sound insulating blinds/curtains

lydriver

google seems to throw up Duette blinds which are the perfect fit kind

claiming UP to 45% noise reduction

anyone used these or similar?

Grenage

Honestly, don't waste your money. The only way you'll reduce noise is with well fitted modern glazing.

lydriver

hmm, it's in a flat in a development, not too sure if/how the windows can be replaced...

the flat's about 14 yr old - have there been many advancements in that time? or the seals or whatever that insulates the sound likely to have worn out in that time?

the road outside is about the same distance away from the windows as last house but there's trees at the other side of the road this time maybe bouncing the sound back

brightontraveller

lydriver wrote: »

hmm, it's in a flat in a development, not too sure if/how the windows can be replaced...

the flat's about 14 yr old - have there been many advancements in that time? or the seals or whatever that insulates the sound likely to have worn out in that time?

the road outside is about the same distance away from the windows as last house but there's trees at the other side of the road this time maybe bouncing the sound back

Acoustic glass has come along way over recent years e.g. Pilkington Optilam or Pilkington Optiphon offer good sound reduction with either the primary glazed window or secondary glazing the latter causes less disruption and is within most DIY ers ability to fit

lydriver

secondary glazing! thank you, I've seen that mentioned before but never really thought about its uses!

it's tilt n turn windows fitted just now....gonna do some googling...any info you have appreciated tho

brightontraveller

If you go secondary glazing the you’ll need gap between primary (outer) glazing and secondary (inner) most go around 300mm also glass is a different thickness e.g primary 4mm, secondary 6mm etc density/weight kills sound by absorbing it and different thickness cuts out resonate effect also ventilation e.g acoustic trickle vent

You can start too get into source/type of noise, building construction itself, area of existing glazing, the construction of room its size, its acoustic qualities e.g room itself is empty and acts as type of boom box, adding sound deadening materials to room may eliminate some of the sound reduce its effects, Trees. bushes etc outside.

I know most so called acoustic experts aren’t many don’t mention acoustic glass ( yes its primarily as laminate glass ) or any other methods etc but seen it work very well in airports on oil rigs in offices etc.

It’s a sort of trail and error game if you can put bushes, fence good sound absorbing plants externally etc then add sound deadening items to room then glazing etc

lydriver

99% sure its the windows letting the noise in
Top floor so nothing can be done outside
Not looked in to what can be done internally but its just a small bedroom so not many options unless its foam or something on the walls

phil24_7

Check you current windows are fitted well and are not leaking anywhere, fit secondary glazing and use thick, heavy curtains.

If this isn't good enough then look at replacing the windows or the galzing on your current windows.