Too noisy, but replacing your windows isn’t an option? Keep them. We add a second, independent laminated-glass window on the inside to help reduce traffic, train and city noise.
Photos help, but they aren’t required. Just leave your number.
(opens full-size image in a new tab)About half a day on site
For many straightforward installs
Help with strata
We help prepare the information. Approval rests with your strata.
How it works
Secondary glazing keeps your existing window and adds a second, independent window with laminated glass on the inside. Outside noise then has to pass through glass, an air gap and a different glass, losing energy at each step. That’s why it usually does more than simply fitting thicker glass.
(opens full-size image in a new tab)Stays in place.
Generally, the bigger the gap, the better.
Laminated glass adds mass, and its PVB or acoustic interlayer damps vibration. Commonly 6.38, 8.38 or 10.38mm.
Gaps around the frame let sound through.
Real project · Parramatta
Real project · Parramatta
Real project · Strathfield
Real project · Zetland
Real project · OfficeWhere noise gets in
We’re asked about highways, train stations, building sites and playgrounds.
Illustration · typical weak points on an older sliding window or door.
Ordinary single glass is a weak point too: even with every gap sealed, noise comes straight through a thin pane. Sometimes the main leak is a balcony sliding door. Walls and vents can let noise in too.
Easier: everyday traffic, voices, barking dogs
Hardest: deep rumble from trucks, buses and aircraft. Some may stay audible.
Your options
An internal window isn’t right for every opening. If there’s no room for a useful air gap, or the real leak is an old balcony sliding door, we’ll tell you.
Illustration
IllustrationOur first check in apartments
From outside
Add an internal window: Usually looks the same
Replace: Facade, colour or frame style can change
On site
Add an internal window: Usually no demolition
Replace: Old window or door removed
Noise
Add an internal window: Usually blocks more: two windows and an air gap
Replace: One window, so it relies on the glass alone
Cost
Add an internal window: Much less
Replace: Usually more, with removal and a new frame
Best when
Add an internal window: The facade can’t change and there’s room for an air gap
Replace: The opening itself, like an old balcony door, is the weak point
In Parramatta we did both: internal windows, plus new balcony sliding doors.
Cost
Three things set the price. We confirm it after the site visit.
Working to a budget? So was our train-station client.
Send Photos for an Initial ReviewStrata
In apartments, the hard part is usually strata, not the glass.
External windows are often part of the facade, so changing them can need approval. An internal window usually leaves the outside unchanged, which can make that conversation easier.
Final approval always rests with your strata (owners corporation).
Need information for your strata?
Send Photos for an Initial ReviewHow we work
Most people’s first question is how thick the glass should be. Over the past five years, I’ve learnt the better question is where the noise is getting in. So after you send a few photos, I usually come out, listen on site and check your windows and doors. Then we weigh up budget and strata. There’s no magic glass.
Photos help, if you have them.
The noise, when it’s worst and your building.
We listen for where the noise gets in, check frames and seals, and measure.
Weighing up noise, budget and strata.
After final measurements and any strata approval.
Your enquiry
Tell us about the noise and, if you can, add a few photos. Only your name, phone and suburb are required.
FAQ
Can’t see your question? Text 0470 224 156
Usually not. Secondary glazing keeps your existing window and adds a new, independent window inside. We check on site that the window recess is deep enough for a useful air gap and has a solid fixing point. If it isn’t suitable, we’ll tell you and suggest another option.
It depends on the noise and the opening. Laminated glass commonly comes in 6.38, 8.38 or 10.38mm, but thickness is only part of the answer. A glass that differs from your existing pane, say 6.38 or 8.38mm inside a 4mm pane, usually works better than an identical one. The air gap and seals often matter as much.
It’s worth considering when traffic rumble is the main problem. It costs more than standard laminated, and the difference can be significant. The air gap and seals often matter as much, so we’ll tell you if standard laminated will do.
There is no universal answer. Glass type is only one part of the system. Air gap, frame design, seals, window configuration and the noise itself all influence the final result.
Possibly some. No window blocks every outside sound. Everyday traffic, voices and barking dogs are usually the easiest to reduce; the deep rumble of trucks, buses and aircraft is the hardest and may stay partly audible. That doesn’t necessarily mean the system isn’t working. We don’t promise a decibel figure, but we’ll tell you on site what’s realistic.
No window blocks every sound. When people search for soundproof windows, they usually want a noticeable reduction in traffic, train or neighbourhood noise. For many apartments, secondary glazing with laminated glass, a good air gap and well-sealed frames is the most practical way to get there. We’ll tell you on site what’s realistic.
Once your windows are made to measure, many straightforward installs take about half a day on site. Your existing window stays where it is, so there’s no demolition and little disruption. Larger or multi-room jobs take longer, and we confirm timing after the final measure.
Every building is different. Because your existing window stays and the outside usually looks the same, an internal window is often easier to discuss with strata, and we can help prepare practical information for them to review. Final approval always rests with your strata (owners corporation).
Yes. Apartment or house, the approach is the same: keep the existing window and add an independent laminated window inside, with an air gap between them. We check the window recess and the noise source first.
Tell us where the noise comes from and send a few photos.
