Sound proofing / noise reduction for my windows

[joey_w.hk]

I just moved into a flat on 5th floor with traffic below that is noisier than imagined. Does anyone have any advice on know how to sound proof my bedroom windows or at least reduce the noise level without spending alot of money. Of course, I intend to keep the windows closed most of the time and open the A/C in the summer. Thanks.

[discobay]

If your curtains/blinds are going to be down then go for two layer curtains or a heavily lined single curtain. Otherwise go for double-glazing the window(s) - that is if the landlord doesn't mind.

[bqhk]

Hi,
Change the widow to double glaze will help, please let me know if you need some price idea, thanks
\bq
[email protected]

[joey_w.hk]

Thanks for the ideas. Landlord won't mind, but what does double glazing cost per window? Will PM you bqhk about pricing. Thanks!

[jgl]

Double glazing is bleedin' expensive as it involves removing the window frames from the walls and mounting new, very high quality ones.

[DAQUIRI]

Any opinions on TRIPLE glazing? Cheers.

[ontheroad]

Any opinions on TRIPLE glazing? Cheers.

Very expensive but very efficient.

[DAQUIRI]

Does anyone know what 'secondary' glazing is and has anyone used it? As I understand it you add a layer of glass to existing windows which is cheaper than double glazing. Am I correct and how does it stand compared to double and triple with regards to keeping the noise out? Thanks!

[East_coast]

asymmetric double glazing is probably better than triple. go for a big gap

[vam]

I just moved into a flat on 5th floor with traffic below that is noisier than imagined. Does anyone have any advice on know how to sound proof my bedroom windows or at least reduce the noise level without spending alot of money. Of course, I intend to keep the windows closed most of the time and open the A/C in the summer. Thanks.

_______________________________________________
Dear Joey,
Low level flats can be quite noisy in Hong Kong. Very noisy in fact.
I can understand it can be quite a nuisance.

Double glazing in itself is not all that expensive. Depending on the type and make, they are about twice the cost of normal aluminium framed windows. Appearance-wise, they may look exactly the same( you will only see the double layer upon close scrutiny).
The level of sound reduction you can achieve however is quite dramatic.
The cost of installing it however can also be quite costly.
It all depends on the location of your window( in terms of accessibility), and the extent of scaffolding that is needed to carry out the task.
Bear in mind that the removal and installation of new windows may inevitably necessitate repair works to the surrounding wall and window cill. If replacement of the window cill becomes imperative, then this cost will most definitely be something to consider.

A 2 metre long double-glazed aluminium frame window may cost about HK$8,000 but the scaffolding, installation, and repair work to the surrounding wall and window cill, may cost twice as much.
And one other issue to consider is that the new windows cannot look different in terms of bay configuration, in order not to disrupt the external elevation view of the entire building.

I am not sure however if the landlord would be too willing to pay for this.
The works itself are not too complicated, ( probably a week's work---depending on the weather), but please remember that the entire flat would temporarily appear like a war zone because works access would be through your front door( unless of course there is a podium floor and the management allows access via this) !!

Please let me know if you would like assistance with this or any other interior design & fitting out work.
You may reach me at ( [email protected])

kind regards,
Vam