IQ Glass Solutions LTD, Sky House, Raans Road, Amersham, HP6 6FT
Fitting modern glass sliding doors into a home is a brilliant way to flood rooms with light, blur the lines between inside and out, and stage the airy atmosphere of a luxury home. But beyond picking frames, finishes, or how much glass you want to show, there’s a big decision to wrestle with: double glazing or triple glazing?
At IQ, we’ve got a lineup of slim-framed and frameless glazing options built to tackle different needs, from heat and sound to security. Here you’ll find out what sets double and triple glazing apart for sliding doors, weigh up what matters most, and see how IQ’s top-tier systems take your space to the next level.
What’s the Difference between Double and Triple Glazing?
It all boils down to how many panes of glass you’re dealing with. Double glazing uses two sheets separated by a spacer, often filled with argon gas to keep heat in. Triple glazing throws in a third pane and an extra pocket of insulation. It might sound like a small tweak, but for big sliding doors, it makes all the difference in staying warm, cutting noise, and lasting the distance.
Energy Efficiency
Triple glazing is tough to beat here. It can hit U-values as low as 0.8 W/m²K; sometimes even lower. That’s a boon for projects chasing Passivhaus or Minergie benchmarks, or homes battered by wild weather. Double glazing holds its own for plenty of places, but that extra pane in triple glazing keeps indoor temperatures steady and slashes heating bills over time.
Noise Reduction
More glass and deeper gaps mean less noise from outside. Triple glazing shines in towns or near busy roads, soaking up sound better than double glazing. Double still quiets things down, but triple adds an extra shield.
Sightlines and Looks
Worried triple glazing means chunkier frames? Not with us. Our minimal windows® 4+ keeps sightlines slim (25mm to 34mm depending on setup) so you get wide-open views and floods of light, whichever you pick.
Security
An extra pane insulates and toughens up your doors. Our triple-glazed sliders pass PAS24 and Part Q tests with flying colours, giving you confidence even with massive panes.
Cost and Fitting
Triple glazing costs more upfront, and weighs extra, thanks to that third pane. But pair it with IQ’s sturdy thermally broken aluminium frames and slick stainless-steel rails, and even giant panels (up to 9m tall or wide) slide like a dream. The energy savings down the line often make it worth the spend.
The Pros and Cons of Double Glazing
On the plus side, double glazing initial keeps costs lower, and is easier to haul and fit. It’s spot-on for milder climates, meeting most building regulations with ease. Being lighter, it’s kinder to frames and glides smoothly. Plus, it handles noise well if you’re not next to a motorway.
That said, it’s not as insulating as triple glazing, and over years, seals might need a fix sooner.
The Pros and Cons of Triple Glazing
Triple glazing brings top-notch warmth (U-values down to 0.8 W/m²K or better) keeping the home comfortable year-round. It’s a good at blocking noise, perfect near traffic or airports, and that extra glass bolsters security too. For high-spec builds like Passivhaus, it’s a design-forward option.
On the other hand, it’s pricier to make, move and install. The weight needs proper frames, like our thermally broken aluminium ones, and in mild areas, it might be overkill.
How to Choose between Double or Triple Glazing
So, what are the deciding factors? Cost-wise, double glazing is more affordable, and fine for smaller openings. Triple glazing, with its heft and extra pane, might need more planning to fit. For warmth, double does the job in soft climates with U-values around 1.2–1.4 W/m²K, but triple’s 0.8 W/m²K or lower is a game-changer for efficiency enthusiasts. In terms of noise, double’s great for quieter spots; triple’s better in the city. Frames matter too; double works with standard setups, while triple leans on beefier systems like our 4+ that handle 1,000kg panels. Triple tends to outlast in terms of longevity.
Minimal Windows® 4+ Triple Glazed Sliding Doors
Specifying floor-to-ceiling glass with minimal frames? Our minimal windows® 4+ triple-glazed system is your ticket. It handles panes up to 9m wide or high, weighing 1,000kg each, and they still slide effortlessly. You’re looking at Uw values of 0.8 W/m²K or tighter, plus top marks for air, wind, and water resistance. Sightlines stay slim at 25mm–34mm, for that elusive indoor-outdoor flow. Security is assured to PAS24 and Part Q, and you can tweak it with bespoke corner openings, pocket doors, or automation.
Whether you choose double or triple, both let light pour in and tie your home to the garden. Double glazing is budget-friendly and suitable for gentle weather, while triple glazing steps up with elite insulation, soundproofing, and strength. At IQ, we shape every system to your brief; our design and engineering crews make sure your sliding doors nail looks, warmth, and ease of use, no matter which way you go.
Let Us Help You…
Fancy a peek at our Slim Triple Glazed Glass Sliding Doors? Check out the minimal windows® 4+ system and our NGS Stepped Glass Base online, or to pop by our showroom and see a 6.5m-tall automated triple-glazed slider in action!
To get started with your specifics, Contact Us Now!