Fed up of noise from outside interfering with your home life? Read up on how soundproof windows can bring peace and harmony at home in our guide.
What Are Soundproof Windows?
Soundproof windows are designed to minimise and block sound transmission from outside to inside (and the other way around), customarily chosen for residences situated close to major highways, railway networks and flight paths.
A soundproof window will mainly feature laminated glass or double glazing, panes with varying thicknesses and be tightly sealed.
They’re your salvation if searching for ways of limiting how much external noise enters your property.
How Do Soundproof Windows Work?
A soundproof window disrupts and absorbs sound waves when they try to pass through the design. It is comprised of the following:
- Assorted glass layers
Air gaps exist in between the panes of a double glazed window, offering a barrier to sound. The wider these gaps, the greater the amount of sound reduction offered. - Laminated glass
This glass type possesses a plastic layer (usually PVB or resin) lodged between the panes, designed to dampen vibrations and block noise. - Varied thicknesses
Utilising glass panes with differing thicknesses is necessary to target a broad group of sound frequencies and magnify noise reduction. - Special frames and seals
Fully airtight frames crafted from quality materials, together with acoustic seals, stop sound leaking around glass edges. - Gas-filled gaps
Inert gases (such as argon) are implemented in certain windows to further boost sound insulation.
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How Effective Are They?
Although no window is capable of completely eliminating sound, noise reduction of up to 95% is feasible, depending on the noise type and source, and the specific window construction. Sound Transmission Class (STC) or Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) ratings indicate a window’s effectiveness at reducing sound, with a higher number signifying an excellent level of sound reduction.
Definition and Purpose
How to soundproof windows entails more than just employing double glazing in a window unit.
To effectively halt or soften sound vibrations, a soundproof window requires a medley of constituents, including specialist glazing, sufficient air gaps, panes of contradictory depths and precision sealing.
With these elements, it can reduce the amount of external noise generated by cars, trains, planes and people that filters into your private haven, heralding a quieter household and, ultimately, happier home life.
What Makes Them Different from Standard Windows
As when detailing a window u value to readers of our regular blogs, Bon Accord Glass is excellently positioned to also tell you what sets apart soundproof windows from conventional window solutions.
A window built for soundproofing purposes is predominantly intended to restrict sound transmission, while a standard window is principally made to uplift home thermal insulation.
Laminated glass features in a soundproof window, rather than regular glass, with its two or more layers bonded together with a special PVB or EVA interlayer.
Spacing also differs between the two – a standard double glazed window has uniform spacing instead of the varied air gaps in a soundproofed design, which is far more airtight too.
But soundproofed windows are reliant on proper installation to perform like they should. If incorrectly fitted, their impact can be minimal.
How Soundproofing Works
Window soundproofing at residential settings is reliant on a trio of physical principles to interrupt, lessen or obstruct sound wave transmission – mass, damping and decoupling.
Let’s break down each of these principles to simplify your understanding of how they disturb the path of sound energy – priceless information if soundproofing is a motive for hunting around for new types of windows.
Principles of Effective Soundproofing
Mass cites the physical blockade of sound waves using heavy, dense materials. Employment of thicker layered glass is an example of increasing mass in coloured UPVC windows, and alternative window styles, for soundproofing reasons.
The term ‘damping’ refers to reducing the amplitude of vibrations derived from sound waves. On being damped, a material converts vibrational energy into small quantities of heat to prevent it travelling through.
Decoupling signifies the separation of building elements to disrupt direct sound transmission, initiated by the presence of things like air gaps and structural breaks.
Types of Noise Pollution
As the nation’s population grows, the country becomes a noisier place, and this can present challenges for homeowners.
Noise comes from a range of sources. If you identify with any of them, the best soundproof windows might be just what you need as a preventative measure.
- Traffic and road noise
Our roads seem to get busier by the day as the number of vehicles on them rises. This typically generates low- to mid-frequency noise in urban and suburban areas. - Neighbours
Your neighbours aren’t always as considerate as you are, whether it’s talking too loudly or cranking up the stereo full blast, resulting in it blaring through walls, ceilings or open windows. - Industrial & construction noise
If residing near a major industrial estate, the high decibel commotion caused by machinery, tools etc. can be enough to drive you mad. - Leisure noise
The roar of a crowd as an important goal is netted or a band blasts out its best-known tune at the local football stadium isn’t welcomed by everyone. - Aviation noise
On take off or when landing, planes can create low-frequency vibrations so powerful that they can penetrate buildings.
Impact of Different Types of Noise Pollution on our Health
Consistent exposure to noise pollution, wherever it derives from, can have a detrimental effect on your health and wellbeing in different forms.
You may see your stress and anxiety levels rise, sleep pattern broken, hearing damaged, experience serious mental fatigue, and in the very worst instance, endure cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure or a heart attack.
Sitting back and allowing the problem to persist therefore isn’t advisable – your health must always come first, so address the issue!
Are There any Budget Solutions?
Investment into replacement windows may not be required to manage mild noise issues, which will be pleasing to know if you rent or don’t presently have the budget for window replacements.
There are low-cost soundproofing solutions that can bring an element of quiet to your dwelling.
Weatherstripping, Curtains, Rugs, and Panels
- Weatherstripping
Employ weatherstripping (strips of resilient material) to seal any cracks or gaps that have emerged in your windows and doors, as noise can sneak in through these tiny openings. - Curtains
A heavier set of curtains can dampen how much sound reaches your interior. Blackout curtains will do a good job of it, blocking light as well as sound, or find some layered drapes. - Rugs
Impact noise can be restricted by putting down thick rugs and mats on flooring. Puzzle foam mats work well in playrooms, home offices etc. and dense area rugs with rug pads are worth buying. - Panels
Fit DIY acoustic panels to stop sound waves striking hard surfaces and spawning headache-inducing reverberations. These sound-absorbing fabric-wrapped boards are simple enough to install on walls and ceilings. If fitting them yourself is outside your comfort zone, there are plenty of easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials you can watch showing you how it’s done.
Challenges with Complete Noise Blocking
We’d like to tell you that total elimination of noise from the home is achievable, but that would be tricky to accomplish. So, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
Sound can move through air and solid surfaces and also bends, meaning that a well-sealed room is still likely to attract some sound from outside.
Acoustic isolation in lots of properties is flawed – thin walls and hollow doors are often commonplace.
Thus, it’s better to aim for noise reduction over noise cancellation, anything that will help you get a more restful night’s sleep or let you converse with family members without needing to raise your voice.
How Much Do Soundproof Windows Cost?
Soundproof windows cost more than standard single or double glazing windows because of them being purposely engineered for noise control.
They contain specialised glazing, larger air gaps, are largely customised and require a more complex installation process.
Accordingly, that makes them the most expensive offering out of the four options
Read our FAQs
Can you soundproof an existing window?
Yes, this is possible and there are a range of approaches you can take if you are curious as to how to make windows soundproof.
Seal gaps and cracks with acoustic sealant or weatherstripping tape and replace your existing curtains for thick or layered curtains fitted tightly to the wall or frame.
Secondary glazing is another possibility and involves the application of an extra layer of glass to the inside of your existing windows, creating an additional barrier against external noise.
Otherwise, upgrade your windows if you’re currently living with single glazed designs.
How can I stop noise coming through my windows?
It only takes the tiniest of gaps and cracks in windows for noise to make its presence felt in homes, so tackle any that have manifested in yours with acoustic sealant, weatherstripping tape and draught excluders.
Swap your curtains as instructed earlier too and take the step of incorporating secondary glazing into existing windows or upgrading them (get advice on is triple glazing better than double glazing if you decide to take this course of action).
Can windows be 100% soundproof?
We’d love to be able to say, yes, but the honest answer is that it’s impossible to make them 100% soundproof.
Even with the most insulated windows in the world, sound can still leak into homes and vibrate through walls, frames, and building materials.
However, don’t be disheartened, as a combination of laminated glass, wide air gaps and sealed frames can cut noise decibels by around 40–50 dB or more.
More Than Just Quiet — A Healthier, Happier Home
Soundproof windows can unlock quieter home living, which will do your wellbeing the world of good, concentrating your mind and lifting your spirits if noise is getting you down.
Gain the peace of mind of your private conversations going unheard by others too and point to this window type as a selling-point when hoping to attract a house sale if the building is located on a road with heavy traffic.
Bon Accord Glass can advise on addressing the issue of window soundproofing, if you need it, and install secondary glazing as a sound dampening measure.
Enjoyed this article? Catch up on last month’s piece about standard window sizes.
Looking for new replacement windows?
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