Soundproof Windows-What You Need To Know

 If you happen to live on a very busy street or somewhere with a lot of noise, you likely have a problem with noise pollution. If so, you’ll want to solve it.

One of the biggest factors that can contribute to this is your windows. Having the wrong windows is the easiest way to allow excess sound to leak in. If your windows are older and they aren’t made out of high-quality materials, they are likely big contributors to excessive noise pollution in your home.

In a lot of cases, you can cut down on this excess noise pollution with small additions like triple glazing sound reduction, sound-dampening curtains, or even window inserts. However, if you have a lot of noise pollution, it’s going to call for larger measures to be taken. You may need to replace your windows with soundproof solutions instead.

If you are designing a brand new home, you may want to install these kinds of windows from the start. However, before you do choose soundproof windows, you’re likely going to be interested in knowing how much they are going to set you back. Are they worth the premium?

How Do They Work?

To effectively minimize unwanted noise from leaking in, these windows have a barrier in place. This is necessary to avoid sound from leaking in. These windows have dead space between both the interior of your home and the window. This helps to minimize the soundwaves and prevents them from getting into your home.

The manufacturers of soundproof windows look to increase the sound transmission class or the “STC” of the window. You know a window is good at preventing unwanted noise pollution if it has a high STC rating. Therefore, it’s a good number to look at.

To effectively improve this rating, a manufacturer will utilize a couple of techniques. These include:

Making the Glass Thicker

This is something that helps to add more mass to the window. Mass is very important when it comes to blocking out excess sound because not as many soundwaves can pass through it. Thus, having a thicker glass panel will inherently be more soundproof than a thinner one.

Creating Dead Space Between the Panes

Another way they soundproof windows is by creating a barrier between the panes. This is to reduce sound resonance. This helps to minimize the vibrations the sound creates which dampens it.

Laminated Glass

This is another way they do it by adding a layer of material between the panes of glass to reduce the transmission of sound.

Are Soundproof Windows Soundproof?

The entire point of soundproof windows is to minimize sound. It’s to minimize noise pollution. While manufacturers try to make the windows as soundproof as possible, there’s no way to eliminate all sound from getting in. After all, every sound has a different frequency. It’s much more difficult to block lower frequency sounds like thunder than it is for higher-pitched sounds like whistles. The good news is, that these windows can block as much as 95% of the noise pollution you likely have.

When you are shopping for these windows, you want to ensure you are looking closely at the STC rating. The STC rating will tell you how effective the window is for reducing sound.

Some References:

• • A standard window that is single-pane will typically have a 27 STC rating.
  • A standard window that is dual-pane will typically have a 26 STC rating.
  • Soundproof windows typically have an STC rating that ranges from 48 to 54.
  • The premium soundproof window may have a rating that is 50 or greater and it blocks up to 95% of all noise pollution.

How Much Do They Cost?

This is likely a big factor in your purchasing decision. If you are looking to replace or install new soundproof windows, you can expect to pay a lot. These windows are not cheap. You will have to pay a premium for the premium materials that they are made with. However, they will deliver you great value in dampening a lot of the noise pollution in your area. Best of all, they are also long-lasting so you won’t have to replace them anytime soon.