uPVC Window Info request

[JimSiam]

I have a lot of noise at the rear of my house and have a 1200x1200 low grade aluminium sliding window now, I want to replace it with a uPVC double glazed unit to reduce noise and heat, but being only 1200mm wide, I do not want a double sash, I want a top hung opening out, is this too wide for hinged casement windows in this configuration or would 3 sets of hinges cope with the weight.

[PrimeAsia]

Dear JimSiam,

an Insulate Panel 1sqm comprising of 4mm+4mm Glass would weight around 20kg, your opening is even bigger.. usually we would use even 6+6mm with a 12mm Airgap. Since you mentioned a sound problem, there is the option to add 1 of the glass panes to be laminated. We did this for a project in Kao San Road, and used TGSG Insulate Glass. For sound, another option would be to use a laminate only solution with a thick PVB layer - no insulate glass. The sound reduction is about the same like Insulate Glass.

A top hung window this size and weight would have to use heavy duty hinges or friction stay for sure.. but its a heavy weight pulling on the hinges, also the opening angle would be very limited. To be future proof i would definitely recommend a standard casement window outward opening, would that be possible or must it be a single top hung window?

[JimSiam]

Is a 6/5mm combo of glass better, some companies have suggested that, they say it reduces drumming that occurs when the same thickness glass is used.

[PrimeAsia]

Indeed, varying glass thickness in one pane can have an effect on how certain sound frequencies are passed through. But there are so many frequencies so there is no 1 solution. Generally - thicker is better!

A glass appropriate for noise control from live music, music band and karaoke.

The frequency of music and singing is in 2 ranges : 125 Hz. and 4000-5000 Hz. We have to propose the glass to withstand a noise in such 2 ranges as below :

1. 30.76mm DGU. (6mm glass + 12mm airspace + 12.76mm Laminated Glass)

2) 19.52mm Laminated Glass (12mm glass + 1.52mm PVB + 6mm glass)

[topt]

Indeed, varying glass thickness in one pane can have an effect on how certain sound frequencies are passed through. But there are so many frequencies so there is no 1 solution. Generally - thicker is better!

A glass appropriate for noise control from live music, music band and karaoke.

The frequency of music and singing is in 2 ranges : 125 Hz. and 4000-5000 Hz. We have to propose the glass to withstand a noise in such 2 ranges as below :

1. 30.76mm DGU. (6mm glass + 12mm airspace + 12.76mm Laminated Glass)

2) 19.52mm Laminated Glass (12mm glass + 1.52mm PVB + 6mm glass)

Does a bigger air gap make any difference to sound insulation - I believe 20mm (but thinner glass) has become more of a "standard" in the UK?

[PrimeAsia]

Yes thats true. A bigger airgap in a Double Glass Unit will reduce a vibrational or reflection effect that happens between the panes and transfers the sound. The common airgap in Thailand DGU Glass is 12mm. Bigger is probably possible at a higher price but we are also limited through the upvc profile that allows for a max pane thickness of 38mm.

Edited November 7, 2013 by PrimeAsia

[JimSiam]

Yes thats true. A bigger airgap in a Double Glass Unit will reduce a vibrational or reflection effect that happens between the panes and transfers the sound. The common airgap in Thailand DGU Glass is 12mm. Bigger is probably possible at a higher price but we are also limited through the upvc profile that allows for a max pane thickness of 38mm.

What about using Argon gas in the air gap, does that help with only heat insulation, or does it help reduce noise as well, or is it all just hot air?

[PrimeAsia]

Argon gas would not help with Sound Insulation, but it will help with the "physical" heat transfer back and forth between the two DGU Panes, since its a worse conductor than air. So less heat coming in and more cold kept in. In turn this can significantly reduce your Aircon Cost. So yes, if you alreado go the DGU route, take the Argon filled solution. Since Argon will not protect from Sun Rays, additional heat protection from UV/IR can be achieved by adding a Low-E coating. Buy a grown tree to plant 6meter away where the sun hits at noon, this is many times neglected by owners but will bring down temps in the whole house.

A DGU Glass to perform very good, regarding Sound, Heat + Provide Security may look like this:

1).Laminate // 2.) Argon // 3.) SingleGlass

1). Green 6mm- Low-E - Laminate Layer 1.52mm - Clear 5mm // 2) Argon 12mm min. // 3.) Temper or Standard 8mm Glass

Edited November 8, 2013 by PrimeAsia