Although choice of glass may seem insignificant when compared to the shape and final design of windows, it is a highly functional and important decision which can save on costs and increase comfort.
As the openings in buildings, poorly insulated windows can account for a large proportion of heat loss, for example. This can, however, be effectively reduced with modern windows featuring triple glazing.
The key features
As its name refers to, a triple-glazed window features three panes of glass encased in its profile's sash and frame.
The space between panes if then commonly filled with a sealed inert gas, such as Argon, which is denser than air and provides further insulation. Additional thermal spacers are also often added.
This multi-layered make-up ultimately means that the window glass is extra thick and very well insulated which saves on bills related to heating or air-conditioning.
Heat is kept in rather than being lost via conduction to cooler exterior temperatures during winter. In summer, on the other hand, undesirable heat is kept out effectively, helping to ensure that interior temperatures remain stable year-round.
Glazings compared
Alongside triple glazing, windows can come with single glazing (one sheet of glass) or double glazing which features two glass panes. Given the role that window glass plays in the reduction of heat loss, the greater number of panes, the more effective the insulation. Modern, high-quality windows, such as those available at Neuffer, are therefore exclusively available with double or triple glazing.
Compared to double glazing, triple-glazed windows lead to increased cost savings and are 40% more energy-efficient. With an additional pane and gas-filled space, the thermal U-values, which define the amount of heat lost each hour per square metre, are also improved and lower, for example.
This insulation and energy-efficiency become especially important in cold climates as well as for those with warm temperatures, where the largest savings on energy and heating or cooling costs are possible. On the other hand, however, Neuffer double glazing can be lighter to install and is around 10% cheaper than our European triple-glazed windows.
Excellent sound insulation
Just as their multi-layered make-up has triple-glazed windows offer excellent thermal insulating properties, the sealed inert gas and thick glass also make it harder for sound waves to travel. This means that triple-glazed windows provide excellent soundproofing, reducing the effects of loud and disturbing outside noise and allowing inhabitants to enjoy peaceful interiors.
Reliable UV protection
Another benefit of triple glazing is that thick energy-efficient windows with three panes of glass provide the best protection against UV rays. As well as being harmful to humans in large amounts, this radiation can lead to the wear and tear of materials constantly exposed to it.
To further increase protection and insulation, triple-glazed windows can also receive a thin, invisible reflective coating of low-e metal oxide.
FAQ
Superior security
In general, triple-glazed energy-efficient windows are more impact-resistant and harder for potential intruders to break through. Laminated safety glazing can then also be used so that triple-glazed window panes contain a built-in foil. This should ensure that, even in the event of glass breakage, shards remain held in place on the intact foil layer, which is hard to destroy without special equipment.
A wide range of options
At Neuffer virtually all window profiles can be manufactured with triple glazing if desired. Varying in design and material, the windows are available in timber, uPVC, aluminium, aluclad uPVC and aluclad timber. The choice of material then comes down to personal taste and requirements. While triple-glazed uPVC windows are the best insulators, for example, triple-glazed aluminium windows impress with their weather-resistant durability. Triple-glazed timber windows, on the other hand, bring an unbeatable traditional charm – just click on the images below to find out more.
Triple-glazed windows from Neuffer
Alongside our 150 years of experience in the window industry and the high-quality of our products, German triple glazed windows from Neuffer can be tailor-made to suit a wide range of requirements.
The final RAL colour and handle design can be personally selected, for example. The opening type and product can also be determined, whether this be triple-glazed sliding windows used in a patio door, or a tilt and turn system – just contact our expert window team to discuss the options and receive your free quote.
