Ever notice how double glazing can cut down on street noise too?

Isn’t it weird how much noise double glazing actually blocks? I always thought it was just about keeping the heat in, but after we got ours done, the street sounded way quieter. But then, I started noticing there’s still a bit of a whistle on windy days—maybe from the vents or somewhere else I missed sealing? Has anyone tried those draft excluders that go around the frames? I’m curious if that helps with both noise and cold, or if it’s mostly just for drafts.

We had the same thing happen—once the double glazing was in, it was like someone put the world on mute. I do still get that little whistle in the lounge, though. Tried those foam excluders from the DIY shop and honestly, they helped with drafts but didn’t do much for the noise. Maybe it depends on the window style? Still, anything’s better than hearing my neighbor’s car alarm at 2am...

once the double glazing was in, it was like someone put the world on mute. I do still get that little whistle in the lounge, though.

Funny you mention the whistle—ours does this weird thing when it’s windy, almost like the house is trying to sing. I spent an afternoon with a smoke pen and found out it’s actually coming from a tiny gap where the window meets the frame (Victorian sash windows… charming until you have to seal them). Tried silicone strips after foam didn’t cut it, and that helped a bit more. Still, I’d trade a little whistling for peace from traffic any day.

Yeah, that little whistle’s a pain—had the same issue with ours. It’s always that one stubborn gap, right? Ended up using some draught excluder tape and it mostly sorted it. Still get a faint hum if it’s really windy, but honestly, I’ll take that over the endless road noise any day. Victorian windows look great but they’re a nightmare for sealing up tight...

- Totally get the struggle with those Victorian windows… beautiful, but they let every draft and siren through.
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“Victorian windows look great but they’re a nightmare for sealing up tight...”

100% agree. I used to stuff old towels along the sills before I got creative with insulation tape—looked ridiculous but worked in a pinch.
- Swapped to double glazing last winter in the front room (busy street), and wow, what a difference. Street noise dropped way down—could actually hear myself think for once.
- Not gonna lie, though: fitting double glazing into those weirdly-shaped frames was a pain and cost more than I’d hoped. Had to keep the originals in the back since it’s a conservation area.
- Still use draught excluder on those, like you said, and yeah, there’s always that one spot that whistles when it’s windy.
- For anyone weighing it up—double glazing’s not magic, but it definitely helps with both noise and keeping heat in. Just wish it was easier (and cheaper) to do for old houses like ours…

I get why double glazing gets so much love for noise reduction, but honestly, it’s not always the silver bullet—especially in these old houses. The air gap between panes matters a lot; if you go for standard 12mm spacing, it’ll help with heat but not necessarily with the rumble from trucks or late-night revellers. I’ve seen folks get better results with secondary glazing (just adding a second pane inside), which can be less invasive and sometimes even more effective for sound because you can use a bigger gap. Plus, you avoid all the headaches with conservation regs and weird frame shapes. It’s not as pretty, but for some rooms, it’s a decent workaround.

Yeah, totally agree—double glazing isn’t magic, especially in these old brick houses. I swapped a couple windows to double glazed a while back, and honestly, the noise from the street got a bit better but not by much. The real game changer was when I tried secondary glazing in the bedroom. Not pretty, but I actually slept through bin day for once... Worth it if you can live with the look. Those conservation rules are a pain anyway.

That’s interesting about the secondary glazing—never really thought it’d make that much difference, but now I’m tempted. I’ve got those old sash windows and honestly, double glazing didn’t do much for the buses rumbling past at 7am. Did you notice any condensation issues after adding the secondary panels? I’ve heard mixed things, especially in rooms that don’t get a lot of airflow.

I hear you on the double glazing—didn’t do much for my old sash windows either, noise-wise. I tried secondary glazing in the bedroom and it actually made a noticeable dent in the traffic racket, but yeah... condensation is a bit of a pain, especially in winter. If I forget to crack the window for a bit, the inside panel fogs up. Not as bad as single glazing used to be, though. Guess it’s a trade-off.

That condensation thing is such a nuisance. I know what you mean—

“If I forget to crack the window for a bit, the inside panel fogs up.”

I’ve got Victorian sash windows too, and even with secondary glazing, it’s a balancing act. The noise reduction is decent, but winter mornings can look like a science experiment with all the moisture. I did notice if I leave the curtains open a bit, it helps a little, but not much. Still, I’ll take a bit of fog over waking up to the sound of bin lorries at 6am.