Double or triple glazing?

The topic has already been discussed here. Our single-family house with around 160 m2 of usable space is currently planned with double-glazed windows. With a U-value of 0.9 m. E., not even the worst. Nevertheless, we are considering whether it might be better to go for triple glazing. Especially on the large window fronts, we are somewhat afraid of overheating in summer or a cold draft in winter due to the cold inner side of the windows.

The architect is currently clarifying the additional costs (estimate about TCHF 5). Since we also want to be up-to-date with the latest technology, we are leaning more towards triple glazing.

The windows are to be manufactured by a local window maker. Wouldn't it be better to rely on well-known mass producers like Internorm?

Thanks for your feedback.

Hello again,

As far as manufacturing is concerned, you are thinking correctly. Triple glazing is heavier and thicker than double glazing. Large-scale manufacturers offer the advantage of consistently uniform (industrial) quality; once properly designed, the windows are always produced with the same level of quality – production can be very well monitored, ensuring consistently good quality.

Local window manufacturers are also capable of producing triple-glazed windows, sometimes even cheaper than the "big ones"; you just have to make sure that the appropriate experience in manufacturing is present and, last but not least, that a quality inspection can be conducted/proven. It is not only about having 3 panes in one frame, but also about meeting the energy requirements.

Triple-glazed windows are heavier than conventional ones; beyond a certain window width, it may be the case that a tilt-and-turn window is no longer possible, but rather a (more expensive) sliding window must be planned.
And concerning the fear of overheating, an external sunshade should also be considered with triple glazing, it is basically indispensable.