Because You Deserve Peace — Even on the Busiest Streets.
Inner Perth is Buzzing — But Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be
Living near Subiaco Station, Great Eastern Highway, or under the Perth Airport flight path? You’re not imagining it, Perth’s inner suburbs are noisier than ever.
Between traffic at 6am, freight trains in the evening, and nightlife in Leederville or Vic Park, constant noise is now part of city life. Over time, that background buzz doesn’t just test your patience. It affects sleep, focus, and overall wellbeing.
That’s where soundproof windows come in. But here’s the catch: not all “soundproof” windows actually work. Many Perth homeowners install standard double glazing expecting silence, only to be disappointed when the noise barely drops.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to really look for in acoustic windows:
- The right glass composition
- Strong frame construction
- High-performance sealing systems
- Realistic decibel reduction ratings
Whether you’re renovating in East Perth or retrofitting in Subiaco, this guide will help you choose windows that actually deliver peace and quiet.
Why Standard Double Glazing Often Isn’t Enough
It’s one of the most common misconceptions: “If I get double glazing, all outside noise disappears.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Basic Double Glazing vs Acoustic Glazing
- Standard double glazed windows: Two panes of glass with an air or gas-filled gap. Excellent for thermal insulation, better than single glazing for noise.
- Acoustic glazing: Goes further. It uses laminated glass with specialised interlayers designed to absorb and dampen sound vibrations.
Often, panes are different thicknesses to disrupt soundwaves at different frequencies, and the air gap may be wider or filled with acoustic-grade gas.
Why This Matters
Think of noise reduction in decibels (dB):
- A typical double glazed unit reduces noise by 25–30dB.
- Acoustic glazing can reduce up to 45–50dB, depending on configuration.
That’s a huge difference when you’re trying to sleep through a train passing every 15 minutes or drown out pub noise on a Friday night.
Frames Matter Just as Much as Glass
Even the best acoustic glass can underperform if the frames are weak.
- Old timber frames swell and shrink with humidity, leaving gaps.
- Standard aluminium frames conduct vibration, letting sound travel straight through.
The result? Air leakage, rattling, and poor acoustic performance.
Why Penot Uses Thermally Broken Aluminium
At Penot Double Glazing, we exclusively use thermally broken aluminium frames for soundproof windows in Perth.
These frames:
- Contain a non-metallic barrier that dampens vibration transfer.
- Provide airtight compression seals to stop air (and noise) infiltration.
- Stay stable in Perth’s climate. No warping, swelling, or shrinking.
In short: the right glass reduces sound, but the right frame makes it airtight. Without both, you won’t get the quiet you’re paying for.
What Makes a Window Truly Soundproof?
Not all “soundproof” windows are created equal. To cut city noise in Perth’s busiest suburbs, you need a complete acoustic system.
Acoustic Laminated Glass
This is the foundation of soundproofing. Key features include:
- Asymmetric panes (different thicknesses) to disrupt low- and high-frequency sounds.
- Specialised interlayers (like PVB or EVA) that absorb sound vibrations.
- Larger air gaps or acoustic gas for extra dampening.
Together, this construction blocks both deep rumbles (traffic, aircraft) and sharper sounds (voices, sirens).
Multi-Seal Frames & Airtight Compression
Glass alone isn’t enough. To stop noise leakage, you also need:
- Triple compression seals that close tight against the frame.
- Multi-point locking to ensure even pressure all around the sash.
- Rubber gaskets and foam fillers to dampen vibration at weak points.
The Complete System
A true soundproof window integrates:
- Acoustic laminated glass
- Thermally broken aluminium frames
- Multi-layered compression seals
When these work together, you achieve results that basic double glazing can’t match.
How Much Quieter Do Soundproof Windows Make Your Home?
Let’s make this practical.
Decibel Reductions Explained
- 35dB reduction: Great for light suburban noise, distant traffic, neighbours.
- 45dB reduction: Ideal for busy streets, schools, or train lines.
- 50dB+ reduction: Premium performance for city living, pubs, or flight paths.
Each 10dB drop feels like cutting noise in half to the human ear.
So, upgrading from ~30dB (standard double glazing) to ~45–50dB (acoustic glazing) can feel like closing the door on the outside world.
Room-by-Room Noise Control
Not every room needs maximum soundproofing. Here’s what we recommend for Perth homes:
- Bedrooms: Aim for 45–50dB, essential for sleep.
- Home offices: 40–45dB, enough for focus and video calls.
- Living rooms/home theatres: 40–45dB, creates a calm environment.
- Bathrooms/laundries: Usually less critical, unless near major roads.
Penot’s Acoustic Window Solutions for Perth Homes
At Penot Double Glazing, we design systems for real urban noise, not just lab tests.
Acoustic Casement Windows — The Gold Standard
- Side-hinged with full perimeter seals
- Triple compression seals for airtight closure
- Acoustic laminated glass with asymmetric panes
- Thermally broken aluminium to reduce vibration
Perfect for bedrooms, studies, and street-facing lounge rooms.
Sliding Acoustic Doors — Engineered for Open-Plan Living
While casement systems always perform best, our specialised sliding acoustic doors deliver strong results too:
- Decoupled track systems to break vibration paths
- Interlocking seals along all edges
- Acoustic glass for airborne and impact noise reduction
Ideal for courtyards, balconies, and open-plan living where you don’t want to compromise lifestyle for quiet.
Real Suburbs. Real Noise. Real Results.
We don’t make vague claims, we design for Perth’s real conditions.
- Subiaco: Homeowners near the train station report dramatically reduced rattling and better sleep after acoustic casement upgrades.
- East Perth: Busy roads and stadium traffic muted to a whisper with sliding acoustic windows.
- Leederville & Vic Park: Cafe strip noise softened with laminated asymmetric glass + thermally broken frames.
Across inner Perth, customers tell us the same thing: “It finally feels quiet again.”
Lifestyle Benefits Beyond Silence
Noise reduction is the main goal, but acoustic double glazing also delivers:
- Energy efficiency: Acoustic windows also insulate thermally, cutting heating/cooling bills.
- Security: Laminated glass is harder to break, adding a safety advantage.
- Comfort & wellbeing: Better sleep, lower stress, more privacy.
For many Perth homeowners, the benefits extend well beyond soundproofing.
Retrofitting vs Full Replacement
If you live in a heritage or character home in Subiaco or Mount Lawley, you might wonder: “Can acoustic windows fit my existing frames?”
- Retrofitting: Possible if frames are solid and compliant. New acoustic glass units can be installed within existing frames.
- Full replacement: Best for older homes with leaky timber or aluminium frames. This ensures glass, frame, and seals all perform together.
We assess your home and recommend the right path, preserving character while improving performance.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Soundproof Windows
Not all acoustic windows are equal. Here’s what to ask:
- Has the system been tested for acoustic performance?
Look for tested dB ratings, not vague “noise reduction” claims. - Are the frames thermally broken aluminium?
Avoid basic aluminium or timber, they undercut acoustic performance. - How many seals does the frame have?
Multi-seal compression is essential. - Is it a retrofit or full replacement?
Know whether your existing frames can be reused. - Has it been installed locally?
Ask about experience with Perth suburbs, noise varies across the city.
FAQs — Soundproof Windows in Perth
Do double glazed windows reduce noise in Perth?
Yes, but only moderately (25–30dB). For real noise reduction, you need acoustic laminated double glazing.
What’s the difference between acoustic windows and standard double glazing?
Acoustic windows use laminated glass, asymmetric panes, and specialised seals blocking more frequencies than basic double glazing.
Can soundproof windows be retrofitted into existing homes?
Sometimes. If frames are solid, acoustic glass can be retrofitted. For best results, full replacement with thermally broken aluminium frames is recommended.
How much noise can they block?
Depending on configuration, up to ~50dB of reduction is achievable. Enough to mute traffic, trains, and nightlife.
Do soundproof windows also help with heat?
Yes, acoustic glass and thermally broken aluminium improve both noise control and energy efficiency.
Conclusion: Silence Is the Ultimate Urban Luxury
You shouldn’t have to choose between location and liveability. Whether it’s traffic in East Perth, nightlife in Leederville, or trains in Subiaco, your home should still feel like a sanctuary.
At Penot Double Glazing, we install acoustic window systems designed for Perth’s unique noise challenges:
- Acoustic laminated glass
- Thermally broken aluminium frames
- Multi-seal compression systems
- Tested noise reduction results
Peace of mind starts with peace and quiet.
Book your free consultation today and discover how Penot’s soundproof windows Perth solutions can bring calm back into your home.
