Vacuum Glazing Vs Triple Glazing

This article was published on December 8, 2024

With the window crafting industry ever-changing, and progressing, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest window performance measures, and what is best for your property. In this article, we’ll be simplifying the differences and similarities between two high performing windows, vacuum glazing and triple glazing, to give you a better understanding of which is more appropriate for you.

Vacuum glazing and triple glazing are both high in quality, and both possess unique attributes from one another. While triple glazing has been around for a long time, and is more familiar with the general public, vacuum glazing is a newer technology, one that many people may not be familiar with.

Keep reading to find out about the pros and cons of both vacuum glazing, and triple glazing.

Fundamental Differences

Vacuum glazing and triple glazing are both structured differently, with the main contrast being that vacuum glazing uses two glass panes, while triple glazing consists of three. 

Triple glazing uses the three glass panes with two air filled spaces in between them, incorporated with warm edge spacers to avoid heat loss. The multiple layers of triple glazing makes for high quality performance.

Vacuum glazing, however, contains a tiny vacuum gap between its two glass panes, including very small spacers between panes, and a low-emissivity coating. This new technology offers very different results from that of triple glazing. Vacuum glazing can also be installed into new, or existing timber frames, making this window favoured within heritage and conservation situations.

Thermal Efficiency

Energy efficiency is growing more and more in relevancy as time goes on, with property owners looking to save on their energy bills and improve the heat retention of their homes. So, which of the two are more energy efficient?

While triple glazing possesses a U Value of roughly 1.0, a high level of insulation, vacuum glazing is roughly twice as efficient as triple glazing! Vacuum glazing possesses outstanding thermal insulation properties, revolutionising heat retention of properties, largely reducing the reliance of central heating. 

Acoustic Efficiency

Another priority that property owners may have when it comes to choosing their new timber windows is sound proofing. Acoustic performance measures your window’s ability to insulate sound, reducing noise from outside coming in, and vice versa.

Due to its thicker structure, and additional pane, triple glazing possesses fantastic acoustic insulation properties. In many cases, triple glazing is actually more acoustically efficient than vacuum glazing, however, with modern technology this is not always the reality.

At ERW, the weighted sound reduction of our vacuum glazing is actually superior to that of triple glazing, making your rooms quieter than ever before. Check out our factsheet to find out more.

Thickness

While the average homeowner is unlikely to choose their windows based on thickness, owners of listed properties often require thin windows in order to receive planning permission. 

Previously, it has been difficult for heritage buildings to benefit from modern, high performing windows due to the thickness of triple glazing restricting planning permission. With the introduction of vacuum glazing, heritage properties now have the option of bringing excellent window performance. With a design as thin as a single pane of glass, vacuum glazing makes the perfect solution for these buildings.

The thin design of vacuum glazing also offers a reduced double reflection from the glass, making this window glazing a brilliant addition to listed 

Durability

When you’re looking for new timber windows, you’re looking for something that will last your property for years to come, performing at roughly the same level as they did when you bought them.

When it comes to both triple, and vacuum glazing, longevity is not a concern, with both windows possessing a long service life. With triple glazing, you’re looking at a lifespan of 20-35 years, based on how well you maintain the windows. Whereas with vacuum glazing, your windows are likely to remain intact for a minimum of 25 years, more than likely lasting for over 30 years.

Cost

Perhaps the first thing that property owners will be concerned over is the cost of their new timber windows, with many having a budget that they won’t want to exceed. Residential homeowners often have a lower budget, looking to get the best quality windows within their price range.

With quality, comes cost, meaning that vacuum glazing is more of a premium option with a higher pricing than triple glazing. However, despite the initial cost of vacuum glazing, the long-term savings on your energy bills that comes with its high thermal efficiency makes vacuum glazing a fantastic investment that will cut your living costs down for years to come.

Which is Better?

The answer to this question solely depends on your individual situation, and property. As we’ve discussed in this blog, vacuum glazing is ultimately the higher performing window, but this comes at a premium price. 

For residential homeowners, triple glazing is the most popular option, as you are still receiving a high quality window, where the thickness of the window matters far less in terms of installation and appearance. If, however, vacuum glazing is within your budget, it may be worth taking the leap, bringing revolutionary window technology into your home.

However, for listed, or heritage properties, vacuum glazing is the perfect window for you. When you choose vacuum glazing, you’re choosing the highest standard of window technology, compliant with planning permissions in the UK. If you’re looking to learn more about vacuum glazing, click here.

Regardless of the window that you decide on, you’re guaranteed quality when you choose ERW. If you’re undecided, or you’re interested in learning more about our vacuum and triple glazing, head down to our showroom to receive a guided tour of our workshop, so that you can see first-hand the quality of both of these windows.

To book your visit with us, please call 01642 456167 or email sales@erwltd.co.uk, and a member of our team will be in touch.