New Build Double Glazing

OwdPepperPig

Hi Everyone,

We have moved into a 4 year old property where the existing double glazed windows let a considerable amount of traffic noise through. We previously lived in a house with double glazing which I am sure had better sound reduction qualities. My questions are:

1. Is this a common problem with mass volume builders - Redrow in our case?
2. Is there a grading scheme for windows?
3. Are all windows A rated?

Thanks.

Doozergirl

It's probably the fitting rather than the windows.  There might be gaps around the frame.  Any draughts, or does the wall feel cold? 

twopenny

Do you have a Window Doctor in your area? Someone who fixes rather than replace?

Ours will do all sorts including a check of all windows and doors for £50.

It's a good service because she knows what she's talking about and can spot any problems.

greenface2

could be a few things . might not be your windows either . Are there any trickle vents in ? could be the fitting and sealed up without any insulation or foam in the gaps . could be the cavity . any air vents in the walls / floors . maybe badly made frames with thin gaskets . They maybe still under guarantee . Have a look back on the spec for new builds say 5 years ago and do they conform to that . If they don't comply you may have a case for full replacement . PAS24 / BS6262 . fire regs / lami . toughened glass . locking handles regs . what is the thickness of glass and cavity of the dg units . 

ytfcmad

greenface2 said:

could be a few things . might not be your windows either . Are there any trickle vents in ? could be the fitting and sealed up without any insulation or foam in the gaps . could be the cavity . any air vents in the walls / floors . maybe badly made frames with thin gaskets . They maybe still under guarantee . Have a look back on the spec for new builds say 5 years ago and do they conform to that . If they don't comply you may have a case for full replacement . PAS24 / BS6262 . fire regs / lami . toughened glass . locking handles regs . what is the thickness of glass and cavity of the dg units . 

Ignore some of this post. Any windows fitted to a Redrow home will be on spec, the bit about glass and cavity is laughable please only listen to people who know what they are talking about, people who work in the trade.
Company's that fabricate DGU's and window frames all fabricate to industry standards, its hard not to especially those that supply to Blue chips like Redrow, everything is documented. 

The standard that applies to your house will be Document L, New Build Residential, windows with an overall U value of 1.4, possibly Life Time Homes that means window handles at a certain height but highly unlikely.

My knowledge is based on 30 years at the top of the façade industry pyramid. 

In answer to 1) all new builds let more noise through the building, its true "they dont build them like they used to" it's the fabric of the build not just your windows. I wont bore you with a lesson on window acoustics/noise frequency but if it was picked up at planning that you lived next to a rail line for instance then an acoustic DGU make up would of been incorporated into the spec.
2/3) Not really other than A, B or C rated, Google WERS ratings for more info, you'd need a computer to show the difference between an A and a B, I know, I have the info on my laptop!!     

Bendy_House

OwdPeppa, what sort of sound gets through?

Does it have the same 'fidelity' as the actual noise outside? Ie, do you hear a similar level of 'crispness' - the hiss of tyres on wet road, the rustle of leaves, etc - but just at a lower volume? Or, is it a more 'muffled' version of what the noise is outside?

If the former, then there's a chance it's down to a poorly-sealing opener. If you run your ear around the opener's frame, does the noise volume vary? Are there spots where the noise is more obvious? If so, try pulling the window more closed using the handle. Check the gap between the opener and the surround frame - is it even, and - ooh - around 2-3mm thick? Or does it vary, with perhaps the top (or bottom) having a wider gap?

I like 2penny's suggestion - is there such a person in your locality?

OwdPepperPig

Thanks all, especially ytfcmad.

I know that the upstairs windows had acoustic laminate in the spec as Redrow have shown me.

There is a lot of noise comming through the door as it is poorly fitted. I might start with that.

OwdPepperPig

Thanks Bendy, I will investigate.

ytfcmad

OwdPepperPig said:

Thanks all, especially ytfcmad.

I know that the upstairs windows had acoustic laminate in the spec as Redrow have shown me.

There is a lot of noise comming through the door as it is poorly fitted. I might start with that.

If they specified an acoustic laminate upstairs it must be a high noise area, trust me Redrow wouldn't normally entertain windows of that spec as the cost increase is considerable versus a standard float or toughened DGU.

As an aside, make sure the upstairs windows are egress type windows, nothing will go through your laminated windows in an emergency.