durable window range here.

While triple glazing offers excellent benefits, its weight is a key consideration during the decision-making process. Carefully evaluate your specific situation regarding window size, building structure, and installation feasibility to ensure successful implementation.

Aesthetics: alu-clad timber or all-timber?

Both double and triple-glazed windows are available in all-timber or alu-clad timber options. If you prioritize historical accuracy or a warmer aesthetic, alu-clad timber or all-timber windows with clear lacquer or wood stain internally will showcase the beauty of timber in your project. If sleek lines and low maintenance are your focus, then aluminium-clad timber in a modern, square-edged profile are for you.

Did you know?

The award-winning triple-glazed P31 Window from Norrsken performs virtually identically in both all-timber and alu-clad timber options. The result is an incredibly adaptable window that is just as suitable, in its all-timber version, for traditional cottage renovations as it is as an alu-clad window in modern new build projects.

How are triple glazed windows and doors installed?

Most Norrsken customers opt for a supply & installation contract to ensure that each installation is managed with great efficiency and our clients obtain the most energy-efficient installation to complement their windows and doors. Maintenance requirements are very similar for triple and double glazed windows and doors, and opting for alu-clad timber means near-zero maintenance.

Do triple-glazed windows meet the new UK Building Regulations?

Triple glazed windows may help you to meet parts of the UK Building Regulations with greater ease. Part F, Part O and Part L require windows and doors to meet certain requirements to ensure UK homes are well-ventilated, energy efficient and do not overheat. With Norrsken triple glazing, you can meet the new regulations with ease and be supported by our knowledgeable team of experts.

Read our helpful guides to these regulations and understand how you can comply in our Resources area.

Are triple-glazed windows good for the environment?

Norrsken customers achieve high energy efficiency in the home without compromising on style or quality. Using our innovative triple glazed windows and doors as part of your new build or refurbishment project can contribute to a significant reduction in your home's CO2 emissions and a useful reduction in your heating bills. Buildings account for approximately 39% of global carbon emissions - so building to an energy-efficient specification, monitoring and limiting energy usage and installing triple-glazed windows with low U-values will all contribute to reducing carbon emissions from the built environment. Read more about how you can change your home can help here.

Are Triple Glazed Windows Right for You?

Triple glazing provides homeowners a marked increase – 40-45% - in thermal performance from double glazed alternatives, meaning greater comfort, lower heating bills, and an uplift in property value. These windows and doors are durable, secure and aesthetically pleasing - and they're not just for Passive Houses, either.

Norrsken customers say:

You cannot go wrong with Norrsken

I can highly recommend Norrsken. Originally I was going to have double glazed windows but after much research I found that Norrsken could beat all of the quotes for a high quality triple glazed option... you cannot go wrong with Norrsken.

Douglas

Superb quality windows and doors

The quality of the triple glazed, alu-clad windows and doors is superb. They feel so reassuringly solid when opening and closing them. I opted for a wood stain for the internal finish on the frames, and am so glad I did, as it shows off the beauty of the wood perfectly.

Gareth

Read more outstanding reviews of our expert team, our attention to detail and our fabulous products across a range of self-build, new build and renovation projects:

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When choosing your windows and doors, though, you should take into account your whole-building thermal efficiency, budget, and noise concerns to make an informed decision. High performance double glazing can provide a useful alternatives to those considering triple glazing who feel it doesn’t suit their project requirements.

When you choose alu-clad timber triple glazed windows and doors, you benefit from the charm and warmth of wood and the sleek, low maintenance needs of aluminium. Norrsken double and triple-glazed windows are engineered for exceptional thermal performance, keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.

Choosing Norrsken isn't just about windows and doors; it's about choosing a partner in your building journey

We take pride in exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding customer service. From initial consultation to after-sales support, we're here to ensure your complete satisfaction. So ditch the window search blues and embrace a smoother, more streamlined building experience with Norrsken by your side. Explore our stunning range of alu-clad timber windows and doors today, and discover the Norrsken difference.