For the bedroom windows, there wil be a compromise between the size of the windows - ideally largish for solar gain, smallish for noise performance. The biggest issue for noise is poor sealing of the window/frame. For this reason you want to avoid sash or sliding windows, which generally do not seal well. Casement or awning windows usually clamp shut against a seal and have better acoustic performance as a result.
In Europe double glazed "tilt and turn" windows are used very widely and have excellent thermal, noise and ventilation properties. (for an example search google or see: http://cozyhome.com.au/Tilt-and-Turn-Windows-Double-Glazed-U-PVC)
I once lived in a townhouse on a street corner in the CBD of Adelaide near the central mail exchange. Between 2 & 4 am about 100 vehicles would roar down my street as the postal staff finished sorting the previous day's mail and raced home. My bedroom had one aluminium frame double hung sash window on one street frontage and two French doors facing the other street frontage.
I solved the noise and sleep disturbance problem by adding a secondary double hung sash window inside the first. The secondary window was aluminium framed and designed for good sealing. I was able to get 100 mm air gap for good acoustic performance. I slept with my head against this window so it was quite significant. One thing I didn't expect was I eliminated the cold draft of air coming off the window glass in winter, making it much nicer to sleep.
The two sets of French (double) doors were more difficult. I could have added a second set of doors opening inwards, but the size of the room would have meant that was inconvenient. The doors were essentially panel doors with solid frames and glass panels set in the top half and thin ply panels set in the bottom half. I had the original 3mm glass replaced with 12mm laminated glass - the thickest that would fit into the frames. Then I simply nail a thick MDF sheet over the bottom panels on the outsides of the doors. I installed Raven airtight seals all round with double seals (one inside, one outside) where the two door leaves butted and also on the bottoms of the doors.
I measured the sound levels in the room after this was done with a sophisticated and expensive environmental monitor from an acoustic consultancy. I don't remember the actual numbers now, but the loudest noise in the room at night was the noise of the occupants breathing!
I have giving this example in the hope that is helps you understand the principles involved in noise reduction through windows from a practical sense. Generally window companies are interested in selling a "product" not a "solution". Solutions don't always have to be complicated or expensive.
Posted Thursday 27 Sep 2012 @ 9:52:13 pm from IP
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