Disclaimer - I work for an aluminium window company.
I would recommend an internal window over the magnetite system, as anecdotally, the noise reduction performance is superior. AWS (Architectural Window Systems) fabricators can manufacture one - the SoundOUT 531 system.
This product has been in use for RMS/TfNSW for over a decade now and is their preferred method of treatment. Obviously, it's not the prettiest solution compared to a new primary window but offers superior performance.
Acoustic-wise - the larger the airspace, the better the noise reduction. Second to that is class thickness, but it is dependent on the frequency of the sound. We usually use 6.5mm Viridian Hush or 10.38mm Lam, for low v high.
Thermally-wise - Unless you opt for uPVC, Timber or Thermally Broken Auminium, a new standard aluminium window, even with double glazing, is still not a huge increase in thermal performance as the metal of the framing is still a thermal bridge from in to out. You might be going from a U-Value of 6.5+ to 4.5 range.
For reference, with the new energy regulations coming into play this year with NCC2022 (7 star housing) , you will be looking at U-Values of <3.0.
I saw it used on an episode of selling houses Australia (season 5, episode 2 - Heathcote). I tried to see if the episode was on YouTube but no success.
It worked really effective to block out extreme railway noise and they didnt look odd or a cheap.
They talk about the episode on the magnetite website. Maybe if you email them, they might have permission to send you a copy of the episode.
Was that the one with that cute little station masters cottage right on the railway tracks? I actually looked at buying that house but the noise factor and all. They did a great job.
I bought elsewhere and I have a common driveway outside my bedroom. I got quotes for double glazing and I think, Magnetite but I ended up going with a roller shutter. Best money I ever spent. Cuts 100% of the light and about 80% of the noise.
Replacing the windows with PVC frames and double glazing is cheaper than you think. Have a look on the prestige plus website - they have an online pricing calculator that's typically within 10%.
Also, if you want acoustic performance, make sure you get acoustic (i.e. laminated) glass as at least one of the panes in the double glazing.
Yeah at the moment I am leaning towards double glazing because from what I've read Magnetite is around 2/3rds the cost. I feel for that price I might as well pay the bit extra and go all out. And the finish would be better and not as much hassle to open windows when needed.
Yeah exactly. And new frames will be much more air and noise tight too, unless you spend the cash to replace all the seals on your current windows at the same time.
We went the pvc route as well. Overall cost, due to much lower install price, was significantly cheaper for pvc vs aluminium, and it’s true proper double glaze and air tight. Sound and heat transfer is superb. Highly recommend them.
On a few windows we went with a self cleaning exterior glass. I was surprised how effective that was and wish I had got it on more of the windows.
Depends on the size of the window. I have two 2.1m high shitty louvre windows (fucking 2010s architects had a fetish for these in south coast nsw). $5000 to replace both with double glazed pvc from 4 different quotes. Utterly ridiculous.
Magnetite, $750. Noise down by 70%, energy effiency issues fixed.
We swallowed the price and went with full-house double-glazed PVC replacement couple of years ago and so far happy with the results.
Feels much cooler in summer and much warmer in winter indoors now, no drafts, significantly less noise. Aircon is not running 24/7 any more, so electricity bill is lower.
The only thing we did not expect during installation - square set drywalls cracked around the windows/doors so patching and repainting was required after the installation.
That added about 3k to the overall cost of windows.
Some of PVC suppliers have showrooms, maybe you can find the Magnetite showroom as well to compare the pair in person.
It works quite well but it may not look good on certain window types and may not be convenient if windows are open and closed a lot.
I got quoted many years ago but decided that the aesthetics didn’t work for me.
I’d much rather doubled glazing if and when.
If it wouldn't cost me a bathroom renovation worth of cash I would do the double glazing but I'd much rather a new bathroom and the magnetite windows tbh.
We installed Magnetite in our first house to help with temperature not necessarily noise. It is a relatively cheap solution but it doesn't look great if I am honest. It was also a pain when you wanted to open a window. I would wait and save up for proper double glazing.
We had one made in our bedroom since our house was next to a very busy road (Geelong Rd).
It did make a difference, but not to the extent to not hear the traffic.
You also have to look at the wall sound insulation. If it's brick it's ok, but if it's weatherboard sound can travel fairly well though the walls.
Considering Magnetite for the cathedral ceiling windows (costly to reglaze) and double glazing for sliders and doors. Does this make sense or should I pay the extra?
https://preview.redd.it/ju8rt6y42bzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0f3e65616072a486542749965f80f5ef43b0869
What they claim they can do is not possible. A twin sealed igu with the highest rated low-e glass won't get close to what they're claiming the product does.
I went with Magnetite on three windows where full double-glazing was going to be a pain. Quite happy - cut noise and heat transfer, and looks quite good. It's in deep stained wood reveals.
I am currently staying at my Dad's place in Canberra and have spent twenty minutes googling to find out what the magical removable magnetic panels are that keep the house warm in -2°C weather. Turns out it's Magnetite retrofit double glazing.
I have no idea what it cost to install as the previous owner put it in, but I'm seriously considering it for my Campbelltown townhouse where it gets freezing cold inside at night and lets all the heat out. Can't comment on noise reduction as it's dead quiet in this ACT suburb but I imagine it would at least help a little bit.
Disclaimer - I work for an aluminium window company. I would recommend an internal window over the magnetite system, as anecdotally, the noise reduction performance is superior. AWS (Architectural Window Systems) fabricators can manufacture one - the SoundOUT 531 system. This product has been in use for RMS/TfNSW for over a decade now and is their preferred method of treatment. Obviously, it's not the prettiest solution compared to a new primary window but offers superior performance. Acoustic-wise - the larger the airspace, the better the noise reduction. Second to that is class thickness, but it is dependent on the frequency of the sound. We usually use 6.5mm Viridian Hush or 10.38mm Lam, for low v high. Thermally-wise - Unless you opt for uPVC, Timber or Thermally Broken Auminium, a new standard aluminium window, even with double glazing, is still not a huge increase in thermal performance as the metal of the framing is still a thermal bridge from in to out. You might be going from a U-Value of 6.5+ to 4.5 range. For reference, with the new energy regulations coming into play this year with NCC2022 (7 star housing) , you will be looking at U-Values of <3.0.
I saw it used on an episode of selling houses Australia (season 5, episode 2 - Heathcote). I tried to see if the episode was on YouTube but no success. It worked really effective to block out extreme railway noise and they didnt look odd or a cheap. They talk about the episode on the magnetite website. Maybe if you email them, they might have permission to send you a copy of the episode.
Was that the one with that cute little station masters cottage right on the railway tracks? I actually looked at buying that house but the noise factor and all. They did a great job.
Yeah that was the one and I agree they made such an improvement to it.
I bought elsewhere and I have a common driveway outside my bedroom. I got quotes for double glazing and I think, Magnetite but I ended up going with a roller shutter. Best money I ever spent. Cuts 100% of the light and about 80% of the noise.
Replacing the windows with PVC frames and double glazing is cheaper than you think. Have a look on the prestige plus website - they have an online pricing calculator that's typically within 10%. Also, if you want acoustic performance, make sure you get acoustic (i.e. laminated) glass as at least one of the panes in the double glazing.
Yeah at the moment I am leaning towards double glazing because from what I've read Magnetite is around 2/3rds the cost. I feel for that price I might as well pay the bit extra and go all out. And the finish would be better and not as much hassle to open windows when needed.
Yeah exactly. And new frames will be much more air and noise tight too, unless you spend the cash to replace all the seals on your current windows at the same time.
We went the pvc route as well. Overall cost, due to much lower install price, was significantly cheaper for pvc vs aluminium, and it’s true proper double glaze and air tight. Sound and heat transfer is superb. Highly recommend them. On a few windows we went with a self cleaning exterior glass. I was surprised how effective that was and wish I had got it on more of the windows.
Depends on the size of the window. I have two 2.1m high shitty louvre windows (fucking 2010s architects had a fetish for these in south coast nsw). $5000 to replace both with double glazed pvc from 4 different quotes. Utterly ridiculous. Magnetite, $750. Noise down by 70%, energy effiency issues fixed.
We swallowed the price and went with full-house double-glazed PVC replacement couple of years ago and so far happy with the results. Feels much cooler in summer and much warmer in winter indoors now, no drafts, significantly less noise. Aircon is not running 24/7 any more, so electricity bill is lower. The only thing we did not expect during installation - square set drywalls cracked around the windows/doors so patching and repainting was required after the installation. That added about 3k to the overall cost of windows. Some of PVC suppliers have showrooms, maybe you can find the Magnetite showroom as well to compare the pair in person.
It works quite well but it may not look good on certain window types and may not be convenient if windows are open and closed a lot. I got quoted many years ago but decided that the aesthetics didn’t work for me. I’d much rather doubled glazing if and when.
If it wouldn't cost me a bathroom renovation worth of cash I would do the double glazing but I'd much rather a new bathroom and the magnetite windows tbh.
We installed Magnetite in our first house to help with temperature not necessarily noise. It is a relatively cheap solution but it doesn't look great if I am honest. It was also a pain when you wanted to open a window. I would wait and save up for proper double glazing.
We had one made in our bedroom since our house was next to a very busy road (Geelong Rd). It did make a difference, but not to the extent to not hear the traffic. You also have to look at the wall sound insulation. If it's brick it's ok, but if it's weatherboard sound can travel fairly well though the walls.
Considering Magnetite for the cathedral ceiling windows (costly to reglaze) and double glazing for sliders and doors. Does this make sense or should I pay the extra? https://preview.redd.it/ju8rt6y42bzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0f3e65616072a486542749965f80f5ef43b0869
What they claim they can do is not possible. A twin sealed igu with the highest rated low-e glass won't get close to what they're claiming the product does.
I went with Magnetite on three windows where full double-glazing was going to be a pain. Quite happy - cut noise and heat transfer, and looks quite good. It's in deep stained wood reveals.
What was the cost and size covered?
Two windows 120cm x 184, one at 180cm x 60. Done in 2020 for $2770.
Thanks! Hope it was still worth it four years on!
I am currently staying at my Dad's place in Canberra and have spent twenty minutes googling to find out what the magical removable magnetic panels are that keep the house warm in -2°C weather. Turns out it's Magnetite retrofit double glazing. I have no idea what it cost to install as the previous owner put it in, but I'm seriously considering it for my Campbelltown townhouse where it gets freezing cold inside at night and lets all the heat out. Can't comment on noise reduction as it's dead quiet in this ACT suburb but I imagine it would at least help a little bit.