Reduce Noise Entering Your Home with Secondary Glazing
As many of us have turned our spare rooms into temporary or permeant home offices, we have found that noise from close by traffic can cause a distraction and is an unwanted nuisance. Noise entering your home from vehicles or other sources can be problematic and can be challenging to reduce.
To put noise levels into perspective, a diesel bus at a distance of 5 metres will emit up to 89 decibels. A large proportion of noise that we hear in our homes is noise breaching our primary windows, modern double and triple glazing can prevent noise entering your home however in most cases this can only be up to 36 decibels.
A solution that prevents noise from entering your home is the addition of aluminium secondary glazing. The addition of secondary glazing can often reduce noise levels by as much as 80%. Secondary glazing is designed to provide enhanced acoustic insulation and to combat the low-frequency rumblings from passing or idling vehicles.
Our acoustic demonstration video showcases how effective secondary glazing can be when reducing noise from close by traffic. When the secondary glazing system is open, we can see that the average noise levels are 34 decibels, once the secondary glazed system is closed, the noise levels fall to undetectable.
How does secondary glazing reduce noise entering my home?
When noise breaches your primary windows, the secondary glazing system will act as a physical barrier to break up the soundwave entering your home. Our range of bespoke aluminium secondary glazing can be installed with a speciality acoustic laminated glass that provides enhanced acoustic performance. This speciality glass houses a PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) interlayer and is designed to reduce low-frequency noise often emitted by vehicles.
To provide optimum acoustic performance we often recommend that the secondary glazing system is installed 150mm away from your primary. This installation method will create an air cavity between the primary window and secondary glazed system. We would advise installing thicker glass for homes with a narrow window reveals and where a 150mm glass to glass air cavity can’t be achieved.
How does secondary glazing reduce noise entering my home?
Secondary glazing is available in many window styles and is designed to complement all window types. For traditional box sash windows, we would recommend installing vertical sliders that match the aesthetic and vertical operation of box sash windows. For modern UPVC casement windows, we would advise installing hinged units, lift outs or horizontal sliders. Our range of secondary glazing systems can be viewed here.
Secondary glazing has grown in popularity as is provides an unobtrusive solution to prevent noise entering your home. It is slimline, durable and can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours. Historically, secondary glazing was commonly found within listed buildings however, as it acts as a physical barrier to reduce noise levels, homeowners of modern buildings are turning to secondary glazing to remedy their acoustic struggles.
Arctic Glaze ltd have over 15 years’ experience within the window industry, we specialise in the installation of bespoke secondary glazing and can recommend a solution that is designed to combat your acoustic problems. In addition to blocking noise, our range of bespoke aluminium secondary glazing will increase thermal insulation which can lead to reduced energy usage. For more information about our products or to speak with us please telephone: 01246 807 388
