Triple Glazing

David_Aston

I just wondered if any Forum users may have purchased, and had installed, A++ rated windows recently? I think that they might have to be triple glazed to obtain that rating. Naturally, I am just trying to get a heads up on likely costs for these windows.
Thank you in advance

EssexExile

Triple glazing added about £1000 to an £8,000 job. It gets more complicated because the whole job was over £20,000 & triple glazing added £1,500 to the total, but the first figures are just for windows.

stator

Triple glazing isn't as good as most people think it will be.
Are you replacing your windows anyway?

David_Aston

Thanks Guys
We have had our present windows for maybe thirty years. Some locks replaced, and one or two blown windows repaired. It does seem a good idea to replace all of them, and a bit of research on the British Fenestration site, points out that a grading system for efficiency now exists, which is how I came up with the A++ heading.
essexexile, I appreciate that I was asking how long is a piece of string! Can I ask how many windows for your 20 grand? We would need ten, and a patio door.

EssexExile

It was about 20 windows plus bi-folds & some building work. The £8000 was just 18 windows.

leveller2911

Triple glazing makes sense if you live in one of the Scandinavian countries where they have much harsher Winters but not in the UK.

The U value of a typical triple glazed sealed unit is around U 0.7 and a typical double glazed unit is U1.1. So the saving over years is very very little. Current Building regs states any replacement windows need to have a U value of 1.5or less.

Also worth remembering that the units have a typical lifespan of 10-20yrs before they need replacing. Don't believe companies when they say they will upgrade free of charge to triple glazing because its a gimmick.

I would also point out that the wider the gap between the panes doesn't mean its more efficient, around 12mm wide spacer is the optimum so when you see a sealed unit that is 4-18-4 its no better than a 4-12-4 unit.

brightontraveller

Really depends what you’re after increased energy efficiency rating over non, lower heating cost (by how much and when extra cost is recovered dependent on many variables,), perceived increased security over timber or single, double glazed , noise reduction, location dependent increased curb appeal sale like for like property without them?

If none of above are a concern then they are as waste of time? If they are weigh cost against return

pollypenny

We have two windows in our bedroom. We had to replace one as it had condensation inside. The replacement is triple glazed and has no condensation in the morning, whereas we have to keep the other open a bit to stop it.

David_Aston

Thank you all for you further comments and advice.
In my seventies, I do expect that any expenditure must solely be for our comfort, and possibly improved security, and will certainly not be recouped by us! I read that the U figures for a well insulated wall are appreciably better than pretty much any window, but that A++ rated windows, which are mainly triple glazed I think, came the closest.
Whether we can afford them, is entirely another matter!!!

spud

FWIW the windows on our recently built house are double glazed & filled with an inert gas (argon I believe).
They are extremely effective and I'm still amazed when it's cold out & that the condensation sits on the outside pane, not the inside!
I would highly recommend you consider that option alongside triple glazing.

Mr.Generous

The bigger the gap in a sealed unit the better the sound insulation I have been told, there must be some advantage as the early units were on typically a 12mm bead whereas now 20mm or larger is the norm. How would argon filled K glass compare to triple glazing cost wise and insulation wise?