Double and Triple Glazing Noise Reduction Compared
| Everest Standard Glass | Everest Noise Reducing Glass |
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Double Glazing | ⭐⭐⭐ A reasonable option if upgrading from single-glazed windows and you will notice a difference in noise reduction. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The best option we recommend if you have a well-insulated house that doesn't have sound leakage points. |
Triple Glazing | ⭐⭐ This will make a difference if you have poor windows currently but is not recommended just for noise reduction. | Not available. |
How Effective Are Noise Reduction Windows?
How much you can reduce noise coming into your house depends on what you have now. If your home has old single glazed windows, you will notice a difference simply by adding new double glazing windows.
As described above, noise reduction also depends on how your home is constructed and the main entry point of the noise.
Sound is measured by the strength (amplitude) of the waves in decibels (dB)
Noise reducing double glazed 6/6.8mm pane with trickle vents open | 32dB noise reduction* |
Noise reducing double glazed 6/6.8mm pane with trickle vents closed | 34dB noise reduction* |
*Everest Independent Testing
The table above is based on laboratory testing, where the glass is tested in isolation. In real life, there are other factors that might be leaking sound into your home, so we can only offer this as a guide and not a guarantee.
It's important to note that noise reduction windows will not make a room silent. They can make a considerable difference to the quality of life in your home, but we don't claim to make a home soundproof. And you may have to address other issues that are leaking sound into a room.
How Do Windows Let Noise into a Home?
The glass in your window is not the only element that can make a difference in how much the noise can be reduced.
The frame and the installation are just as important.
- The seals that support the glass can cause sound leakage if they are faulty or degraded. If you have old double glazing, increased sound levels are an indication you need to change the seals or have a blown unit.
- The number of opening sashes will make a difference. Having one single pane of glass with no openers will deliver the highest reduction in noise, but this is frequently not practical for ventilation reasons.
- Trickle vents built into the frame will allow noise to seep into the room even when the window is shut tight. These may be required by building regulations in certain situations.
- The frame must be measured and fitted correctly to avoid any micro-gaps that can allow noise to leak into the room.
Is Your Home Suitable for Noise Reduction Windows?
Before choosing noise reduction glass and assessing if new windows can dial down the noise in your home, consider the following:
How is your home constructed?
If you have thin walls with minimal insulation, there is a chance sound is entering through the walls. Thicker construction, such as stone-built walls are less likely to be transmitting noise.
How many sound entry points do you have?
How many air bricks, trickle vents and fireplaces are there?
How many external doors do you have to the room?
Often overlooked, doorways are a considerable sound transmission point. Installing sound-reducing glass next to a front door is probably not going to make a noticeable difference.
What quality are your current windows?
Are your current windows single glazed, are there gaps or have the seals perished? Do you have a lot of opening sashes that are limiting the effectiveness of the window? The more problems with your current window, the more difference you will notice from new frames.