How to choose airtight windows (soundproof windows)?

However, there are so many airtight window brands on the market that it's hard to choose. How should you choose? Don't worry, this article is your savior. We will take you from beginning to end, and tell you the key points of purchase (airtightness, watertightness, wind resistance, sound insulation, glass, structure, energy saving, construction method), the top 10 airtight window brands recommended by netizens, and what to pay attention to when installing, so that you can easily choose the right windows and build a quiet and comfortable dream home.

Airtight windows and soundproof windows, don’t confuse them anymore

The first question that many people have before purchasing is: "What is the difference between airtight windows and soundproof windows?" Remember this simple concept: "Soundproof windows must be airtight windows, but airtight windows do not necessarily have super soundproofing effects."

• Airtight Window: Its main task is to "seal" and keep the wind and rain out. A qualified airtight window must pass the minimum requirements of the national standard (CNS) in terms of airtightness, waterproofness, wind resistance, and sound insulation. Basically, it is an upgraded version of the traditional aluminum window.
  
• Soundproof Window:
  This is the "Pro Max" version of the airtight window. It puts extra effort into soundproofing, usually using thicker glass (such as laminated glass), stronger window frames, and adding several layers of airtight strips. The goal is to isolate noise to the extreme.

Should I choose airtight windows or soundproof windows?

Airtight windows: If you just want to block the wind and rain and improve your quality of life, choosing good airtight windows will be enough.
Soundproof windows: But if your home is close to noise sources (such as main roads, markets, schools), then spending a little more money on soundproof windows will definitely make you feel that the money is well spent.

Five key points to choose airtight windows (soundproof windows)

Master the following five key points, and you can also become a window selection expert, not afraid of being taken advantage of, and understand the "physical examination report" of windows: National Standard (CNS) This is like the ID card of the window, with four important numbers on it, which directly tell you whether its performance is good or not. When purchasing, you can generously ask the store to see the "original factory inspection report", the data on it is the most accurate.

Airtightness

There are four levels: 2, 8, 30, and 120. The smaller the number, the better, which means it is less likely to leak. Generally, level 2 or 8 is sufficient for home use.

Water tightness

It refers to the ability to block rain. The larger the number, the better. Since it rains so often in Taiwan, it is recommended to choose a floor with a rating of at least 35 kgf/㎡.

Wind pressure resistance

As for the ability to resist typhoons, of course, the larger the number, the stronger it is. If you live on a high floor or in an open space, it is best to choose 280 kgf/㎡ or 360 kgf/㎡.

Sound insulation

Look at the Ts value. The higher the number, the quieter it is. Ts-30 can block out most of the city noise. If you live next to a main road, go straight to Ts-35.

Glass and structural design

Eighty percent of the entire window is glass, so the glass design is very important. Then there are the window frames, air-tight strips, and hardware accessories. The whole thing adds up to a high-quality airtight window.

• Low-E energy-saving glass

  A magical device for heat insulation and power saving! This is a very thin metal film coated on the glass. This film can reflect the heat energy (infrared) and ultraviolet rays in the sun, but it will not affect the lighting. Simply put, it can keep the heat out in the summer and prevent the loss of indoor heat in the winter, achieving the effect of "warm in winter and cool in summer", which can save considerable electricity bills in the long run. It can also prevent furniture and floors from fading due to ultraviolet rays, and has become a very popular energy-saving option in recent years.
  

• Laminated glass

  There is a layer of film sandwiched between the two pieces of glass, which can minimize the vibration of noise, which is super strong.
  

• Composite/Insulating Glass

  There is an air layer between the two pieces of glass, which can provide sound insulation and heat insulation, block heat in summer and keep warm in winter, helping you save a lot of money on air conditioning.
  

• Single glazing

  The most basic style, if you really want to choose it, the thickness must be at least 8mm.
  

• window frame

  Whether the windows can be used for a long time and whether they are dense enough depends on these two small places. The mainstream window frames are made of aluminum alloy, so it depends on whether the window frame structure design is stable and whether the thickness is sufficient.
  

• Airtight strip

  This is the key to determining airtightness. Remember to specify EPDM rubber material. EPDM is more durable and less likely to deform than traditional PVC. Although it is a little more expensive, it is definitely worth it.
  

• Hardware accessories

  Handles, wheels, door catches...small hardware parts will directly affect whether you can open the window. Go to the store and push and pull them yourself to feel the weight and smoothness.
  

Airtight window construction methods are divided into "dry" and "wet"

Wet construction

Remove the old window frame and remake it with new cement. This has the best waterproofing effect, but it will make the house dusty and take a long time to complete. It is more suitable for new homes or major renovations of the entire home.

Dry construction

Keep the old window frame and directly put the new window on. The construction is super fast and clean, and it can be done in one day. It is suitable for people who just want to replace the windows.

Taiwan's top 10 airtight window brands recommended

We have compiled the top ten most popular brands in the Taiwanese market. Regardless of whether they are Taiwanese brands or foreign brands, they can provide airtight windows according to budget and quality.

1. Chung Cheng Aluminium

• Company Name: Cheng Shin Aluminum Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website URL: https://www.cha.com.tw/
• Company Address: No. 6, Beiyuan 2nd Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City
• Founded: 1969
• Capital: NT$240,000,000
• Awards: ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification, Taiwan Excellence Award, Taoyuan County Enterprise Excellence Award, and multiple product patents.

Company Introduction

Cheng Shin Aluminum Co., Ltd. was founded in 1969 and is one of the top three aluminum production companies in Taiwan. It started out as an oil refining company and later transformed into the aluminum extrusion industry, and insisted on providing high-quality products. The company is currently divided into three major business divisions, namely, an extrusion plant that supplies curtain walls, aluminum doors and windows, automatic conveyor belts, etc., aluminum doors and windows for the retail and renovation markets, and a series of doors and windows brands with foreign technical cooperation. In order to expand the scope of services, in addition to the Zhongli main plant, a Taichung Dajia plant was also added, and a new plant was built in the Chiayi Ma Chouhou Industrial Park, introducing intelligent technology to continue to expand the business territory.

2. Jinhong Enterprise

• Company Name: Chin Hung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
• Manufacturer: Taiwan
• Website URL: http://www.chinhong.com.tw/
• Company Address: No. 66, 68, Section 3, HSR Station Front West Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City
• Founded: 1987
• Capital: NT$900,000,000
• Awards: ISO 9001 quality management system certification, the Standard Mark, and the Green Building Materials Label.

Company Introduction

Jin Hong Enterprise is an aluminum window and door brand that has been operating in Taiwan for more than 40 years. Since its establishment in 1978, it has been focusing on manufacturing high-quality aluminum windows and doors. They have great production equipment and strict quality control to ensure that every window is durable. Jin Hong Enterprise handles all processes from aluminum extrusion to window forming, and carefully manages every production step in order to provide the best service to customers. In addition to selling good products, they also provide professional maintenance and consulting. Jin Hong attaches great importance to the opinions of customers and continuously develops and improves products, hoping that everyone can have a more comfortable and secure living space.

3. Goose Aluminum Windows and Doors

• Company Name: Goose Brand Industrial Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website URL: https://swans.com.tw/
• Company Address: No. 1-1, Haishan West Road, Haihu Village, Luzhu District, Taoyuan City
• Founded: 1975
• Capital: 5,000,000 yuan
• Award record: Ranked first in the Consumer Ideal Brand in 2023, won the Best Safety Award in 2022, and ranked first in the Consumer Ideal Brand in 2022

Company Introduction

Goose Brand Airtight Windows is a time-honored brand that has been operating in Taiwan for over 50 years. They specialize in safe and good-looking airtight windows. From the previous iron windows and aluminum windows to the current more powerful airtight windows, Goose Brand has been making progress. They insist on designing and producing by themselves, so the quality is guaranteed. Their windows are not only soundproof and heat-insulating, but also anti-theft and windproof, allowing you to live more safely. Goose Brand not only obtained international certification, but also won the first place in consumers' favorite brand and the best safety award for consecutive years, which means that everyone really likes their products

4. Xinwu Limao Aluminum Co., Ltd. Fine Doors and Windows (Rebar)

• Company Name: Xinwu Limao Aluminum Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website: http://www.rebar.com.tw/
• Company Address: No. 236, Zhongzheng 3rd Road, Yingge District, New Taipei City
• Founded: 2008
• Capital: 250,000,000 yuan
• Awards: Taiwan Excellence Award, Taiwan Excellent Trademark Award.

Company Introduction

Xinwu Limao Aluminum was formerly known as Liba Aluminum Doors and Windows. The new company was established in 2008 and officially obtained the trademark of "Liba Aluminum Doors and Windows" in 2009. The company imports high-quality aluminum ingots from Australia, the United States and other places, and adopts a one-stop professional integrated process from extrusion, surface treatment to processing and assembly to strictly control quality. In addition to specializing in aluminum doors and windows, it also invests in the research and development and mass production of optoelectronic products, automotive components and other fields, and continues to operate in the high-end market, moving towards the high-profit industrial extrusion market.

5. Daiwasho Airtight Window (Daiwasho)

• Company Name: Hongjisheng Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website URL: https://www.yamatosho.com.tw/
• Company Address: No. 97, Daan Road, Tucheng District, New Taipei City
• Founded: 2000
• Capital: 36,000,000 yuan
• Awards: Multiple patent certifications from the Intellectual Property Office, ISO 9001 quality management system certification, and Taiwan Household Products Ideal Brand Award.

Company Introduction

Hongjisheng Co., Ltd. was founded by Mr. Zhuang in 1990. Before opening the company, he had more than 20 years of experience in customizing and renovating aluminum doors and windows. He found that there was a lack of reasonably priced and high-quality products on the market, so he decided to open his own company to provide high-quality aluminum windows and customized services, and also invited Japanese consultants for guidance. The company's "Yamatoshang" brand specializes in the production of rigorously tested airtight windows, which have excellent windproof, waterproof, and soundproof effects, and the quality is highly recognized by the industry.

6. Kuotien

• Company Name: KUO TIANHUA ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website: https://www.ggwin.com.tw/
• Company Address: 3F, No. 83, Section 5, Chenggong Road, Neihu District, Taipei City
• Founded: 2017
• Capital: NT$200,000,000
• Awards: ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification, Taiwan Excellence Award.

Company Introduction

Guotian Industrial Co., Ltd. has inherited the family's 40-year aluminum technology and met everyone in the market with a new look and concept in 2017. They combined the previous generation's insistence on quality with the new generation's innovative thinking to create "high-quality, affordable and high-quality" products. Guotian's airtight windows are made of solid materials, high-grade aluminum and hardware, hoping to provide everyone with a comfortable and happy home without noise troubles. .

7. DK Fashion Boutique Window (Di Ken)

• Company Name: Dekai Hardware Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website URL: https://www.dkwindow.com/
• Company Address: No. 12, Lane 212, Bade Street, Shulin District, New Taipei City
• Founded: 1979
• Capital: 30,000,000 yuan
• Awards: National Excellent Invention and Innovation Award from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan Excellence Award.

Company Introduction

Dekai Hardware started out as a hardware store, and later became a professional aluminum window and door manufacturer. They have accumulated a lot of experience in OEM for other brands, so they are very good at quality management and new product development. They have a set of standard operating procedures from order acceptance to production, and have also introduced computerized management to continuously develop new products. Now they have also started to operate their own brand "DK Fashion Boutique Window", hoping to serve everyone with reasonable prices and high-quality designs.

8. Sinyang Smart Window

• Company Name: Fa Yang Steel & Aluminium Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan
• Website: https://sinyang-smart.com.tw/
• Company Address: No. 128, Section 1, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
• Founded: 1988
• Capital: Information not disclosed
• Award record: The product has passed SGS related tests.

Company Introduction

Fayang Steel & Aluminum has more than 30 years of professional experience. They are like experts in aluminum doors and windows. From soundproof windows, airtight windows to the most powerful smart windows, they are all familiar with them. The company attaches great importance to quality and provides customized services. They can tailor the most suitable doors and windows according to the needs of customers. They not only sell products, but also share a lot of knowledge about doors and windows to help everyone build a most comfortable home.

9. YKK AP Taiwan

• Company Name: Taiwan Hua Ke Gui Building Materials Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Taiwan (Japanese brand)
• Website URL: https://www.ykkap.com.tw/
• Company Address: 5F, No. 40, Section 2, Minquan East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
• Established: 1990 (established factory in Taiwan)
• Capital: NT$1,000,000,000
• Award record: Won the "Taiwan Integrity Brand" in 2024, won the 24th "National Architecture Gold Award-Gold Product Award" in 2023, won the 75th "Golden Business Award-Excellent Foreign Business Award" in 2021, obtained the first brand certification of the Excellent Manufacturers Association in 2011, and the YRB series obtained the government green building materials certification in 2009.
  

Company Introduction

YKK AP is a building materials company from Japan. Their aluminum doors and windows are very famous and they have been operating in Taiwan for a long time. The company's philosophy is "cycle of goodness", which means to continuously create good products to make customers, employees and the entire society better. They not only sell products, but also hope to help everyone build a comfortable and happy home through good building materials. YKK AP's products are of high quality and they also attach great importance to environmental protection. They hope to contribute to the sustainable development of Taiwan.

10. TOSTEM (LIXIL)

• Company Name: LIXIL Equipment Taiwan Co., Ltd.
• Made in: Thailand, Japan
• Website URL: https://www.lixil.com.tw/
• Company Address: 15F-3, No. 8, Section 7, Minsheng Boulevard, Nangang District, Taipei City
• Established: 2011 (LIXIL Taiwan established)
• Capital: NT$282,670,000
• Awards: red dot design award, iF design award, Good Design Award.

Company Introduction

LIXIL is a brand from Japan that combines several great brands, such as INAX for bathroom products, GROHE from Germany, Sunwave for kitchenware, and TOSTEM for aluminum doors and windows. So whether you want to decorate the bathroom, kitchen, or replace windows, they have almost everything. Their goal is to make everyone's life more comfortable and better through these good products. And they also attach great importance to environmental protection and hope to do their part for the earth.

Airtight Window Brand Comparison Chart

Note: The price is only an estimate. The actual cost will vary depending on the style, glass, hardware, and construction method selected.

Recommendations for airtight installation process

Good airtight windows are only useful if they are installed correctly. Installation process and acceptance tips: If you buy good windows but don't install them properly, the effect will be greatly reduced. The following are some processes for installing airtight windows (soundproof windows). You can learn about the installation process and acceptance items.

Installation process reference

• Talk about needs: Talk to the manufacturer about your needs and budget.
• Measurement at home: The master will come to your home for precise measurement.
• Sign the contract: Once everything is confirmed, just sign the contract!
• Schedule construction: After the windows are finished, schedule an installation.
• Check and pay: After installation, check carefully to make sure there are no problems and then pay the balance.

Acceptance project reference

• Is it installed correctly: Check whether the window frame is crooked.
• Are the seams filled: No matter what type of filler is used, the seams must be full and have no holes.
• Is silicone applied beautifully? The glue on the edges should be smooth, without any bumps or scars.
• Switch on and off smoothly: Turn on and off repeatedly to see if it gets stuck or does not operate smoothly.
• Scratches: Check the window frame and glass for damage.
• Is it cleaned up? Finally, please clean up all the garbage before leaving!
• Is the drainage hole unblocked? There will be drainage holes in the track below the window. You can pour a little water to test whether the water can be drained out smoothly. This small action can prevent water from accumulating in the window frame when it rains heavily in the future!

Airtight Window FAQs (Q&A)

Q1: How is the price of airtight windows calculated? How big is one cai?
A: Usually the price is calculated in "cai". "One cai" is about 30 cm x 30 cm. The total price will include the window frame, glass, hardware and installation fees.

Q2: Can old windows be directly replaced with airtight windows?
A: Of course! If you don’t want to make a mess on the walls, you can choose the “dry construction method”, which is super fast and clean and can be done in one day.

Q3: Do airtight windows require special maintenance?
A: It's very simple! Just wipe it with clean water to remove the dust in the window track. Remember not to use too harsh a detergent to clean it.

Q4: Where can I find reliable manufacturers?
A: The safest way is to find a dealer certified on the brand's official website. They are all guaranteed by the original manufacturer, and the construction quality and after-sales service are relatively guaranteed.

Q5: Can I buy airtight windows online?
A: Don't do that! Airtight windows are custom-made products, so you must ask a craftsman to come to your home to measure the size. If you buy them online and the size is wrong or they can't be installed, it will be a big problem.

It is recommended to sign a contract when installing airtight windows

Signing a contract is the most important step to protect the rights and interests of both parties. Remember to confirm again whether the contract content is clearly written before signing. Different manufacturers have different contracts. The following is only for reference.

• Product models and specifications: brand, series, color, glass type and thickness.
• Pricing method: Windows, glass, hardware, installation fees, old window removal fees, etc., all costs are clearly listed.
• Payment method: payment ratio and time of deposit, mid-term payment and final payment.
• Construction date and completion deadline: Clearly state the start and end dates of the construction.
• Warranty terms: clearly state the warranty scope and duration, and ask for the original warranty. After confirming these, you can welcome your new windows with peace of mind!

Summarize

Choosing a good airtight window (soundproof window) is very important for the comfort of our house. Just choose the product according to the "five major focuses" based on your needs and budget, and you can choose the brand according to the "airtight window brand comparison table" to find a suitable brand. In fact, each brand has high-end and low-end products, and you can choose according to your budget. After selecting the product, be sure to find a professional and reliable manufacturer to install and carefully inspect it. Spending a little more thought can bring decades of quiet and comfort. Using excellent airtight windows and soundproof windows will definitely bring a wonderful life experience. I hope the above information can help you.

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