Advantages and disadvantages of triple glazing
With the advent of new types of plastic windows, it is becoming more and more difficult for a buyer to make their choice. Each variety looks reliable and attractive. However, in reality, there are a number of differences between the analogs. The article will consider the advantages and disadvantages of triple glazing: one of the popular types of plastic windows.
Special features
Triple glazing consists of three glasses, located at a certain distance from each other. The space between them is filled with air. They are often called two-chamber because of the two chambers between the panes. Although three-chamber varieties are appearing now, two-chamber constructions are still considered almost ideal windows for the dwelling of any city dweller.
It seems that the more glasses, the better the window. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that the triple-glazed windows have significant drawbacks. Therefore, it is necessary to choose plastic windows for installation only after a thorough study of this issue, as well as after consultation with an expert. Consider the advantages of triple glazing.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages are obvious. As well as for glass packs in general, they can be attributed to improved noise and thermal insulation indicators in comparison with older types of glass packs. An additional advantage that residents of lower floors may be interested in is the high impact resistance of such windows. It is considered as a precautionary measure against accidental damage (for example, a ball that has flown into the window), protection against robbers.
It takes more time to break a triple glazing, which may be enough before the police arrive (in densely populated areas it is difficult not to notice an attempted robbery). Often, the manufacturer applies two metallic coatings on two glasses. Being virtually invisible to the human eye,it reflects heat waves on either side of the window. This technology significantly increases the thermal conductivity of two-chamber windows.
This should take into account the disadvantages of designs. The main problem faced by users of such glass packs is their weight. It is much more than the same size. This property imposes certain restrictions on the installation, which will be handled by a qualified team of workers. In old houses (or, for example, wooden cottages), installation of two-chamber double-glazed windows is simply impossible. This may damage or even destroy the wall.
Over time, a glass unit with 3 glasses, under its own weight, can sag and cling to the frame. One way to solve this problem is to break the window into small sections (deaf or in the form of window vents).
However, such a procedure can change the appearance of the window is not for the better, and will also cost more than installing an entire window, because it requires additional cutting of glass and slats. This increases the weight of the window, so that difficulties are only partially solved.
The price of such double-glazed windows will be higher than the price of double. The difference will be about 20-30%.A relatively minor drawback is a slightly lower light transmission by windows of three glasses. This is natural, because there is another obstacle in the path of light. Although the disturbance of light transmission is insignificant, this should be taken into account by people who rely more heavily on the lighting of their rooms (for example, artists).
What to choose?
In the final choice, it is necessary to once again compare all the pros and cons of a glass unit, to relate them to the characteristics of the dwelling. It is important to understand that in addition to obvious factors (for example, climate), there are also hidden factors (number of storeys of the building). In certain situations, installing a triple glazing may be an unreasonable waste of money. For example, if you are going to make glazing at home in a quiet holiday village in the south, where there are no sudden temperature changes. Here the usual double glazing will be more than enough.
Today, residents of cities are primarily interested in the purchase and installation of plastic windows. The main problem of the city is the noise level. Due to the large number of transport and high population density, it often greatly exceeds all permissible norms.Noise pollution is different for each area. In addition, each person has a different perception. Sometimes the same noise is perceived differently by two people.
As a result, it turns out that the noise level should be assessed first of all subjectively (according to the sensations of the person). It is recommended to use triple-glazed windows in places that require special silence: the bedroom, children’s, offices, as well as in houses with windows overlooking busy streets. Otherwise, day and night, you will hear a continuous stream of cars. In other places you can do with double products. It would be useful to consult with each of the family members and listen to what they say about the noise in their rooms.
Most government agencies that work with people are now starting to install triple glazing. These include schools, kindergartens and hospitals. This has a beneficial effect on the concentration of attention of students and the recovery of patients.
The next thing to think about is insulation. Heat can be stored differently even in two seemingly identical rooms. Therefore, it would not be superfluous to turn to an expert for advice.
If there is a glazed balcony in the house, the inner part of it (adjacent to the room) can be glazed with double glass and the outer one with double or triple. It is necessary to know the heat transfer resistance of the structure. The floor on which the housing is located also matters. He can greatly influence the situation. The fact is that housing on the high floor is constantly exposed to cold winds that can blow so hard that double glazing will not save.
Manufacturers of plastic windows usually indicate that the sixteenth floor is the limit for the use of single-chamber (double) double-glazed windows. It turns out that the apartments located above must be protected with double-glazed windows. In this case, the apartment will immediately become more warm and cozy, not to mention the fact that you will not constantly hear the howling wind outside. This choice is only for residents of the middle zone or more southern areas of the country.
For the northern cities to immediately recommend a triple glazing, which will not allow the room to freeze through even in the harshest winter.
Often with the advent of new technologies and new products on the market, buyers are trying to acquire a new design.Often this will be the right approach, but in the case of plastic windows you need to think very well before replacing them with triple glazing. If you have some other type installed in your apartment, and you are satisfied with everything, there is no reason to change the double-glazed windows. But if for many years you have been tormented by the cold and the howling of the wind in the winter, then such windows may well be a salutary novelty.
The choice of glass is a difficult process. It is influenced by many factors. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to be interested in their choice with experienced craftsmen. It does not hit the pocket, will give confidence that the new windows will be ideally suited to their place. Specialists will help with the selection and installation, perform work in a short time quality, which will extend the operation of triple glazing.
For information on how to choose the right window, see the next video.