When it comes to choosing the perfect rooflight for your dwelling space, there’re various factors to consider such as the number of panes, specifications, U-values, cost, etc. However, one factor that almost all customers baffled on is which glazing is better for their roof windows: double glazing or triple glazing. Sensing this need, we’ve come up with our detailed review on double glazing vs triple glazing, highlighting the key differences between them. Let’s have a closer look.
1. Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance
Double glazing comprises of 2 panes of glass along with 1 sealed air gap, while a triple glazing unit consists of 3 panes of glass together with 2 sealed air gaps. Due to one additional pane, triple glazing offers the better thermal performance, given that the material quality and specifications are correct.
Double glazed roof windows possess a typical U-value between 1 and 2, whilst the walls of your home measure up to 0.3 or less. Hence, triple glazing roof lights, with a U-value of less than 0.8, are surely the ultimate choice for folks who are concerned about thermal performance.
However, the thermal performance of a roof window also counts on the frames you select. By choosing highly thermal-efficient triple glazed windows, you can not only keep the heat in but also prevent solar gain keeping your home cold in hot summer.
2. Durability
If you’re seeking solid windows that won’t smash, you should opt for triple glazed windows. With three layers of glass, it’s tougher to break than a double glazed unit, especially if the fortified glass is used as the middle pane.
3. Noise Reduction
If your home is in a noisy area or on a busy road with heavy traffic, rooflights can significantly cut down noise levels. Though double glazing helps you keep noise out, triple glazing can achieve superior reductions in noise only if the glass thickness is higher, the gap between the panes is larger, etc.
On the other hand, if we consider the fact that sound travels easier through a solid than it does through the air, it becomes obvious that triple-glazed roof windows perform poorly relative to the double ones of the same thickness. However, if you’re still confused between the two options, it’s worth speaking with your rooflights manufacturer and supplier about your particular situation and the noise issue you have.
4. Cost
As you might expect, triple glazing roof lights are pricier than their double glazing counterparts. Not only does it demand more materials, but it also demands more accurate manufacturing conditions and produces more errors. Given that triple glazing is heavier, so the shipping cost is also a bit higher.
