Secondary Glazing for Noise Reduction
Introduction
The effects of noise pollution are increasingly well known - increased risk of heart disease, stress, reduced concentration and loss of sleep. Noise nuisance has invaded our lives, our homes and our workplaces!
But we don’t just have to accept it. There is a solution. Because the fact is, most noise enters our homes through the windows and doors! Just think of the difference between open and closed windows.
Noise Reduction Glazing & Soundproofing Windows
We are experts in Sound and Noise Insulation and this has been a specialist area of our work for over thirty years.
It is quite involved - hence the information is spread over six pages plus another two dealing just with sound insulation and noise insulation for Commercial applications.
If you do not have time for that right now - or would like a condensed version, then we invite you to download the following Shortcuts:
- Saint-Gobain UK LTD - manufacturer of Stadip Silence Glass Noise Guidance
- Building Research Establishment - London Secondary Glazing Noise Reduction Test
- Noise Reduction Doesn’t Have to be Complicated - Explanation and Noise Chart
- Secondary Glazing for Noise Reduction and Soundproofing Summary of Advice
Although we install replacement windows with acoustic sealed units and also re-glaze existing windows with acoustic glass, the fact is that Acoustic Secondary Glazing for Noise Reduction is the single most effective noise reduction glazing treatment for soundproof windows.
To find out more, please continue on this page and follow the quick links - or use the Soundproofing menu above to get all the information and facts:
- how we achieve 75% Noise Reduction with new Silence Acoustic Glass
- customer reviews, Soundproof Secondary Glazing
- best practice specifying, Secondary Glazing Noise Reduction
- the proof, Table and Test Results
Noise is Damaging Our Health!
We are all becoming more aware of how noise pollution affects us, anything from:
- mild to extreme irritation and even anger
- an inability for ourselves and our families to concentrate, work or study properly
- difficulty relaxing, loss of sleep, exhaustion, exasperation
The list of negative effects from noise pollution is long and growing longer.
More damningly, recent research reports are consistently proving that noise pollution is:
- a major cause of thousands of cases of cardio-vascular disease, heart attacks and strokes
and is costing us all £billions in increased health care costs see reports
Most Noise Enters our Homes Via the Windows and Doors
The windows are designed to let the light in and create an airy, pleasant atmosphere - unfortunately, they also allow the outside noise in!
The Solution - Acoustic Secondary Glazing for Soundproofing Windows
The level of noise reduction glazing that can be achieved with acoustic secondary glazing will:
- differ from situation to situation depending upon the volumes and types of noise
- be dependent upon the quality, specification and correct installation of the secondary glazing noise reduction system
With over 30 years of specialist soundproofing windows and doors experience, we know exactly how to achieve the very best noise insulation solution in any given situation - please have a look at our What Our Customers Say!
Traffic noise, aircraft noise, train noise and general street noise all have different volumes, frequencies and wavelengths.
Therefore, soundproof secondary glazing needs to be carefully and correctly specified to maximize the noise reduction and windows soundproofing.
Acoustic secondary glazing for noise reduction is significantly better than replacement double glazing for achieving noise reduction, because:
- using the correct distance between the primary and secondary glazing is a major factor in noise insulation
- the secondary glazing can be specified to tackle both high and low frequency noise
- secondary glazing avoids resonance, which results in a high-pitched whine at high frequencies and vibration of the glass at low frequencies
These are things that simply cannot be achieved with sealed unit double glazing and for these reasons:
- we regularly install our secondary glazing noise reduction system inside replacement double glazing, as well as for new windows and doors in newly built houses and flats!
What about Thermal Insulation?
All of our soundproof secondary glazing will also provide you with a dramatic improvement in thermal insulation:
Which will save you a considerable amount of money on your heating bills.
- please see our easy to use Ready Reckoner to calculate how much you will save
Applications for Acoustic Secondary Glazing
- road noise/traffic noise - HGV’s, taxis, buses, motorbikes, emergency service sirens and cars
- train noise, railway noise and railway station noise, both over and underground
- airport noise and aircraft noise, both close to airports and beneath flight parths
- general street noise, pubs, clubs, loud talking, bus stops, dogs barking
- exceptional street noise, car alarms, burglar alarms, noisy neighbours, shouting
- inside sealed unit double glazing, replacement windows and new windows as well as for original existing single glazed windows and doors
- close to major noise sources such as schools, colleges, universities, industrial areas, sports stadiums and where open-air music festivals take place
Summary of Direct & Other Benefits
- a good nights’ sleep!
- relax in your living room undisturbed by outside noise
- more effective than replacement windows
- cheaper than replacing the windows
- no more draughts or cold spots
- quick, clean installation
- no need for external access and scaffolding for above first floor
- reduced future heating bills
- the “greener” solution - materials used and the manufacturing processes use less energy and therefore produce far less CO2 than uPVC replacements
- extends the life of your existing windows and keeps them out of land fill sites
- improved security
- preserves the original appearance and character of your home
- not usually affected by Conservation Area or Listed Building regulations
- improved Energy Performance Certificate
- reduces your Carbon Footprint
Further information:
- Secondary Glazing - good for Noise and Good for the Environment
- Details of all our Glass and Glazing Types
- Residential Noise Levels - Typical and Recommended
Download our Secondary Glazing Brochure