Hi, folks, Looking for advice on companies to engage to replace 7 existing 2nd story windows in Melbourne.
I live near a freeway and a couple of years ago I replaced most of the glass in my house with 10/12/4 Vlam Hush IGU's and replaced all the seals with Schlegel Qlon seals. Existing Al windows were commercial profile with deep pocket. Big improvement to noise (and thermal) downstairs (though aluminium frames compromise the thermal benefits).
Unfortunately, most of the upstairs windows could only take single pane (<6mm) and did not accept replacement seals so they were left as was. Not good.
I am now looking to replace the upstairs windows in 7 openings (6 windows and a patio door/window). While a 10cm airgap is best for acoustic treatment, i am not sure the wife would agree I will sell at some stage and do not want th eplace to look like it's a recording studio, so, ideally, something that looks and works like a normal window would be great...but open to ideas.
It has been a while since I looked and I am hoping that there have been some advances in the acoustic offerings as most seem to be all about thermal and claim acoustic as a secondary aspects (mainly due to better sealing reducing flanking noise). ie. I see Rylock have an acoustic series that I had not seen before - but this is a secondary glazing so is likely to be but ugly and scream noise issues when i go to sell They also seem to be very picky with using their own IGU's (usually 6/12/4) and do not allow things like vlam hush- iirc Certainteed
Budget...well that is a tough one. I'd say mid-tier. Rylock would prob. be to the max. end of the scale.
Sizes are below:
These are examples of the windows in there today (Capral iirc). Happy to replace with diff opening styles (ie. casement door on patio vs sliding door)
Oh, as an aside incase anyone is interested, the bedrooms external facing walls upstairs have had acoustic treatment using QuietWave System (http://www.acoustica.com.au/quietwave.html) and the ceiling is as best treated as can be with an extra layer of Rockwool Soundscreen batts. Did that myself and I can now plaster with the best of them! Now just need the freaking windows done and I am sweet
EDIT: Just for fun here are some thermal images I just took of my windows.
Window has a much better temp. of glass vs the aluminium frame.
Dog in the foreground and thermal reflection of me in the window.
Upstairs window that is much more even between temp of glass and Alu frame.
And just for fun...Still have some gaps in the insulation