DOORS , WINDOWS & FITTINGS
This is likely to lead to triple glazing becoming the norm in most windows for new buildings or retro fits that want to achieve the highest performance .
This is likely to lead to triple glazing becoming the norm in most windows for new buildings or retro fits that want to achieve the highest performance .
WHAT IS TRIPLE GLAZING ?
Very simply , triple glazing is an extra pane of glass added to the two used in double glazing but the benefits can be great .
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TRIPLE GLAZING ?
• Excellent thermal performance that meets the new Future Homes Standard
• Great acoustic performance – ideal for blocking out noisy roads , aircraft noise etc
• Better security – thicker units are harder to break
• Can help to reduce condensation
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF TRIPLE GLAZING ?
• It costs more than double glazing but usually not as much as vacuum glazing .
• The windows are heavy which means they require chunkier frames and stronger fixings , all of which increase the price further .
• Aesthetically , some people dislike the look of the triple glazed windows because they aren ’ t as sleek as single or double glazed ones .
• Reduces the amount of heat from the sun limiting thermal gain .
WHAT IS VACUUM GLAZING ?
Vacuum glazing takes two pieces of glass with a tiny gap ( 0.1mm in the case of Fineo ) and removes the air to create a vacuum .
They used to have unsightly plugs where the air was extracted but the latest technology means this is no longer the case . Ultra thin from as little as 7.7mm compared to 44mm for triple glazing , it ’ s great for listed historic properties or new builds looking for a sleek slimmer aesthetic .
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VACUUM GLAZING ?
• 3-4 times thinner than triple glazing , looks more like single glazing
• Same thermal performance as triple glazing . Fineo states 0.7 W / ( m2K ) which is better than the target the Government is aiming for in the Future Homes standard .
• Lasts longer – because it doesn ’ t have gas between the panes which can leak over time
• Better solar gain
• Much lighter than triple glazing
• 15 % more light is allowed into the room compared with triple glazing
• Environmentally better – much lighter saving on transport and
less product used plus last longer so less need to replace
• Great acoustic performance
• Better aesthetically especially for historic properties , listed properties and modern contemporary builds that want to avoid heavy frames and fixings
• Easier to install
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF VACUUM GLAZING ?
• Typically it is the most expensive option compared with double and triple glazing , this is thought to be due to there being no UK manufacturers making it and the inherent cost of the materials , some use silver for example
• Low impact resistance – where micro pillars are used it can put high stress on the glass .
HOW MUCH DOES VACUUM GLAZING COST ?
Vacuum glazing can cost up to 56 % as much as double glazing and around 35 % more than triple glazing *.
* Prices may vary depending on size and spec .
SO WHICH SHOULD BUILDERS AND ARCHITECTS CHOOSE FROM 2025 ?
Inevitably , it will end up coming down to price in most cases . We predict that most people will opt for triple glazing unless something drastic happens to the price of vacuum glazing , which may happen as the product becomes more popular and their production efficiencies improve . However , for anyone looking to balance the new regulations with heritage detailing , vacuum glass is the option that makes this possible .
For a more in depth look at glass , George Barnsdale is running a free webinar “ Through the looking Glass – specifying glazing systems for the future ” on 12th July . Sign up via QR code
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