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    Window Soundproofing Comparison Tool

    Compare soundproof window types side-by-side. Select up to 4 options to compare STC ratings, costs, pros & cons

    Select Window Types to Compare (Choose 1-4)

    Click on window types below to add or remove them from the comparison

    Single Glazed Windows

    STC 25-27 • £150-300 per window

    Standard Double Glazing

    STC 28-34 • £350-600 per window

    Acoustic Double Glazing

    STC 36-42 • £600-1,000 per window

    Secondary Glazing

    STC 45-52 • £400-1,200 per window

    Triple Glazing

    STC 35-40 • £800-1,500 per window

    Renter OK

    Window Inserts (Removable)

    STC 38-45 • £200-500 per window

    Laminated Acoustic Glass Replacement

    STC 40-48 • £800-2,000 per window

    3 of 4 types selected

    Standard Double Glazing

    Two panes of glass with air gap. Provides good thermal insulation but limited acoustic benefits due to small gap between panes.

    STC Rating

    28-34

    Cost Range

    £350-600 per window

    Noise Reduction

    Moderate (30-40%)

    Installation Time

    3-5 hours per window

    Lifespan:20-30 years
    Energy:Good (U-value 1.4-1.6)
    Maintenance:Low-Medium

    Best For

    New builds
    General upgrades
    Energy efficiency

    Advantages

    • Better than single glazing
    • Good thermal insulation
    • Reduces condensation
    • Widely available

    Disadvantages

    • Limited acoustic performance
    • Small air gap (6-20mm)
    • Cannot install in listed buildings
    • Moderate noise reduction only
    Get Quote for Standard Double Glazing

    Secondary Glazing

    Independent window installed 100-150mm inside existing window. Superior acoustic performance due to large air gap and mass-spring-mass effect.

    STC Rating

    45-52

    Cost Range

    £400-1,200 per window

    Noise Reduction

    Excellent (75-90%)

    Installation Time

    2-4 hours per window

    Lifespan:25-35 years
    Energy:Excellent (U-value 1.0-1.4)
    Maintenance:Low-Medium
    Reversible
    Listed Buildings

    Best For

    Listed buildings
    Heavy traffic
    Maximum noise reduction

    Advantages

    • Superior noise reduction
    • Preserves original windows
    • Ideal for listed buildings
    • 100-150mm air gap optimal
    • Reversible installation
    • No planning permission needed

    Disadvantages

    • Reduces natural light slightly
    • Requires cleaning two windows
    • Internal installation visible
    • May reduce window opening
    Get Quote for Secondary Glazing

    Window Inserts (Removable)

    Acrylic or glass panels that press into window frames. Ideal temporary solution for renters offering good noise reduction without permanent installation.

    STC Rating

    38-45

    Cost Range

    £200-500 per window

    Noise Reduction

    Good (60-80%)

    Installation Time

    30 mins - 1 hour (DIY)

    Lifespan:15-20 years
    Energy:Good (U-value 1.6-2.0)
    Maintenance:Low
    Renter Friendly
    Reversible
    Listed Buildings

    Best For

    Renters
    Apartments
    Temporary solutions

    Advantages

    • Removable and portable
    • DIY installation
    • No permanent alterations
    • Lowest cost option
    • Perfect for renters
    • Easy to clean

    Disadvantages

    • Requires removal for window opening
    • May not seal perfectly
    • Aesthetic impact
    • Not as durable as permanent solutions
    Get Quote for Window Inserts (Removable)

    Quick Decision Guide

    Not sure which option is right for you? Use this guide to find your ideal solution

    For Renters & Temporary Solutions

    Choose Window Inserts - removable, affordable, and no permanent alterations required

    For Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas

    Choose Secondary Glazing - preserves original windows while offering superior noise reduction

    For Maximum Noise Reduction

    Choose Secondary Glazing or Laminated Acoustic Glass - both achieve STC 45-52 ratings

    For Best Value

    Choose Secondary Glazing - superior performance-to-cost ratio with excellent noise reduction

    For Energy Efficiency Priority

    Choose Triple Glazing or Secondary Glazing - best thermal performance

    Not Sure About Your Current Noise Level?

    Use our interactive decibel guide to understand and measure noise levels in your environment. Learn what 60dB, 70dB, and 90dB actually sound like with real-world examples.

    Explore Decibel Guide

    Still Not Sure Which to Choose?

    Get a free consultation and personalized recommendation from our acoustic experts

    Try Acoustic CalculatorCall 0207 060 1572

    Sources & References

    Government & Regulatory

    1. HM Government. "The Building Regulation 2010: Resistance to the passage of sound, Approved Document E". Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 2015.Link

      Provides the statutory guidance for sound insulation in UK dwellings, including requirements for resistance to sound.

    2. Historic England. "Secondary Glazing for Historic Windows". Historic England Technical Advice Note, 2016.Link

      Technical guidance on the impact of secondary glazing on the character and thermal performance of historic buildings.

    3. World Health Organization (WHO). "Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region". WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2018.Link

      The definitive global guide on recommended noise levels for residential environments to ensure health and well-being.

    Scientific & Technical

    1. J. Kang & B. Park. "Acoustic performance of double-skin facades and secondary glazing systems in high-rise buildings". Applied Acoustics Journal, 2019.

      An academic study demonstrating the superior acoustic performance of secondary glazing compared to standard double glazing in urban environments.

    2. C. Buratti, E. Moretti, E. Belloni. "Stationary and non-stationary analysis of the thermal and acoustic performance of windows: Comparison between traditional and innovative solutions". Applied Energy, 2013.

      A comprehensive analysis of the thermal transmittance (U-values) and acoustic insulation properties of various window configurations.

    Industry Standards

    1. British Standards Institution (BSI). "Acoustics. Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Airborne sound insulation". BS EN ISO 717-1:2020, 2020.

      The international standard for rating and designating sound insulation in buildings and of building elements using Rw ratings.

    2. Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). "The Calculation of U-values for Windows and Doors". GGF Data Sheet 2.2, 2021.

      Industry guidance on how to calculate and interpret U-values for different glazing systems to assess thermal efficiency.

    Citations generated with AI assistance. Please verify sources independently.