Is Triple Glazing Worth It?

Triple Glazing – What are the advantages and disadvantages?

As you would assume, of course triple glazing should offer all the benefits that double glazing does and more. However, as we have come to realize with many products in this ever changing construction and home improvement market, that isn't necessarily the case. If you are basing your decision to purchase double or triple glazed windows on energy efficiency alone, then the payback on your initial payment does take some time to show the benefits, and with triple glazing costing that much extra that double glazing, is it really worth it?.

The benefits of double glazing aren't limited to simply reducing energy bills but also the reduction in noise pollution, draught prevention, aesthetics and the amount of maintenance that will be required in time also need to be taken into account. These are advantages to both double and triple glazing, of course the results vary but do the differences really make that much of a difference on your home?

In countries such as Norway, Finland and Sweden triple glazed glass units are the most common form of glazing and I'm sure they feel that the triple glazed units benefits are far superior when compared to the double glazed glass unit option. Take what you will from triple glazed units being the standard choice in that area of the world, but keep in mind the dramatic change in climate the Scandinavian countries have compared to the cool temperate oceanic climate of Ireland.
The point that is being made here is that, although the U-Values and G-Values may be lower in the triple glazed units when compared to the double glazed units, is it really necessary to have triple glazed windows in Ireland? The Lower the U and G Value the better. U-Value is the measurement of heat loss through your glass and is expressed in watts per kelvin meter square Or W/Km2. G-Value measures the heat gained from the sun. 
Solar Gain passes through your glass in two ways:

1. Directly through the glass having Low Emissivity (aka Low E)/ Extra Clear glass allows easier passage for the natural light.
2. Heat is also absorbed by the glass which is subsequently radiated inwards.

As we can see from the above graph, triple glazing is evidently more energy efficient than double glazing, and although the cost of installing triple glazed units is higher, the savings on heating bills % should also be higher than the double glazed units. The main noticeable benefit of triple glazing is the reduction of cold spots beside windows in your home; improved wall insulation means that windows are a weak point and triple glazing cuts down on the cool patches in an otherwise warm room.  Triple glazing is also much better at reducing outside noise, and so particularly good for homes in busy or excessively noisy locations.

When analyzing your options, it's worth taking into consideration the Energy Rating of your home and also if you think the triple glazed unit choice is really worth the additional cost you will have to pay. If at present your home doesn't suffer from damp areas beside windows or needs an excessive amount heating during the colder seasons to keep the house warm, perhaps triple glazed units may not be necessary for you and a suitable option would be an A-Rated Glass Unit replacement.

Check out the link to see how our Double Glazed Units are made

You can call us on (01) 8021800 or email us at info@harvestenergy.ie to get your free consultation and quotation 

Replacement Windows

So, you’re thinking about replacement windows?

There are many reasons for changing your windows and/or doors and, unless you go for something completely out of left field, by choosing a style that doesn't blend in with the vibe of the property or you have went for a cheaper quote and have ended up with a product that lacks the quality and finesse you were after, you will improve the look and increase the value of your property by installing replacement windows.

To repair or to replace?

When old windows are suffering from rot,rust or general deterioration it is often the case where the most cost effective option in the long run would be to replace the whole window, including the frame rather than paying a call-out charge along with additional charges for works such as; replacing of hinges & locks, glass unit replacement due to seals breaking down over time and condensation then being an issue.

The improvement on your home appearance that come with a new supply and fitting of new A-Rated windows is incomparable. Replacing old fashioned, worn down windows with new styles, shapes, designs and colours really adds a fresh and attractive look to your home, not to mention the improvement in energy savings from your new A-Rated windows.

Other Benefits of Replacements

Improved Security

Burglary is becoming a larger issue nowadays with windows and doors being one of the most common break-in points. Many modern uPVC window systems incorporate extra security features including specially designed locks, toughened glass in the glass unit and steel reinforced frames to protect your home from any form of break-in.

Protection from Elements

If your windows suffer from one or more of these issues, it may be time to make the change.

• Curtains swaying from an external breeze getting through the window
• There's a cold air chill from a drafty window.
• Rain droplets on the inside of the window, commonly found on the window board.
• Condensation forming on the inside of glass units.

Reduce Noise Pollution

If you live on a busy road where traffic noise is an irritation, the installation of double-glazed windows will significantly decrease the amount of noise transmitted through your windows.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency in windows saw a notable change when old single glazed windows were replaced for double glazed windows. Now, energy efficiency windows have made more improvements. All of our double glazed units are Argon Gas filled, use K glass and Warm Edge Spacer Bar to ensure an A-Rated grade. This helps to retain heat so you can turn down the heating a degree or two and save on fuel bills without compromising your comfort. 

Click the link to find out how we make our A-Rated Double Glazed Units > Here

Click the link to contact us about replacing your windows > Here

Click the link to see our latest offers on Energy Saving Windows > Here

Come see our showroom at 4, Church Street, Skerries, Co.Dublin or contact us on info@harvestenergy.ie

uPVC vs Aluclad vs Timber

The Big Decision

As windows are a very visible part of your home, before buying your new windows, you should have a set agenda of what exactly you are looking for from your investment. Firstly, what frame material are you looking? With the window manufacturing trade having developed and expanded throughout the past 20 years. From the humble beginnings of Timber Single Glazed windows and Aluminium Windows, the Industry as a whole has moved forward into a direction that aims towards longevity, style and energy efficiency.

As of 2013, the most popular window profiles that are being used are; Timber, Aluclad and uPVC. This blog will shed some light on each material and show you the differences of each material.

Aluclad

Aluclad Windows

Aluclad was first developed by Scandinavian window manufactures that sought a practical and stylish solution to the harsh climate conditions they face. If a timber profile was to be used solely for the window frames, the weather conditions would break down the material with relative ease, however, if a homeowner chose a aluminium profile, the material would be more resistant to weather conditions but the homeowner may feel the inside of their home lacks a feeling of warmth and suave. 

Aluclad offers the best of both materials. On the external face of the window is an aluminium coating that is virtually maintenance free and on the internal face is a timber finish, where that feeling of elegance and style are achieved.

When it comes to comparing prices, Aluclad is the most expensive of the list,  due to the care that has to be taken when providing the external coating of aluminium. 

Timber

Timber Windows

Timber is the only renewable material that is currently being used as a frame material for windows. Timber requires less energy to manufacture in comparison to uPVC and Aluclad and if you like to consider yourself a Eco-friendly person, you'd be satisfied in knowing your carbon emissions will be substantially less than those that come from Aluclad and uPVC. 
Only uPVC can compete with timber regarding the variance in style and in terms of pricing, the cost of a timber window is less expensive than Aluclad however tends to be more expensive than uPVC.

uPVC

uPVC Windows

uPVC windows carry many benefits. The range of designs and colour choices that are available are almost limitless and the maintenance required is minimal. 
When it comes to energy efficiency, the material used on the frame of the windows plays as big a role as the glass used. uPVC has better insulating values than both Timber and Aluclad and as a result can reduce energy and heating costs.
uPVC windows have a very good cost-benefit ratio and when comparing price to the durability of the window, a good quality uPVC window will trump both timber and Aluclad. 

Comparisons

• Price: If the exact same window (size,glass,design) was to be supplied and fit, the price order would come as Aluclad is the most expensive frame material , uPVC is the least expensive and Timber is usually priced somewhere where in between the two.

• Durability: Timber windows are guaranteed against rot for 30 years. Aluclad last up to 35-40 years and uPVC windows can last up to 50 years. "These figures are provided for the material used in the window frames. Glass unit breakdowns may occur and hinges may need to be replaced. This is why an after sales guarantee should be agreed between the customer and the supplier."

• Design Options: Timber and uPVC have a vast range of possibilities when it comes to manufacturing windows. Aluclad however is more limited due to the lesser range of aluminium that is used. The Aluclad design and colour options may change from supplier to supplier where as, many Timber and uPVC suppliers are capable of providing you with a range of colours and textures.

• Energy Efficiency: uPVC windows are superior in this regard. When comparing the U-Value (U-value is the measurement of heat lost through your glass and is expressed in watts per kelvin meter squared or W/Km2. The Lower the u-value, the better the insulation), a high quality uPVC window should be anywhere between  2.8 - 0.6. Aluclad should also have a similar u-value and it's expected for Timber to have a u-value higher rating of between 3.5 - 1.1.

• Maintenance: Timber windows will need a protective coat painted onto the outer side of the frame every two years or so if you wish to preserve and prevent rot. Aluclad and uPVC however, will rarely need anything other than a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that may have gathered on the outside. 

If you would like a quotation for our A-Rated Windows, click here to be re-directed to our website.