How Is Triple Glazing Made?

It is fairly common knowledge that when you want to keep heat inside your house, and when you want to keep noise outside, double glazing is better than single paned glass, and triple glazed windows are better still. The advantages afforded to homeowners by triple glazed glass are well documented, but why is it so effective?

It can seem fairly straightforward to create triple-glazing, since on a very basic level it is literally three sheets of glass stuck together. However, there is a lot more to it than this, and the processes behind its construction are actually very scientific. For instance, for optimum insulation, the gap between the panes needs to be around 16mm. If the glass sheets are too close together it will make it too easy for heat to radiate through to the outside where it is naturally colder, which means that the insulating effect is all but lost.

However, if the panes are too far apart it is possible that currents will be created, which means that convection current heat loss can easily occur, again negating the point of installing the thicker windows in the first place. It is important that the gaps in between the glass are not filled with air, and instead inert gasses such as argon are used, since these have a much lower thermal conductivity which means that they provide greater insulation than simple air.

The most important aspect of the construction of the window when it comes to its insulating effect comes from the frame. It is vital that the frame creates a tight seal with the glass otherwise the energy can escape; likewise any warping or twisting of the frame will cause the glass to shatter. Despite this, it is possible to fit triple glazed glass into both wooden and UPVC plastic composite frames, which means that there is no reason why you cannot install it in your home whilst still keeping your current frames.

UPVC composite plastic is by far the most effective material to make the frames out of, since it is itself an incredibly effective insulator. Early attempts at bringing triple-glazed windows to the UK usually had frames made out of aluminium, since it is cheap and very durable, while still being versatile. However aluminium also conducts heat, which reduces the effectiveness of the windows at retaining thermal energy, so the jump to UPVC was a natural and logical step.