How much noise should good double glazing keep out?

martin2345uk

Hi guys,

Thinking about replacing some or all of our windows... Our current ones are plastic double glazed ones, but they really don't keep out sound - you can hear a car starting up in the street as if it was in the house, same with people just chatting outside...

Before I actually start looking into new windows, how soundproof should good double glazing actually be..?!

Thanks!

nearlyrich

We live on a main road but perched above it so we are shielded by trees from some of the noise, we had new windows fitted last year with a bigger gap than before and we don't hear anything (except the howling wind and constant batter of rain) no road noise or people talking.

ariba10

You could look at triple glazing.

When I was stationed in what had been a German military barracks just after the war, they had two window frames about 20 cms apart and that cut the noise down a lot. (original double glazing)

Jonesya

Have your existing windows got trickle vents?

I find my double glazing (which has) lets in a lot more noise than my parents (which doesn't) so in a couple of rooms I've taken to filling in the void (you can normally remove the vent cover for access) it makes some improvement.

NeoVR2k6

We have a similar issue.. However most of the noise sounds like its coming from round the outside edges of the windows - rather than through the frame/glass itself (We have bay windows). Im thinking this is more down to poor sizing or fitting.

Ironically im up at this time because i woke up early (on my day off too :mad: ) and now cant nod off again for the noise.

martin2345uk

Thanks guys! Yes we do have trickle vents, always keep them shut but as you say surely they do lessen the integrity of double glazing... I do believe ours are also badly fitted, there's even a fairly large gap round our front door! Ok, home improvements are on the way... Cheers for the responses!

ic

I got triple glazing installed before Christmas, made a big difference to the temperature and noise.

Generally triple glazed is only recommended for installations where either you sit/stand close to the window often, or to cut down noise. Otherwise, the cost increase isn't considered worthwhile and will never pay for itself on heating cost savings alone.

missprice

ic wrote: »

I got triple glazing installed before Christmas, made a big difference to the temperature and noise.

Generally triple glazed is only recommended for installations where either you sit/stand close to the window often, or to cut down noise. Otherwise, the cost increase isn't considered worthwhile and will never pay for itself on heating cost savings alone.

I got triple glazing only for the noise reduction. Five windows cost a whole £250 more, or £50 per window more for triple than double.
Not really a huge difference in price. And its made upstairs considerably warmer, which may well not save money in heating, but at least the heat stays in now.

martin2345uk

So maybe, triple glazing in the bedroom but double everywhere else...?

Edit - just seen post directly above, I guess that's not much more is it - lots to think about!!

jbainbridge

Previous house (built 1930) - upvc double glazing with no trickle vents - excellent noise insulation
Current house (built 2005) - upvc double glazing with trickle vents - poor noise insulation

In our experience the trickle vents don't help!

System

if the current windows are ok for heat loss - I would be tempted to look at secondary glazing for noise protection, with as much of a gap as possible between the windows.