Noise around your home becoming too much of a disturbance? Find out why soundproof windows could help curtail some of it and foster a quieter environment indoors.
What Are Soundproof Windows?
A window that’s considered soundproofing is a design capable of restricting and blocking the transmission of sound from outside to inside, and vice versa, primarily fitted at homes located near a busy road, major flight path or railway.
Laminated glass or double glazing is a typical feature of a soundproof window and it will have panes of differing thicknesses, as well as be properly sealed.
Consider their installation if you want to tackle the problem of inordinate external noise disturbing you at home.
How Does A Soundproof Window Work?
The function of a soundproof window is to disrupt and absorb sound waves as they attempt to infiltrate a design. It has these constituents:
- Assorted glass layers
Air gaps are present in between each pane of a double glazed window, acting as a sound barrier. The wider the gaps, the better the sound reduction. - Laminated glass
Contains a plaster layer (normally PVB or resin) wedged between the glass panels to diminish vibrations and obstruct noise. - Assorted thicknesses
This is essential to intercept different sound frequencies and amplify noise reduction. - Special frames and seals
Completely airtight and include acoustic seals to prevent sound leakages around glazed edges. - Gas-filled gaps
Argon gas, or some other inert gas, is infused into some windows to raise sound insulation.
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Are They Effective?
While it is impossible for any window to totally eradicate sound, a potential noise reduction of up to 95% is achievable, subject to the type of noise and its source, and how the window is constructed. Sound Transmission Class (STC) or Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) ratings symbolise how effectively a window reduces sound – a high rating indicates commendable sound reduction.
Definition and Purpose
How to soundproof windows requires further action than solely using double glazing in a window unit.
Sound vibrations are more likely to be halted or softened when a soundproof window has a mix of components, such as specialised glass, ample air gaps, panes with contrasting thicknesses and precise sealing.
Replacement windows configured as such can decrease the level of noise caused by cars, trains, planes etc. that reaches your house, ushering a more peaceful habitat.
How Do They Differ From Standard Windows?
From knowing products like UPVC windows as well as we do, Eden Windows is well-placed to teach you how soundproof windows vary in comparison to standard windows.
When a window is specifically designed for soundproofing, its primary role is to curb sound transmission, whereas a standard window’s purpose is to improve thermal comfort.
Instead of regular glass, a soundproof window contains laminated glass that has two or more layers fused together with a special PVB or EVA interlayer.
They have dissimilar spacing too – standard windows employ matching spacing throughout, while a soundproofed equivalent has varied air gaps and is more airtight.
Correct installation is pivotal for soundproofed windows to be effective, otherwise they’ll have little impact.
How Soundproofing Works
Three physical principles are needed to ensure a window manages to disturb, reduce and block sound transmission – mass, damping and decoupling.
Let’s dissect each principle to help you gain an understanding of how they disrupt the path of sound energy – this will be invaluable insight when assessing types of windows.
Principles of Effective Soundproofing
Mass refers to the actual blocking of sound waves with heavy, dense materials. Mass can be increased in the best coloured UPVC windows for soundproofing purposes by using thicker layered glazing.
When talking about ‘damping’, it cites the reduction of the amplitude of vibrations arising from sound waves. Once damped, a window material transforms vibrational energy into small volumes of heat to stop it moving through.
Decoupling represents the segregating of building elements to thwart direct sound transmission, brought about by things like structural breaks and air gaps.
Forms of Noise Pollution
With a growing population comes a rise in noise, much to the chagrin of many homeowners.
Noise is fuelled by multiple sources and if any of them ring true, the best soundproof windows may deal with it.
- Traffic and road noise
Increasing car numbers inevitably result in escalated noise. This can create low-to mid-frequency noise in urban and suburban districts. - Neighbours
If only all your neighbours were as considerate as you are! Blaring music or loud conversations next door can sneak in through walls, ceilings and open windows. - Industrial & construction noise
Manufacturing facilities on industrial estates can emit high decibel noise and make you want to resort to ear plugs. - Leisure noise
Whether its fans of the local football team roaring as a last-minute winner hits the back of the net or or a rowdy pop concert nearby, such noise can be a major distraction. - Aviation noise
When launching into the sky or performing a landing, the low-frequency vibrations caused by planes can be enough to penetrate buildings.
How Different Forms Of Noise Can Impact Your Health
Relentless exposure to noise is no good for your wellbeing, no matter what kind of noise it happens to be.
Stress and anxiety levels may go through the roof, your sleep could be affected, as may your hearing, mental fatigue might kick in, and in the most extreme circumstances, cardiovascular issues can ensue e.g. high blood pressure or heart attack.
Failure to take some type of action is inadvisable, not if you want to maintain a healthy life.
Can You Get Any Budget Soundproofing Options?
If noise interruption is mild, you won’t necessarily have to buy new windows to resolve the situation.
Several low-cost solutions are available that will offer an element of soundproofing, but not to the extent of replacement window openings, that’s for sure.
Weatherstripping, Curtains, Rugs, and Panels
- Weatherstripping
Apply weatherstripping (resilient strips of material) to any areas of your windows and doors that have cracked or where gaps have emerged so that noise can’t sneak through. - Curtains
Replace your curtains for a heavier set to dampen sound that finds its way into your interior. Layered drapes will suffice or hang some blackout curtains to repel light and sound. - Rugs
Get a grip on impact noise by adding thick rugs and mats to floors. For playroom and office areas, employ puzzle foam mats, dense area rugs and rug pads. - Panels
Sound waves are less able to strike hard surfaces when confronted by DIY acoustic panels. Fabric-wrapped, they’re easily placed on walls and ceilings. Get a tutorial on installation via YouTube.
Why Total Noise Blocking Is Tricky
It would be inaccurate to say that complete elimination of home is possible, because it is virtually impossible to accomplish. You can trust us on this, just as you could when we discussed standard window sizes.
Sound moves through the air and solid surfaces, plus it can bend, so even a well-sealed room will attract a certain amount of noise.
Many properties have insufficient acoustic insulation – demonstrated by thin walls and hollow doors.
Rather than aiming for noise cancellation, set the realistic aim of noise reduction.
What Do Soundproof Windows Cost?
They surpass the cost of standard single, double or triple glazed windows because they’re chiefly made for noise control.
Along with specialist glazing, they also feature significant air gaps. Most are heavily customised too and fitting them involves complex installation.
Read our FAQs
Can existing windows be soundproofed?
They can be if you are eager to know how to make windows soundproof and we’ll make you privy to the possible approaches you can take.
Seal up any gaps or cracks with either acoustic sealant or weatherstripping tape and put up a thicker or layered set of curtains fitted tight to the wall or frame.
Alternatively, commit to a window upgrade, particularly if your current windows are only single glazed.
How can you stop noise spilling through windows?
Noise only needs the tiniest gaps and cracks to get past windows and inside a house. Acoustic sealant, weatherstripping tape and draught excluders will help deal with this.
Exchange your curtains as previously suggested and either get us to attend to the fitting of window replacements with double or triple glazed units.
Can a window be 100% soundproof?
Unfortunately, not – you will never succeed in making any window completely soundproof.
That includes the world’s most insulated windows, as sound can leak into a property and vibrate via walls, frames and building materials.
But on the positive side, combining laminated glass with wide air gaps and sealed frames can potentially reduce decibels by roughly 40–50 dB.
Enjoy Quieter And Healthier Home Living
Soundproof windows will foster some tranquillity, improving your overall wellbeing and making you feel a whole lot happier.
Indoor conversations will be more discreet after these windows are in situ and you should list them as a selling point if your house is just off a highway.
Discuss window soundproofing in more detail with Eden Windows to uncover further methods of dealing with it.
Another recent blog we’ve written about windows is what is a u value in windows. Why not give it a read!
Looking for new replacement windows?
Old favourites such as the Sash Window and Casement Window, sit alongside contemporary innovations including our latest flush range available in double glazing or triple glazing options.
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