Noise Reduction Calculator
How much quieter will your home be after upgrading your windows? Pick where you live and what glazing you have now — we'll show you the decibel reduction for each upgrade path, from standard double to premium acoustic laminate.
Indoor levels are estimated as outdoor dB(A) minus glazing Rw rating (rough approximation — real in-situ performance varies by frame construction, seal quality, wall construction, and room geometry). A 10 dB reduction is perceived as approximately half the loudness. Rw values per BS EN ISO 717-1 are lab-tested; expect 3–5 dB less reduction on-site due to flanking transmission through walls, vents, and structure.
Interpreting the results
| Noise reduction | Perceived effect | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 dB | Barely noticeable | Same-type upgrade (e.g. old double → new double) |
| 5–10 dB | Clearly quieter | Single → standard double, or standard → asymmetric |
| 10–15 dB | About half as loud | Single → acoustic double or laminated secondary |
| 15+ dB | Very substantial — road noise becomes a murmur | Single → premium acoustic laminate or triple laminated |
A note on acoustic vs thermal performance
Acoustic and thermal glazing aren't the same thing. Standard double glazing (4-12-4, Rw≈30) is excellent thermally but barely improves on single glazing for noise (Rw≈29). This is because the two glass panes are the same thickness, creating a "coincidence dip" at certain frequencies where sound passes through easily. Acoustic glass uses laminated interlayers and asymmetric pane thicknesses to dampen vibration across more frequencies. See our acoustic glazing guide for the full breakdown.
Next step
Energy Savings Calculator — see what you'll save on
bills alongside the noise reduction.
Cost Calculator — get a real install-cost estimate for your chosen
upgrade.