Double glazing - not happy!

harasniffud

Recently had double glazed uPVC sash windows fitted to my Edwardian house. I've had to have the fitters back numerous times to redo what should have been done first time around eg insulate gaps and they've had to replace 4 of the windows. Their attitude appears to revolves around getting their money rather than actually doing the job properly. My husband and I have become so sick of them that we've reluctantly signed off the job.

The house is warmer. We previously had the original single glazed wooden windows downstairs and modern secondary glazing in the front bedroom and bathroom. However, the house is far, far more noisy than it was previously and it's driving me crackers.

The salesman claimed the windows would make a difference to the noise levels, but clearly that was bluster. I just want my secondary glazing back!

- can I report this product/company to a trade body so that others don't have to go through what we're going through?

- any ideas on soundproofing that doesn't cost a fortune? Having spent a reasonable amount on new windows I'm reluctant to shell out heaps more for half solutions!

Any ideas would be gratefully received. I don't want to name this company since I don't know where I'd stand legally but I would like to warn others about their rubbish product and service!!!

MX5huggy

harasniffud wrote: »

Recently had double glazed uPVC sash windows fitted to my Edwardian house.
!

Oh dear, why would you do this? It's like the queen wearing a shell suit!

The large air gap with secondary glazing is a better sound insulator than the 12 or 16mm you have now, get secondary glazing fitted again.

harasniffud

Because the orig windows were rotten and the thought of being froze through again this winter with two small children was scaring me. Stupid now, but ain't hindsight wonderful? That aside, any recommendations on secondary glazing?

sashman

Not all sash windows are this bad.

Many sash window companies fit trickle vents, controlable slots to allow ventilation, what they dont realise is there are nOT a build reg requirement on replacements (unless the originals had them) vents let noise through badly.

also it is possible to get good sound reduction using two different sheets of glass like 4mm and 6mm rather than two sheets of 4mm

poor fitting will also result in draughts and noise penetration, especially at the sides in the middle

secondary at 200mm is the best for noise reduction

all basic facts good companies should know.

AdmiralX

harasniffud wrote: »

Recently had double glazed uPVC sash windows fitted to my Edwardian house. However, the house is far, far more noisy than it was previously and it's driving me crackers.

The salesman claimed the windows would make a difference to the noise levels, but clearly that was bluster. I just want my secondary glazing back!

- can I report this product/company to a trade body so that others don't have to go through what we're going through?

- any ideas on soundproofing that doesn't cost a fortune?
Any ideas would be gratefully received. I don't want to name this company since I don't know where I'd stand legally but I would like to warn others about their rubbish product and service!!!

Soundproofing and noise reduction are different issues than double glazing. Noise is transmitted not only through windows but from other structures of the building such as joists, walls, floors ceilings etc... so DG may reduce only airborne noise to certain extend but not impact noise say from cars, lories, trains etc travelling in front of your house and banging on potholes and so on. But it is hard to say how noise is transmitted and that is where specialist firms are of help. We had a visit from 2 people from Soundstop.co.uk. They usually start with one offending structure say ceiling or wall and insulate it first and then proceed to wall insulation. You may need to soundproof walls or floors as well. You can replace the synthetic DG with wooden ones.

Grovey1

harasniffud wrote: »

Recently had double glazed uPVC sash windows fitted to my Edwardian house. I've had to have the fitters back numerous times to redo what should have been done first time around eg insulate gaps and they've had to replace 4 of the windows. Their attitude appears to revolves around getting their money rather than actually doing the job properly. My husband and I have become so sick of them that we've reluctantly signed off the job.

The house is warmer. We previously had the original single glazed wooden windows downstairs and modern secondary glazing in the front bedroom and bathroom. However, the house is far, far more noisy than it was previously and it's driving me crackers.

The salesman claimed the windows would make a difference to the noise levels, but clearly that was bluster. I just want my secondary glazing back!

- can I report this product/company to a trade body so that others don't have to go through what we're going through?

- any ideas on soundproofing that doesn't cost a fortune? Having spent a reasonable amount on new windows I'm reluctant to shell out heaps more for half solutions!

Any ideas would be gratefully received. I don't want to name this company since I don't know where I'd stand legally but I would like to warn others about their rubbish product and service!!!

You could always try triple glazed units in your windows which should have been an option for you if the noise was mentioned to the sale rep.I dont know how much secondary glazing would be or triple glazed but it is worth getting a quote on both good luck.