Whether you are at home or in the office, windows protect you from unwanted outdoor elements like noise or extreme temperature. That's why it is important to choose the best solutions when treating your windows either for noise reduction or thermal insulation.While you can find endless ideas online on how to manage those noisy neighbours, it can be challenging to find one that is effective and last for the long term. Despite what you find, soundproofing is so much more than throwing a rug on the floor or placing more furniture in the noisier part of your home to absorb sound.Soundproofing requires a professional's expertise to achieve optimal noise reduction.As specialists in acoustic (and thermal) insulation, these are some common myths relating to soundproofing and window glazing that you should be wary about. MYTH #1: Wider gaps offer better soundproofing"Huge air gaps when double glazing gets you better results"While wider gaps help in noise reduction, after a point, the gap becomes a problem for thermal insulation, which is not ideal given Australia's harsh climate. Wide gaps make room for more air circulation, while a narrow one restricts it.To create better thermal insulation with excellent soundproofing, ensure your double-glazed windows have optimally sized gaps that are fit for purpose. It is recommended that the thickness of the insulation product be identical to the frame cavity depth.MYTH #2: Double glazing is more expensive compared to secondary glazingWhat may seem like a cost difference issue, is one of the biggest reasons property owners are misled when thinking of window solutions. Homeowners are always looking for affordable options to reduce noise while retaining the charm of their windows.A secondary glazing can be less expensive than double glazed, yet offers more benefits. This means you can enjoy the benefits of double-glazed windows, without having to replace your existing ones, all at a fraction of the cost. Secondary double glazing is a long-term cost-saving option that addresses both acoustic & thermal concerns as well as the aesthetic requirement that a replacement window may not be able to achieve.MYTH #3: Secondary glazing offers better noise reduction than double glazing"Secondary glazed windows usually use slim glass, ensuring high noise reduction"This is a myth. The fact is that any experienced window professional wouldn't recommend a thin glazing solution with glass and tiny gaps. Double-glazed windows come with thick and durable shields that fully soundproof your space and are customisable to your property.Most double-glazed window solutions will reduce noise levels by 50-70%. This means that you can install double glazing without sacrificing your lifestyle or connection with neighbours, while simultaneously enjoying better sleep and more efficient energy usage.MYTH #4: Double glazing is a quick and easy DIY"It's glazing a window; how hard can it be?"No matter how skilled you are at home improvement projects, double-glazing a window is no easy feat. Double-glazed windows usually require skill in working with materials like glass, acrylic and more to ensure the window is fitted and glazed correctly.While this sounds simple in theory, if your measurements and cutting are incorrect or your DIY kit doesn't come with the necessary tools, you'll waste time and resources, only to achieve poor results. Double-glazed windows are built to reduce noise, so have it fit by a professional to experience the best results.The Double Glaze Windows AdvantageSound travels in pressure waves, and when it hits a single glazed window, the glass pane vibrates, carrying the sound. Opting for single-glaze windows also puts your home at risk of noise pollution and reduced thermal insulation. In a comfortable home, you want equal amounts of both.A double-glazed window offers more sound insulation with two panes of glass with a spacer in between and sealed, trapping air inside, ensuring a range of benefits including improved sleep and productivity lower stress levels, and a comfortable living environment for you and your family.Magnetite retrofit double-glazed windows and Soundtite secondary aluminium system are perfect solutions for maximising soundproofing. For older style timber windows or heritage properties, Magnetite is an ideal solution as it has minimal impact on the building's façade.Through a customised installation, homeowners can enjoy all the benefits of double glazing and an improved level of comfort in their homes. The system is fit on the inside of the windowsill, which means it is virtually invisible from the outside, making it the perfect upgrade to strata units, semi-detached or stand-alone homes as well as office environments.Contact Magnetite team today to get a free quote for soundproofing your windows.
