Triple glazing and vacuum insulated glazing are two different types of window systems designed to improve energy efficiency and insulation in buildings. Let’s compare them:
Triple glazing
- Triple glazing consists of three layers of glass with two air or gas-filled spaces between them.
- The multiple glass layers and air gaps enhance insulation by reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts.
- Triple glazing offers improved thermal performance compared to traditional single or double glazing.
- It helps to reduce heat loss during colder months and minimises heat gain during hotter months.
- Triple glazing also provides better sound insulation, reducing outside noise levels.
Vacuum Insulated Glazing (VIG)
- Vacuum insulated glazing, also known as vacuum glazing, consists of two glass panes with a vacuum-sealed space between them.
- The vacuum-sealed space eliminates air or gas, creating a vacuum that greatly reduces heat transfer through conduction and convection.
- VIG provides excellent thermal insulation properties, outperforming both traditional double and triple glazing.
- The absence of air or gas between the panes virtually eliminates heat loss and heat gain, resulting in higher energy efficiency.
- VIG also offers superior sound insulation properties due to the vacuum-sealed gap.
- The vacuum space is super slim which means it is more likely to be approved for listed properties and conservation areas. To date, we have not had a planning application refused for our vacuum insulate glazing.
Comparison
- Energy efficiency: Vacuum insulated glazing generally provides better thermal insulation than triple glazing due to the absence of air or gas between the panes. For example, as improved installers of Fineo vacuum insulated glazing, the team at Parsons Joinery are able to offer a glazing solution that boasts thermal insulation greater than that of triple glazing whilst only being as thick as single glazing.
- Thickness: Triple glazing is typically thicker and heavier than vacuum insulated glazing due to the additional glass pane and gas-filled spaces. This means that vacuum glazing is more likely to be approved by planning officers when submitting an application to change the windows on a listed property.
- Less materials used: Vacuum insulated glazing typically uses few materials compared with triple glazing. This is because VIG consists of only two glass panes with vacuum-sealed space between them, whereas triple glazing involves three panes of glass. The absence of additional air or gas layers in VIG reduces the overall thickness and weight of the glazing unit, resulting in a reduction in the number of raw materials required for manufacturing. Additionally, the vacuum-sealed space in VIG eliminates the need for gas filling or spacer materials used in triple glazing.
- Cost: Triple glazing is generally less expensive than vacuum insulated glazing, which is more advanced and specialised technology. However, it is worth noting that while triple glazing is typically costing less initially, VIG will recoup the difference back over time via lower energy bills. It will also add more value to your home. Our vacuum insulated glass boasts a U-value of just 0.7 (A++ standard).
- Availability: Triple glazing is more commonly available and widely used, while vacuum insulated glazing is still relatively less common and more expensive.
In summary, triple glazing and vacuum insulated glazing are both effective options for improving energy efficiency and insulation in buildings. Triple glazing is more widely available and cost-effective, while vacuum insulated glazing offers superior thermal insulation but is currently less common and more expensive. However, the initial cost will be recouped overtime via lower energy bills and added value to the property. The choice between the two depends on specific requirements, budget, and availability in your area.
If you would like to find out more about the vacuum insulated glass we offer, click here. Alternatively, give us a call and we’ll chat through in person.
