How to reseal windows for acoustic?

[rb081988]

Currently, I have an aluminium frame and want to install laminated glass to reduce the noise from the driveway. The roller shutter isn’t currently effective in reducing the sound and noise. Thought i would seal all the windows first before going for the heavy duty.

There are so many products and methods, what could be the best way for acoustic sealing?

[EricL]

Hello @rb081988 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your windows.

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Options for soundproofing windows which are not double glazing by @wendalls. Laminated safety glass is often custom ordered and is difficult to install if you don't have the proper materials, knowledge and experience. Working with this type of glass is dangerous as an accidental hit with a tool or when too much force is applied could shatter the glass and cause injury. 

In this particular instance, I propose engaging the services of a professional and having double glazed windows installation quoted. Having this type of window installed will reduce the noise coming from the window plus, it will provide extra insulation to your home. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @rb081988 

Roller shutters are used for controlling light and direct heat as well as offering additional security. Simply adding another layer of glass to the existing will most likely offer little reduction in sound. And installing it will be problematic.

If it's just this one window, I as @EricL suggested would consider replacing the window with a double or even triple glazed thats designed for sound deadening. The type and thickness of the glass as well as the cavities will have a huge impact on noise reduction.

Get a few quotes and see what the sales guys can offer in decibel noise reduction. Its a logarithmic scale, so small number incremental are actually significant.

Heavy curtains will also impact reducing noise level.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @rb081988 

I have the same style of windows and shutters and they really dont hold back on the transfer of road noise. Heavy rubber backed curtains that have a wave to the material, not stretched tight instead of those verticals would do a far better job of insulating the sound.

I dont know of any handy option of changing the sound properties. The Steel shutters do really help out with the summer sun And the winter wind and cold. They trap a cushion of air that seperates the worst outside form the inside. 

I keep coming back to a third barrier on the inside of the window, tho saying that has reminded me that thick shrubs/bushes to shoulder height outside in your front yard will also lower the noise. Maybe a multiple pronged design over getting a glazier out to replace the windows. I have also looked into doing that and have found that their are conflicting opionons over double glazing stopping the sound that is also transfered through our brick, air gap and then plasterered walls of most Australian houses.

Dave

[rb081988]

Hi @Dave-1 ,

Any particular curtains you recommend? I saw some YouTube videos demonstrating curtain method ,and it wasn’t effective so I thought it wouldn’t really work. 

[rb081988]

Hi @EricL , I did read the previous post, I was thinking maybe a magnetite glass internally might work as double glazing cost an arm and a leg. Plus I have sealed with a caulking gun (Silka 300 ) in the gaps and around the frames. I can hear it less than before.

The glazing beads/strips are cracked too; I couldn’t find any glazing beads in Bunnings to replace them. Can I just seal with Silka, or is a weather strip better?  

After all sealing, I will think about whether it’s still necessary to do double glazing, as it only costs me $50-100 for sealing first.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @rb081988 

Brampton House Bayley Blockout Eyelet Curtains Natural and the wavy style I was mentioning also helps break up teh sound, dissapating it.

They come in a range of colours as well.

Easiest way to compare heavy drapes over no heavy drapes is to think of an ald movie theater, the old ones would have curtians along the brick walls to dissapate the sound from the theater next door.

Dave

[rb081988]

@Dave-1 , thanks i found my IKEA block out curtains in the store room, fitted in instead of the sheer for now.

Would you say the heavier it is, the better, rather than what the retailer's production description says?

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @rb081988 

Id be tempted to test it out, You have your new set put up now, see how it goes. If its still noisy then try the other type. At least in Ikea you generally can get a feel of the material and make a call on yah or nah

Dave