Comparing Window Insulation: Double vs Triple Glazing
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d push back a bit on the “double’s enough everywhere else” part. In my experience, even in less exposed rooms, you can feel the difference in comfort with triple—less cold radiating off the glass, quieter too. I know the ROI isn’t always obvious on paper, but it’s not just about energy bills for me. Sometimes it’s worth the hassle and extra cost if you’re after that rock-solid thermal envelope. Just my two cents...
Comparing Window Insulation: Double vs Triple Glazing
That’s a fair point about comfort—sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story. I’ve worked with clients who were surprised by how much cozier a space felt after upgrading to triple glazing, even in rooms that didn’t get blasted by wind or sun. The reduction in drafts and cold spots can be subtle but really noticeable once you live with it for a while.
Noise is another thing people underestimate. If you’re in a busy area or near a main road, triple glazing can make a world of difference. I do think, though, that for some homes—especially older ones where the rest of the envelope isn’t super tight—the gains from triple might not be as dramatic unless you’re tackling insulation everywhere. But if you’re already investing in high-performance walls and roof, it makes sense to go all-in on the windows too.
It’s definitely not just about ROI spreadsheets... sometimes it’s about how you want your home to feel day-to-day. That peace and quiet (and no more chilly glass) is hard to put a price on.
Comparing Window Insulation: Double vs Triple Glazing
I totally get what you mean about the “feel” of a space. When we renovated our last place, I was skeptical about triple glazing—seemed a bit overkill for our climate. But after living with it, I noticed the difference every morning. No more waking up to that cold draft near the window, and the street noise just faded away. That said, I do wonder if it’s worth it in houses that aren’t super airtight. My friend did triple glazing in her old Victorian and said it helped, but not as much as she’d hoped... maybe it’s all about the whole package, not just the windows?
Comparing Window Insulation: Double vs Triple Glazing
Totally agree with this part:
maybe it’s all about the whole package, not just the windows?
- Triple glazing is great for comfort—less draft, quieter rooms, and you can sit right by the window in winter without freezing. But yeah, if the rest of the house is leaky (old doors, uninsulated walls, etc.), you’re not getting the full benefit.
- I did a retrofit on a 70s ranch and went with double glazing because the walls weren’t insulated well. Figured there was no point spending extra on triple until I tackled the bigger air leaks.
- One thing I noticed: triple glazing is heavier. If your frames are old or not designed for it, you might run into issues down the line (sagging, hard to open).
- For street noise, though, triple really does make a difference. My cousin lives near a busy road and said it was night and day after upgrading.
It’s tempting to focus on windows since they’re visible, but honestly, sealing up drafts and adding insulation elsewhere can give you more bang for your buck—especially in older homes. Sometimes it’s not as glamorous as new glass, but it works.