Acoustic glazing disappointment

[MrsHogwallop]

We have moved to a great house on a road which is not a major road but is a bit of a rat run/cut through. Just had old sash windows replaced by timber sashes double glazed with an acoustic panel. To say we are underwhelmed by the result would be a huge understatement. Can hear cars, birdsong and voices from outside to exactly the same degree as we could with ancient single glaze sashes with rotten woodwork. Absolutely gutted that this huge outlay has made NO discernible difference to the soundproofing. I’m worried that going with timber has compromised the soundproofing, company reassured us there would be no difference between timber and PVC acoustically so went with the timber on aesthetic grounds. Anyone had any similar experiences or comeback with window company on similar grounds?

Did you have secondary glazing before? That can often provide very good acoustic dampening so perhaps it's more like for like than you expected.
Presuming that's not the case, then I would talk to the provider to ask if it's been fitted right - all gaps have been removed and so on. It doesn't seem right that single glazed windows are the same as double-glazed.

Thanks Newhouse. No, there was no secondary glazing. There was nothing in the contract about dampening sound, but like you I assumed it would make at least some difference and thought we’d definitely be fine after opting for acoustic glass.

We looked into replacing windows to reduce road noise in 2 bedrooms but the guy was honest and said the difference we’d get would be minimal and although he’d be happy to replace them he wouldn’t want to mislead me.

That’s odd. We had our Victorian rear sashes replaced with timber double glazed sashes and it’s cut out huge amounts of noise. I’d say the noise coming through is less than half what it was.

Do you have trickle vents in the new sashes? They can let through a lot of noise.

PS we don’t have acoustic glass, just double glazing.

Probably a silly question but are you comparing similar traffic levels? Just wondering if the traffic has increased post lockdown and that’s offsetting the benefit from the new windows...

We had the same issue - I was gutted! I’ve got used to it now and the windows do look a lot better.. however I think a lot of the noise is coming through the walls anyway..

How sure are you that the frames have been sealed to the walls and there is no gap around them, concealed with trim?

Thanks all. Minipie you’re right, we bought the house in lockdown and there’s more traffic now. But... each car is just as loud as before! Piglet the fitters filled space with expandable foam, assume this is usual?Peachpear did you complain to the company? There’s nothing in the contract but we’ve definitely been poorly advised.

Thank you so much all for comments - wanted to update you that they have installed the wrong windows!! They replaced 14 windows. They have put all the acoustic grade glass at the back of the house! I’m relieved that I’m not going made but also horrified. Contract (which I signed) is wrong, but have a whole email trail making clear what I wanted which was acoustic glass near the road. Obviously! I chatted to the fitters about the fact I couldn’t wait to have a result at the front, I know they had full knowledge of what they were doing and deceived me, as apparently acoustic glass weighs a ton. Just about to start a new thread on what I can hope for in compensation, I want a full refund for the front windows as a minimum...

Oh gosh!! How did you find that out?

I’d be asking them to come back and give you what you asked for ie acoustic at the front! (They may be more agreeable to that than a refund as it costs them less.)

They need to replace the front windows to what was agreed. Can they not do this by replacing the double glazed panels while the frames remain in situ?

You have to allow them the opportunity to put right; if that doesn't get you anywhere, ie they refuse, then take to small claims.