Sound Proofing Aluminum Frame Windows and Door

[waters]

As a follow up to the 'load bearing wall' post and our new build... http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/789681-non-load-bearing-block-partition-construction/

...I was wondering if anyone can offer advice as to how we might be able to improve the sound proofing of our single-glazed, aluminum-framed windows and balcony door for one of the bedrooms. The aluminum frame is large and sturdy, with about a 1.75inch/4.5cm recess, so there is plenty of room in theory for something to be installed on top of the existing glass to help with sound proofing.

We live on top of a busy intersection, and it's the traffic noise we'd like to reduce.

I suspect a lot of the sound leakage is coming from around the balcony door itself, and we're going to try installing some weather stripping here, although I'd like to consider something a little more robust as well - even a sliding inside door maybe?

Pictures below...

As before - any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated.

[IMHO]

Roller Shutters?

[casualbiker]

Find out if you can fit another pane of glass into that frame.

[wayned]

Heavy lined floor to ceiling curtains.

[eyecatcher]

My first instinct also was to suggest heavy curtains; but the photos appear to show that one is already taken care of.

secondary glazing internally; yes thats an option; those aluminiun frames are way thicker than they need to be for single glazing but having had secondary glazing myself a long time ago (a diy plexiglass retrofit) never again; a complete ball ache to maintain and they steam up and in my case get scratched.

After the curtain idea, as a minimal cost outlay, I would actually create a balcony garden as such; a few broad leafed plants, parlour palm for example; maybe install a small trellis for some ivy type plant to wrap around. its surprising how inanimate objects such as plant and curtains absorb sound.

and finally as you know sound travels and echoes around an unfurnished room, so apart from your curtains, always a good idea to have a fabric settee, couple of wall pictures, rug on the floor all to absorb sound before it hits your ears.

[waters]

Thanks everyone. And thanks for the warning about trying to retro-fit another layer @eyecatcher.

Given that the frame, window and door is so small, I'm wondering if we should just replace the whole thing with a modern double glazed casement window and door.

Does anyone know of a good casement window and door brand, and installer in or around Bangkok?

Something like this... (although this company only sells fittings..) http://www.vilann.com/#!casement-window-en/c1myz

[kamalabob2]

The Bangkok aluminum window and aluminum glass door company I wish I had hired in 2008 is http://www.aluzat.com/product.html The owner speaks English, has a showroom of sorts and every year has a large booth at the Architect Expo. I now believe my house builder had gotten a payment from the Chonburi window fabricator I did hire and I have often regretted not following the advise on window products given to me in English, in person by the owner of Aluzat. Sun paradise is another firm to price for quality windows in and near Bangkok, http://www.sunparadise.co.th/

[The Big Mango]

One of the members here owns a window company I beleive.

Projectsuppliesdirect

Maybe worth contacting him