Double Glazing Versus Triple Glazing

There is a lot of debate in and around the industry and potential customers about which is better triple glazing or double glazing.

With the extra cost layout for the triple do you get a far better product than the highest rated double glazing?

There are few things to take in to contention as with triple glazing.

There are more materials obviously and more labour to manufacture.

There is also the extra time needed to trouble shoot during installation as there is extra weight. Extra weight is coming from the extra pane of glass and hot seal around the edges. Its not a considerable amount of extra weight but enough to slow down installation to the point where extra counter weight installation techniques need to be used and extra care taken to ensure perfect function of the window product.

Double glazing on the other hand even at its maximum rating of an A doesn't slow down installation and only needs slight tweeks to allow for weight on the openers and nothing really changes in cost except the small percentage to upgrade from a C rated unit to an A.

The efficiency difference is where the triple comes into its own. Not only has it got the extra pane to combat noise pollution and retain heat but can carry off a higher rating and U value than the highest double glazed unit. 

A triple glazed unit can be coming in at around 0.8 whereas a double can be coming in at around 1.8 to 1.6

To put that into perspective a brick wall is approximately 0.3 which is as low as you are going get if that was as an insulated cavity wall.

So the extra cost of triple glazing isn't just a case of  well there's an extra piece of glass so it should be a third extra on the units.

The best advice is if you can afford it you should go for the highest efficiency glazing that you can. As with many technologies they gather momentum quickly and you can get left behind. But at the same time if you purchase the A rated double glazing then you will be getting value for money with great benefits in comparison to a timber window or basic 15 year to 20 yera old none rated glazing.

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS & GUTTERS | ROCKDOORS

Southport Doors & Double Glazing
unit 1/ 82a High Park Business Centre, 
High Park Road
PR9 7QL

Email us at           info@southportdoors.com 
call                         01704 553 994
Call or text us on   0787 601 6821   

How To Fix PVC windows.

Many people having previously bought double glazing may have broken parts or wear and tear after years of over use or lack of regular maintenance. 

To maintain PVC windows is important as it will prevent any further expensive outlays for minor breakages down the line. 

Spray oiling all moving parts and including hinges and shoot bolts, along with the entire underside of the openers where the small cams sit. these locate in to the window keeps on closing the window. These all need spraying as these are the first parts to seize up. With windows left open it allows the elements to attack the metal moving parts.

The most common part of a PVC window that fails is the double glazed unit that sits inside the window. This is not an easy repair for a novice to complete. It will take an accurate measure in width depth and thickness. It will also take an expert and their tools to remove and install , so its an idea to leave this to the experts.

It is easy to replace a broken handle which is one of the most common failures to a PVC window. These can be bought at PVC outlets and DIY stores.The video below demonstrates the ease of change. Most window handles should fit another regardless of age as the spacings between the fixing screws are the same. This is not the case with door handles as the spacings between the screws and the handle spindle differ a lot from brand to brand. 

The other major flaw in many windows is the silicone seals internally and externally. It is important to keep up on any gaps that appear due to the PVC window frame expanding and contracting throughout the day. Firstly remove the entire run of the silicone and clean off with a PVC solvent or similar solution. Use the best silicone you can afford and be advised by the DIY shop. It may be more beneficial to use decorators caulk internally as it easy to paint over. There is a step by step guide to silicone sealing below. 

 More of our interesting links are  ::

WINDOWS | DOORS | CONSERVATORIES | FASCIAS & GUTTERS | ROCKDOORS



Southport Doors & Double Glazing
Email us at     info@southportdoors.com 
call us on        01704 553 994  /  0787 601 6821



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Warmer Winters With New Double Glazing ::::: Southport | Merseyside

Its unnatural to start thinking about winter when the cold weather has just gone.

But good planning and good quality products will ensure the home you're family lives in is a completely different environment next winter.





The image shows the newest style and technology in PVC windows and general A rated double glazing that is available.

Note the inside chambers of the windows are insulated as well as reinforced to prevent too much expansion in the heat.

As standard the windows are internally glazed. 1) for security reasons . 2) for ease of installation so it prevents double glazed units being carried up ladders. 3) for better U values and air leakage performance.

The image also illustrates a triple glazed unit sitting in the window as opposed to a double glazed unit people are most familiar with. These systems are available now and will be more common over the next 2 years as insulating and heat retention goes to another level. 

The panes of glass are adhered together by a compound and spaced apart by spacer bars. The spacer bars  function as conductors of heat and allow the edge of the glass to attain a 3 to 4 degrees warmer state to try to combat the effects of condensation.

This set up in the image is representative of all A rated windows being installed now except for the triple glazed status.

The profile of the actual PVC window part are also more contemporary and desirable than previously as attention to aesthetics is just as important as the functionality of new double glazing for the perfect effect.





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Sealed Double Glazed Units And Why They Fail Or Condensate With Moisture.

Many previously installed double glazed windows from 10 to 20 odd years ago will inevitably end up having failed or misted units. There are various reasons for this failure and the first can simply be down to the construction of the double glazed units.

T

Fabrication

If the quality of the DGU's( double glazed units) is poor to start off with then the life of them will not be very long. Many companies expect this to happen and only give 2 to 5 years on the glazed product , but give a full 10 years on the PVC frame.

The DGU's are designed to sit within the PVC frame held in by a PVC glazing bead and sit on top of glass packers therefore allowing any water that manages to get in behind the gaskets to easily drain away around and below the DGU emptying through purposely drilled drainage holes directly beneath .
The water then works its way through the lower chamber and on to the either the PVC cill which the window sits on, or through the front of the lower part of the PVC window which is face drained.

If there is any blockage of either of these drainage holes it will cause a back up and the frame will begin to fill up.

It is not unusual to have a trace of water inside the PVC frame at the bottom as it designed to be self draining.Any water being held will mean a blockage somewhere.

The installation cause

Many older DGU's may have been sat directly in the window frame without any sort of glass packer beneath. This can be the cause of many failed units as 1)  they are sat in there own water and 2)  the hot melt that units are sealed with when heated in the sun can stick to the inside lower of the PVC frame and 3) if they are not sat on glazing packers correctly they can slip in the warmer months.

Glass Packers

The Glass packers should be suitable ones which are sat square on the lower part of the frame and be the correct width of the overall thickness of the DGU so neither of the 2 panes of glass can slip at any point when heated up on a sunny day. 

Packers should be square and touching both the inner and outer panes. The packer should be seen to reach the very outer of the glass edge and inner glass edge to give peace of mind it doesn't slip even when glazing with the beads are knocked in.

Many failed units are down to this installation overlook and even though it doesn't seem as if one of the panes has slipped, it only takes a pin hole and a drop of moisture to condense a whole double glazed unit. and ruin the look and effect of a PVC window or door.

The right way

Be sure to use a company that gives 10 years on the Double glazed units as well as the PVC windows and doors.

Make sure the glass units are sat correctly on the correct width glazing packers.

Make sure the drainage holes are all clear for water to run through.


Interesting links:

New Rockdoors | PVC windows  | ultimate conservatories | high security door products 

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean