Can you soundproof windows in a Listed Building?

Living in a listed or period property offers a unique charm that's difficult to match.

Original sash windows, handcrafted timber frames and historic features tell the story of a building's past, creating homes full of character and architectural beauty. However, these same features can also allow more outside noise into your home. Whether it's traffic, aircraft, nearby pedestrians or the hustle and bustle of a town centre, unwanted noise can quickly affect your comfort and enjoyment of your property.

The good news is that improving acoustic performance doesn't have to mean replacing your original windows. With the right approach, you can enjoy a quieter home while preserving the historic character that makes your property so special.

The challenge of living with noise in a period property

Many period properties were built long before noise reduction became a consideration.

Original single glazing, traditional timber sash windows and historic handmade glass all contribute to the character of a building, but they also provide very little protection against modern-day noise. Over time, natural movement in timber frames can also create small gaps around windows, allowing even more sound to enter the property. If your home is located on a busy road, beneath a flight path or in a vibrant town or city centre, these factors can combine to make everyday noise far more noticeable.

Fortunately, there are sympathetic ways to improve acoustic comfort without compromising the building's heritage.

Why replacing original windows isn't always the answer

When homeowners begin looking for ways to reduce outside noise, replacing their windows is often the first solution that comes to mind.

For listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, however, replacement windows are rarely the best option. Original windows are often considered an important part of a building's historic significance and may be protected. Replacing them can require Listed Building Consent and, in many cases, may not be approved. Even where replacement is possible, removing original windows can diminish the character and authenticity of a period property, potentially affecting both its heritage value and long-term appeal.

That's why many conservation professionals recommend improving existing windows wherever possible, rather than replacing them.

A sympathetic solution that preserves your home's character

Secondary glazing has become one of the most effective ways of reducing noise in listed and heritage properties. Unlike replacement windows, secondary glazing is installed discreetly on the inside of your existing windows, leaving the original frames and historic glass completely untouched.

Every Storm secondary glazing unit is individually measured and handcrafted to suit the exact dimensions of your existing windows. This bespoke approach creates an additional barrier against outside noise while maintaining the appearance of your home. Storm's magnetic secondary glazing systems are among the slimmest and least invasive available, complying with current conservation guidance and making them particularly well suited to listed buildings and sensitive heritage projects.

Alongside exceptional acoustic performance, secondary glazing also helps reduce draughts and improve thermal efficiency, creating a warmer, more comfortable home throughout the year.

Proven acoustic performance you can trust

Independent testing is one of the best ways to demonstrate just how effective secondary glazing can be.

Storm's bespoke secondary glazing has been independently tested by Salford University using the internationally recognised BS EN ISO 10140-2:2010 acoustic testing standard across frequencies ranging from 50Hz to 5,000Hz. The results demonstrated noise reductions of up to 44dB, helping to transform noisy rooms into significantly quieter living spaces.

Whether you're trying to reduce traffic noise, aircraft, trains or general urban activity, professionally designed secondary glazing can make a remarkable difference to everyday comfort.

If you're interested in the technical detail, you can also download our independent acoustic test report here to explore the full performance data.

Why bespoke secondary glazing performs so well

Effective sound reduction isn't achieved by adding another pane of glass alone.

Storm's secondary glazing works because every element of the system is designed to minimise sound transmission. The additional pane of glass, combined with a carefully calculated air gap, precision-manufactured frames and high-quality seals, creates an effective acoustic barrier between your home and the outside world. Because every installation is bespoke, each unit fits precisely within the existing window opening, helping eliminate gaps where sound could otherwise travel.

The result is a quieter, more peaceful home without altering the appearance of your original windows.

Heritage projects that speak for themselves

Over the past 25 years, Storm has helped homeowners, architects and conservation professionals improve comfort in historic buildings across the UK.

Brook House

At Brook House, our bespoke secondary glazing enhanced both thermal and acoustic performance while preserving the property's original windows and character. The discreet installation provided a more comfortable living environment without compromising the heritage of this beautiful home.

Read our Brook House Case Study to see how carefully designed secondary glazing transformed this period property.

The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Guest comfort is essential in a luxury hotel, particularly when it's located within a busy city centre.

Working at the prestigious Grade II listed Randolph Hotel in Oxford, Storm installed bespoke secondary glazing to reduce external noise while respecting the building's historic architecture, helping create a quieter and more relaxing experience for guests.

Discover more in our Behind the Scenes at The Randolph Hotel case study.

Ready to enjoy a quieter period home?

You don't have to choose between preserving your property's character and improving everyday comfort. With bespoke secondary glazing from Storm Windows, you can significantly reduce outside noise while retaining the original features that make your home unique.

To learn more about our acoustic secondary glazing, explore our Sound Reduction page or download our independent acoustic test report.

If you have a project and need our expert assistance we offer free site surveys and no obligation quotes - simply contact us today!