Your home is your sanctuary. The last thing you want is to hear traffic, barking dogs, lawnmowers, construction equipment, and other sources of noise pollution when spending time with family, trying to relax, or focusing on important tasks. Fortunately, soundproof windows can reduce noise levels by 90% or more.
How Do Soundproof Windows Work?
They are designed to minimize the transmission of sound from outside. While these windows don’t block sound completely, they use specialized materials and air to absorb, reflect, or reduce sound waves that travel through them. A window’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures its noise reduction capability. An STC rating of 27 may classify a basic window, but a soundproof unit can have an STC rating well into the 50s.
What Contributes to Sound Reduction?
Sound-blocking windows are effective because they have many innovative features. These attributes, which work in combination to allow them to block noise, include:
Multiple Glass Panes
Compared to single-pane windows, double-pane and triple-pane windows are much more effective at slowing noise transmission (although standard double-pane windows feature two pieces of glass that vibrate together on the same frame, so aren’t effective noise reducers). Soundwaves can easily pass through one layer of glass. But additional panes of glass (with the features discussed below) provide sound dampening and dissipation; they act as insulators to diminish the intensity of sound waves.
Varying Thicknesses of Glass
Two thin panes of glass of the same thickness won’t insulate well against sound. The multiple panes in a soundproof window have varying levels of thickness. This helps dampen sounds at different frequencies and prevent some sound frequencies from harmonizing with the glass and passing right through.
Layers of Air
In between each pane of glass is an air spacer. It is based on the principle that sound moves more slowly through the air than it does through solid materials. Engineers have created more space between window panes to increase air volume. Therefore, sound waves dissipate more effectively as they move through the panes.
Soundproof Windows Are Well Insulated
The most effective noise-reducing windows have insulated frames, compression weatherstripping, and waterproof caulking. Without an airtight seal, even the most reliable sound-reducing materials won’t perform to their full potential. That’s where an experienced window professional can help, as they provide the materials, sealing, and insulation to effectively dissipate outdoor sounds.
What Other Benefits Do Soundproof Windows Provide?
Less outside sound means there are fewer distractions. This can lead to higher productivity and improved memory for people in homes, offices, schools, and other environments. Overall, health and well-being can be improved as well, as the materials used help keep out dust, pollen, and microbes as well as block ultraviolet light that can increase the risk of skin cancer and damage furniture and art. The windows’ insulating properties help reduce heating and cooling demand, so may contribute to reduced energy costs.
Realize the Benefits of Soundproof Windows by Contacting a Local Installer
Window World of Orange County specializes in installing soundproof and other types of windows. Our experienced contractors install sliding, casement/awning, double-hung, bay/bow, garden, and other window products in homes throughout the region. A labor guarantee is included with each installation. We also offer financing options to make installation more affordable with monthly payments. To learn more, call 714-364-0761 today.