Soundproofing Glass - Double Glazing and Triple Glazing
Noise pollution from the outside into the home is a common problem if you live close to busy roads or industrial units in Andover and Hampshire areas. Windows tends to be the weakest point of sound insulation in the home. A single-glazed window can struggle to keep any loud noises outside.
Unlike walls and ceilings, which block and absorb sound waves, windows (glass) allow more sound vibrations to pass through and enter the home. The most common and invasive noises are high-frequency sounds, so how do we reduce them and increase the soundproofing of our glazing? Soundproof glass is the perfect solution for homes looking for much-needed peace.
Andover & Hampshire
Soundproofing Double Glazing
Double glazing does provide soundproofing, especially if it’s replacing existing ill-fitting single glazed windows. Generally, the more significant the gap between the panes, the better the sound insulation. This can be enhanced where one pane of glass is thicker than the other, such as 6mm glass on one side and 4mm on the other. This acts as a better sound barrier than regular sealed units because the different thickness of glass changes the sound wave as it travels through the unit.
Another option is to use thicker laminate glass on the outside of your glazing to offer additional soundproofing. This is also much more secure, as laminated glass can not be penetrated. This type of glass is similar to what is used in car windscreens today, so it has high level of protection. There is also a range of acoustic glass options available; one of the most popular is Stadip acoustic glass. The standard panel for most glazing is 6.8mm thick.
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What are the benefits of soundproof glass?
The best type of soundproofing is secondary glazing, as the gap between the two panels is far more significant than that between conventional double glazing. Many households around airports are fitted with secondary glazing to help with noise reduction. You have the benefits of double glazing at a more reasonable price.
If you live on a main road with traffic noise, secondary glazing is a great way to reduce further noise and makes for a more straightforward installation. You can also benefit from the different thickness of glass from that of the primary window. The optimum gap to reduce heat loss and keep external noise to a minimum is between 100 mm and 150 mm between the secondary glazed unit and your existing window (glass to glass). However, this would generally mean that little or none of the internal seals would be left.
Changing the thickness of the glass between your existing window and your new secondary glazing will impressively reduce the noise pollution from the outside, making it a more peaceful place to live.
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KJM has a range of Planitherm glass as the glazing options have recently become more complicated. This initiative from Saint Gobain has made the choice easier for the consumer.
Whether you choose to install double or triple glazing to improve the soundproofing of your home, we have solutions to help you. Contact us today for a bespoke soundproofing quote in the Andover and Hampshire areas; we’ll be happy to answer any enquiries or questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to soundproof glass
The first thing you should look at is the condition of your existing window. Does it seal properly? Is it single-glazed? Are there obvious sound leakage points, like an open trickle vent? If the window is single-glazed, consider replacing it with double or even triple-glazed windows. The addition of acoustic glass really makes a huge difference.
If the primary (existing) window is already in good condition, is sealing well, and noise pollution is still a problem, then add a secondary glazing. The soundproof secondary glazing can really be an improvement on your home and keep out any unwanted noise. Once again, with acoustic glass and a gap between 100 mm and 150 mm in the primary window, noise reduction can improve by over 50%. They are a great addition to busy roads, aircraft flight paths and railway lines.
What are the best windows for soundproofing?
The best solution to sound insulation, assuming the existing window is in reasonable condition, is good quality acoustic secondary glazing and a decent gap to the main window. We have been installing windows for many years, and the sound deadening from installing secondary glazing has provided our customers with excellent results.
How much does it cost to soundproof a window?
This is a difficult question to answer because there could be many variables as to where the sound leakage is coming from. Is the primary window in good condition? If so, secondary glazing would be the next stage. If the primary window is in poor condition, this would be the first place to start, as it may need brand-new double glazing. Multiple variables affect the soundproof glass price.
These include the size of the window, opening style, glass choice, heavy-duty or budget systems with slimmer profiles, and installed cost or supply only. We have a bespoke quoting engine that allows our Hampshire customers to get a price in minutes.
Can you soundproof existing windows?
If you really want to improve the sound insulation of your property, secondary glass windows are your best option. However, you could also consider changing the seals on your existing windows if they are in poor condition. Reglazing existing windows with new glass or sealed units and adding acoustic glass will provide a marginal improvement.
Is soundproof double glazing the right choice for my home?
If you live in a bustling neighbourhood, noise pollution can be a real problem and disrupt the quality of life in your Hampshire home. So, having double glazing can be an excellent addition that can bring a wealth of benefits, including thermal insulation.