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Sorenya

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grumbler

Sorenya said:

The units are 28mm planitherm glass, I assume 4 - 20 - 4 which I think causes an issue with resonance as I'm pretty sure there's a build up/echo of certain frequencies.

That's why for better sound insulation triple and even quadruple sealed units exist with different thickness of glass and different air gaps in each unit. They do make a big difference, but, I guess will be prohibitively expensive in UK even if you find a company making such windows.

Silvertabby

Can't help with the noise, I'm afraid - but compared with the windows we had fitted some years ago, yours are a real bodged job! 

FreeBear

Silvertabby said: - but compared with the windows we had fitted some years ago, yours are a real bodged job! 

I would agree...

The gap at the bottom looks way too big, and the gap down the side is poorly sealed. I would also have expected to see some edging strips to cover the gap. As it is a rented property, I would suggest writing to the landlord pointing out the defects in installation - The gaps at the sides of the window frames would allow water to get inside and cause problems with damp (potentially damaging the fabric of the building in the long term).

ElephantBoy57

Sorenya said:

There are gaps in the outside seal of the window and cracks inside, my husband thinks this won't make much difference to noise but I've read otherwise. My memory is lots of chiselling away of brickwork and stuff when the windows were fitted and I'm not convinced it's been sealed up properly. Could this cause more noise?
I'm considering putting in secondary glazing, we could easily have a 100mm+ gap then a different glass thickness and it may make a fair difference.
 

That looks like it has been sealed, then cracked due to movement. Not a very good installation. The gaps which let sound through are very small and not easy to see, especially once the windows have been installed. Having said that, if if sealed well on the inside, then the sound/air should not get through.

poppellerant

I would guess that if the windows were installed 18 months ago, they are still under guarantee? Any double glazing company worth their salt will install with a 10 year guarantee or longer.  Some of your pictures seem to show a very old installation, so I'm wondering if they've just installed the glass and not the PVC frame?

Anyway, you should not be bearing any costs of rectifying this - if you are, then why? You're doing all you need to do by paying rent.

If the landlord/landlady refuse to budge, have a word with environmental health.  There is absolutely no way that an installation as poor as that is going to do your health any good in colder periods.

Norman_Castle

Trickle vents can allow noise in. I added a piece of foam draught proofing to mine which helped. Try holding the vent closed to see if there's a difference. Are the window to wall gaps sealed inside? If not that's and easy job which you could do if the landlord is reluctant.