Double-glazed windows in Hong Kong

[HKer88]

Dear All,

I am seriously thinking about putting in double-glazed windows throughout my flat. Does anyone know whom to contact for purchase of the double glazed windows and installing the windows? Is there an independent dealer who specialized in selling/installing these windows? Cost? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[UK/HKboy]

there are lines of home decoration and rennovation shops along Portland Street and Shanghai Street between mongkok and prince edward.

amongst them are a few shops which specialise in windows so maybe you can pop in and ask them what they can do.

I haven't used their services so not sure about cost or anything but i assume they will charge depending on size and should be able to install them for you (or recommend someone). And if you are higher up, you will most likely have to put in scaffolding so account for those costs too.

[HKer88]

Hey thanks for the advice. I will check out the shops.

[PDLM]

Please do report back here as well - I'm starting to consider the same thing in conjunction with the external renovation that's going to take place on my block shortly.

[Mile High]

This is not as easy as it seems.

Some issues you may run into.

1.Most of these shops speak minimal English.
2.Getting consent from your Building Management.

I think it was covered in another thread but be sure what you are trying to achieve with double glazing. It is not necessarily the best solution for cutting out noise.

If you have specific frame colour requirements most of the shops only carry 3 colours. If you keep search there are a few that can do just about any colour.

There are some hi-tech glass solutions available. Pilkingtons have a great little Sound Simulator.

Most of the shops in Mongkok are replicated in Wan Chai along Lockhart Rd heading towards Causeway Bay.

Please let us know how you get on. I have given up for now.

[East_coast]

A few things to ask about

1) The gap - generally the wider the better
2) A thermal barrier - a strip of plastic reducing the heat the frames conduct
3) Asymetric glass thicknesses reduces noise

You may have to make sure your windows match the style of your building. Suggest you take some photos of your windows, print them out and mark up the sizes.

Frames with thermal barriers are more expensive but probably pay for themselves in 25 years!

[HKer88]

Again, thank you for all your available advice. I will probably start my renovation around October, right after the typhoon season. In the meantime, if I hear anything or if you have anymore insight or experience, let's share them.

[mikaelm]

Hi guys!

Please share how your noise insulation / double-glazing eventually turned out?

I need to get this for ~5 windows and a door / 10-12 square meters of glass now. Any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[jobin]

I had double glazing windows installed. No need in my case to go outside the building, all work done inside. Five windows including 2 one meter x one meter squares. The old alum frames are removed, or not, and new glass is popped in and all sealed up. One day of work but of course had to contact shop to measure, and chose type of glass, one week prior.
Cannot recall precise cost but i thought not too expensive. No need for me to contact anyone about my wants as i own the entire 2nd floor. And (full disclosure) i also made no contact to govt agent as to my plans.
A big improvement in noise reduction so i'm pretty happy. The glass i chose was translucent not clear since outside the window, about 15 feet away, was someone else's flat. Now the light beams in but not the street chatter.

[mikaelm]

Jobin, would you like to mention in the followup thread, what professionals you used for this?

Subjectively how many % noise decrease did you get, would you hear a car or lightrail a couple floors down now anymore?