A triple-glazed window consists of three layers of glass with spacers between each layer. The window frame holding the triple glazing is available in different materials; it can be made of PVC, aluminium, wood or fibreglass. Triple glazed windows have a greater glazing depth than double glazed windows, which provides additional thermal insulation and greater living comfort. Triple glazing also helps to save more energy and is a great solution for keeping the cold out and the warmer temperatures in.
Triple glazed windows have many advantages and benefits, but we still have to ask ourselves: are all triple glazed windows equally efficient?Quality varies from one supplier to another.
When looking for a quality triple glazed window that will outperform all others, consider the following factors.
Can we say for sure that all triple glazed windows are energy efficient? Triple-glazed windows represent an upgrade in energy efficiency, comfort and durability compared to double-glazed windows.
What material is the window frame made of?
The material of the window frame is the most important aspect when buying a window. PVC window frames are not only one of the most durable and resistant, but also the most energy efficient on the market. It is important to note that the stronger the frame, the more weight it can withstand without settling over time. As triple glazed windows are heavier than double glazed windows, a strong frame is essential to withstand the extra weight.
Type of spacer
The use of a quality spacer in a triple glazed window is also of paramount importance. The most commonly used thermal spacers are the single seal spacer, the warm edge spacer and the “Super Spacer” spacer. The single seal spacer is made of laminated material and installed using heat and compression, but does not achieve as good insulation values as the other two spacer types.
The warm-edged spacer maintains its flexibility well during weather and temperature changes. The “Super Spacer” spacer is made of high quality silicone resistant to UV-light oxidation. According to the experts, this durable spacer helps to keep argon in the interstitial spaces at the best possible level, thus achieving outstanding energy efficiency.
Sealant quality
The gasket is the material used to seal the individual layers of glass around the edge, and is crucial to maintaining the airtightness of the sealed unit. A good quality seal contributes significantly to the overall strength of the window, which is particularly important for triple glazed windows.
Gas fillers
Gas fillers are noble gases injected into the interglass spaces. The most commonly used noble gases are krypton and argon. Both contribute to improved thermal insulation, but each has its own specific properties. Argon is more commonly used because it is cheaper than krypton and because it is denser than air, which increases the thermal insulating power of the glazing. Krypton is a more expensive alternative but is a better insulator than argon. Krypton is significantly more thermally insulating in the case of shallower or smaller interglazing spaces. Even taking into account the price of argon, it can still be a better and more efficient choice for triple glazed windows with larger interglazing spaces.
