Sound insulation

[geraldthehamster]

Does anyone know whether current standard double-glazed units are significantly better at insulating against traffic noise, than older, thinner units?

Or is the quality of the frame and seals more significant?

Cheers
Richard

 

[flameport]

Not at all - it's how much mass is in the way, the size of the air gap makes little or no difference.
For improved sound reduction, one of the pieces of glass should be set at an angle to the other one.

Any tiny gap in the seals of the window will let in a huge amount of noise - if sound is a problem they really do need to be airtight.

 

[ronniecabers]

or you could use a laminate glass with a sound deadening interlayer. The airgap between panes does make a difference if you were to fit secondary glazing, and I believe from memory the optimum gap between existing window and secondary glazing is 120mm . You also need to take into account any areas where noise can get in .... eg chimneys

 

[geraldthehamster]

Yes, it's my understanding that you need several inches between panes for serious sound attenuation.

My decision concerns whether to use a second hand window, with older DG, in a garden studio where traffic noise may be an issue. Or whether to buy an expensive new one.

Cheers
Richard

 

[ronniecabers]

In that situation I don't think you will see a big enough gain to warrant spending the extra money on new