Would secondary glazing work on large metal-framed windows?

Question

UK based, new-ish build block of flats. There are (almost) floor to ceiling metal framed casement windows in a 2x2 format, with the top 2 being inward opening. They are okay, but the flat is near a busy train line and I would like to cut down on noise. Would secondary glazing help with windows like this? Or does the secondary glazing need to cover the original frame? I was thinking I could try the magnetic strips around the outside of each individual window, which might look ugly but be preferable to drilling into the metal.

Answer 1

For anyone that is thinking about doing this, this did not reduce noise transmission.

Answer 2

Noise transmission is a function of the thickness of the glass and the quality of the attachment of the sheet to the window frame. This site claims at least a 15Db(A) reduction for a 1/8" thick acrylic sheet. This is a little more than a 50% reduction (10Db = -50% perceived reduction). Ideally, this should be applied across the entire opening and carefully inspected for gaps that allow transmission.

Answer 3

From personal experience, it helps with noise. We had single pane windows in a beach house. We installed secondary glazing, professionally.

They badically installed another set of windows, on the inside of the exiting ones. It worked well for heat, but also for noise.

As mentioned, you do need to plug all gaps. Why not do one window and test.