Improving sound insulation of windows

user302243

I'm looking at apartments that have Kommerling UPVC C70 Windows & Doors.

The sound insulation is pretty poor to be honest across all the apartments so it's not the case of misalignment/gap/replacing gasket etc.

Is it the glass or the frames that offer the most sound insulation? I'm wondering if replacing the panes would suffice to improve sound insulation instead of having to replace everything which would then require management company approval and obviously more costs.

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058345685/improving-sound-insulation-of-windows

Weak point varies depending on the system. If the glass has decent acoustic properties, it could be slightly better than the the frame. But glass would be weakest if thin. Either way, increasing the glass performance will improve the performance.

What thickness glass unit is currently installed.

user302243

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121992968#Comment_121992968

I'm not too sure, I can't see anything on the windows to indicate it. Is there a way of working it out?

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121992999#Comment_121992999

Sometimes it would be indicated on the edge. But you might need to ask the management company for the details.

Failing that, you'd have to measure the thickness. Either by removed a pane and measuring, or maybe using a calipers.

user302243

I can see Carey Glass, Vista Term BS-EN 1279 0053 on the frame. Would that shed any light on what type it is?

MicktheMan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058345685/improving-sound-insulation-of-windows

Poor sound insulation (especially airbourne sound) would generally indicate poor overall air tightness which may or may not relate to window and door issues.

user302243

Sound insulation is pretty good overall I think. It's an A2 rated apartment, newer built and it seems to be only near the doors you hear stuff.

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121993114#Comment_121993114

That's the manufacturer and the British standard for IGU units. Carey Glass are huge, they'd make units in all width so you'd really have to measure. If you can get your hands on the as-builts from the owners management company you might get it, or match the BER report might have info. But to be absolutely sure you'd have to measure.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121996006#Comment_121996006

The A2 wouldn't related to the sound rating And in general apartments perform much better than houses thermally. But if the windows are decent thermally, then they are probably not too bad acoustically.