Reduce Noise Without Replacing Your Windows
If outside noise is making your home uncomfortable, secondary glazing could be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s a proven, cost-effective way to reduce unwanted sound by up to 80% and improve your home’s thermal performance, all without the expense and disruption of replacing your existing windows.
At Soundproof Warehouse, we supply and install custom-fitted secondary glazing for homes and businesses across Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with traffic noise, flight paths, or noisy neighbours, we’ll help you find the right solution for your property.
What Is Secondary Glazing?
Secondary glazing involves fitting an additional window panel on the inside of your existing window frame. Unlike double glazed windows, which require you to remove and replace the entire window unit, secondary glazing works alongside what’s already there.
The result is an insulating air gap between the original glass and the new panel that significantly reduces both noise transfer and heat loss.
This retrofit approach is particularly popular with Brisbane homeowners who want to improve comfort without major renovation work. It’s well-suited to houses, apartments, townhouses, and heritage properties where preserving the existing window frames is important. The installation is straightforward, typically taking just a few hours per window with no structural changes to your property.
Why Brisbane Homes Benefit from Secondary Glazing
Brisbane’s subtropical climate presents unique challenges for homeowners. Summer temperatures regularly push air conditioning systems to their limits, while single-pane windows do very little to keep the heat out or the cool air in. At the same time, urban growth means more traffic, more construction, and more noise creeping into residential areas.
Secondary glazing directly addresses both of these issues. The sealed air gap between your original window and the secondary panel acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer and helping stabilise indoor temperatures year-round.
Many Brisbane homeowners notice a genuine difference in their energy bills after installation, particularly during the hotter months when air conditioning accounts for a large portion of household energy costs.
For homes near busy corridors like Kingsford Smith Drive, Coronation Drive, or the Gateway Motorway, the noise reduction benefits are just as significant. Residents under flight paths in suburbs such as Hamilton, Ascot, and Bulimba also find secondary glazing makes a noticeable difference to daily comfort. If outside noise is disrupting your sleep or concentration, this is one of the most effective solutions available.
Key Benefits of Secondary Glazing
Superior Noise Reduction
Secondary glazing is one of the most effective ways to block external sound from entering your home. The air gap between the two layers of glass dampens sound transmission significantly, reducing noise by up to 80%. This makes it an ideal choice for properties near roads, airports, schools, or anywhere that outside noise is a regular problem.
Improved Energy Efficiency
The insulating air gap doesn’t just block sound. It also acts as a thermal buffer, reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. For Brisbane homes that rely heavily on air conditioning, this can translate to meaningful savings on energy bills. You’re effectively upgrading the thermal performance of your existing windows without replacing them.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Full Replacement
Compared to retrofitting double glazed windows, secondary glazing is considerably more affordable. You avoid the cost of new window frames, major installation work, and the associated disruption to your home. For many homeowners, this makes it the smarter investment, especially when the noise reduction results actually outperform standard double glazing.
Preserves Your Existing Windows
Because the secondary panels are fitted internally, your original windows stay completely intact. This is particularly important for heritage properties and character homes where maintaining the external appearance matters. The panels can also be removed in the future if needed, making this a non-permanent, low-risk upgrade.
Not sure if secondary glazing is right for your home? Get in touch for a free consultation.
How Our Secondary Glazing Reduces Noise
If you’re looking for soundproof windows in Brisbane, our secondary glazing installations consistently deliver some of the best results available, without requiring full window replacement.
We fit each secondary panel with a substantial air gap between it and your existing window, typically 100mm or more depending on the frame depth. This gap is what makes the system so effective.
Combined with acoustic laminated glass, the whole system, your original window, the air gap, and the secondary panel working together, can achieve STC ratings in the low-to-mid 40s. To put that in perspective, a standard single-pane window on its own typically rates around STC 26 to 28.
During your free measure and quote, we’ll assess your noise exposure and recommend the air gap and glass combination that will deliver the best results for your property.
Secondary Glazing vs Double Glazing
Understanding the differences can help you decide which option suits your property and budget. For a more detailed comparison, read our article on why secondary glazing windows outperform double glazing.
| Feature | Secondary Glazing | Double Glazing |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher upfront investment |
| Installation | Quick retrofit, no major work | Full window replacement required |
| Noise Reduction | Up to 80% sound reduction | Up to 35% sound reduction |
| Thermal Performance | Very good | Excellent |
| Heritage Properties | Ideal – preserves original windows | May alter exterior appearance |
| Disruption | Minimal – a few hours per window | Significant – days of work |
| Existing Windows | Works with your current windows | Replaces your current windows |
Glazing Options We Recommend
The type of glass we install has a direct impact on both noise reduction and thermal efficiency. We’ll recommend the best option for your property during the free measure and quote, but here’s an overview of what we work with:
| Glass Type | Noise Reduction | Thermal Performance | Best For |
| Standard Float Glass (6mm) | Good | Moderate | Budget-conscious upgrades |
| Acoustic Laminated Glass (6.38mm) | Excellent | Good | Homes near roads, flight paths, or busy areas |
| Low-E Coated Glass | Good | Excellent | Energy efficiency and reducing cooling costs |
| Tinted Glass | Good | Very good | North and west-facing windows in Brisbane |
For most Brisbane homes, we recommend acoustic laminated glass as the starting point. It delivers the strongest noise reduction while still providing solid thermal performance. If energy efficiency is your primary concern, we’ll typically suggest low-E coated glass, particularly for properties with large west-facing windows that cop the afternoon sun.
Window Types We Work With
Secondary glazing can be fitted to most window styles commonly found in Brisbane homes. Our custom-made panels are manufactured to match the exact dimensions of your existing window frames and can be colour-matched to blend with your interior.
We regularly install secondary glazing on sliding windows, casement windows, awning windows, double-hung windows, and fixed panels. Whether your home has timber frames, aluminium windows, or a mix of both, we can design a solution that fits. Each system is sealed for optimal acoustic and thermal performance, eliminating draughts and rattles that are common with older single-pane windows.
How It Works: From Quote to Installation
Getting secondary glazing installed is a straightforward process with minimal disruption to your home.
1. Free Measure and Quote
We visit your property to assess your existing windows and discuss your specific needs, whether that’s noise reduction, thermal insulation, or both. We’ll take precise measurements and provide a detailed quote based on the size of your windows and your chosen glazing options. There’s no obligation and no pressure.
2. Custom Manufacturing
Once you’re happy to proceed, we manufacture your secondary glazing panels to order. Each unit is custom-built to fit your window dimensions perfectly, using lightweight frames designed to complement your home’s interior. Frames can be colour-matched for a seamless finish.
3. Professional Installation
Our team installs the secondary glazing panels on the interior side of your existing windows. The process typically takes just a few hours per window, with no structural modifications required. Your original windows remain completely untouched throughout, and you’ll notice the difference in noise and comfort immediately.
What to Expect in Terms of Cost
One of the most common questions we hear is how much secondary glazing costs. While every project is different, here’s a general guide to help you plan your budget.
Secondary glazing typically costs between $350 and $700 per square metre, depending on the glass type, frame configuration, and window size. For a standard bedroom window, you might expect to pay between $500 and $1,200. Larger windows, such as living room or sliding door panels, will sit at the higher end of the range.
Several factors influence the final price: the number of windows being glazed, the type of glass selected (acoustic laminated costs more than standard float), whether the windows are standard shapes or require custom framing, and accessibility for installation.
Compared to full double glazing replacement, which can run upwards of $1,000 per window before installation, secondary glazing offers a significantly more affordable path to better comfort and noise control. Most of our customers find the investment pays for itself through reduced energy bills within a few years.
We provide free, no-obligation quotes for every project. Contact us for an accurate price based on your specific windows and requirements.
Areas We Service
Soundproof Warehouse proudly services Brisbane and the wider South East Queensland region. Our team regularly carries out secondary glazing installations across Brisbane’s inner suburbs, the Northside, Southside, and surrounding areas including Ipswich, Logan, North Lakes, and the Gold Coast.
Whether you’re in a Queenslander in Paddington, a townhouse in Chermside, or an apartment in South Brisbane, we can help. Contact us to confirm availability in your area and to arrange your free on-site measure and quote.
Ready for a Quieter, More Comfortable Home?
Take the first step towards reducing noise and improving energy efficiency in your home. Our team is ready to help you find the right secondary glazing solution for your property.
We proudly service Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, North Lakes, and surrounding areas across South East Queensland. Get in touch today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation measure and quote.
Book Your Free Measure & Quote Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Is secondary glazing as good as double glazing?
For noise reduction, secondary glazing actually outperforms standard double glazing. It can reduce sound transmission by up to 80%, compared to around 35% for typical double glazed windows. For thermal insulation, double glazing has a slight edge, but secondary glazing still delivers excellent energy efficiency improvements at a fraction of the cost. For most Brisbane homeowners, secondary glazing offers the better overall value.
How much does secondary glazing cost?
The cost depends on the number and size of your windows, the type of glazing selected, and the complexity of the installation. As a general guide, secondary glazing is significantly more affordable than full window replacement or retrofitted double glazing. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific property, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before committing.
Does secondary glazing reduce noise?
Yes. Secondary glazing is one of the most effective solutions for reducing external noise in your home. The air gap between the original window and the secondary panel acts as a buffer, significantly dampening sound transmission from traffic, aircraft, construction, and other common noise sources. It’s particularly effective for properties in high-noise areas across Brisbane.
Will secondary glazing damage my existing windows?
No. The secondary panels are installed on the interior side of your existing windows without any modifications to the original frames or glass. This makes it suitable for rental properties, heritage-listed homes, and any situation where preserving the original windows is essential. The panels can be removed in the future if needed.
What window styles can secondary glazing be fitted to?
Secondary glazing works with most common window types, including sliding, casement, awning, double-hung, and fixed windows. It can be fitted to both timber and aluminium frames. Our team will assess your windows during the free measure and quote to confirm compatibility and recommend the best approach.
What are the disadvantages of secondary glazing?
The main trade-off is a slight reduction in sill depth, as the secondary panel sits inside your existing frame. Some homeowners also find that cleaning requires a little more effort, since you’ll have two glass surfaces to maintain instead of one. Condensation can occasionally form between the panels if the seal isn’t properly maintained, though professional installation minimises this risk. For the vast majority of properties, the noise reduction and energy savings far outweigh these minor considerations.
Can I use secondary glazing to soundproof my home?
Absolutely. Secondary glazing is one of the most effective methods for soundproofing windows in Brisbane homes. When we fit it with acoustic laminated glass, it can reduce noise transmission by up to 80%, making it ideal for properties near busy roads, flight paths, or nightlife areas. For whole-home soundproofing, secondary glazing works well alongside other acoustic treatments such as acoustic panels and insulation products.
How long does secondary glazing last?
With proper installation and basic maintenance, secondary glazing systems are built to last 20 years or more. The aluminium frames we use are corrosion-resistant and designed to withstand Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate. The glass panels themselves are extremely durable, and replacement is straightforward if ever needed.
