Which window types are best for soundproofing?
Friday, 17 December 2021
We all know how important window choices are for thermal insulation. Energy efficiency is at the forefront of many customers’ priorities. Thermally high performing windows mean smaller energy bills and a lower environmental impact. However, for day to day comfort and living, soundproofing can be just as important. It’s often the case that the most optimal thermal windows also perform well in noise reduction too. However, there are specific aspects that increase a window’s soundproofing qualities. So to choose window types best for soundproofing, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for.
Noise Pollution
You don’t have to live in a city to be troubled by noise disturbances penetrating your home. Train lines, flight paths, motorways, industrial or agricultural proximity and even schools can all cause unwanted noise infiltration into your home. The World Health Organisation guidance for background noise levels within living areas of a home are 35dB for a living room and 30dB for bedrooms. There are no specific legal limits on noise from roads. So when traffic noise on a busy road ranges up to 75dB, a building must be able to reduce the noise level by 40-45dB.
Standard Double glazing
Sound reduction within structures, including windows, is measured using a rating system called Rw. The weighted sound reduction index indicates the number of decibels by which a window can reduce the perception of noise. Generally speaking, good quality double glazed windows carry a Rw rating of around 30-35. In addition to this, there are a large number of benefits to double glazed window replacement.
Energy Efficiency
The air pocket between panes of glass typically contains an inert gas such as argon, which is heavier than the air around us. It’s this which makes it so effective at both muting noise and retaining heat.
Privacy
Double glazed units can be constructed with obscured glass, tinted glass and even smart glass that alters with conditions. This all increases privacy as well as noise reduction.
Comfort
As a result of better thermal and acoustic performance, double glazed units make domestic life considerably more comfortable.
Security
The reinforcement of double glazed windows over single pane windows makes them vital to optimise your home security.
Property Value
Replacing your home’s windows with double glazed options is a sound investment and increases property value.
Condensation
Double glazing prevents moisture from reaching the colder outer pane and helps to manage this issue.
Maintenance
Double glazed units constructed with uPVC, composite or aluminium frames do not require repainting or treating, so are incredibly low maintenance.
Challenges
There are a small number of challenges that should be considered while replacing a home’s windows with double glazed units.
Outlay
The cost of installing a new system of windows into a home can be considerable. However, there is usually a solution to fit within most budgets. The windows should be seen as an investment that pay back with decreased energy bills and increased living comfort.
Repair
Double glazed windows and doors can be challenging and expensive to repair. Casements can need to be replaced in full if a problem occurs. This is why it’s vital that you install your windows using a good quality supplier who includes warranties and good customer service.
Appearance
Conventional double glazed window systems don’t suit everyone aesthetically. If this is the case, look at composite timber replacement window systems. These are visually so close to timber windows that they’ve been accepted by planning in conservation areas.
Triple Glazing
While standard double glazing performs well to decrease noise seepage into the home, one way to go the extra mile is to install triple glazed windows. However, where does triple glazing perform better?
Energy efficiency
The U-value of triple glazing is markedly lower than the regulation minimum of 1.6. They average at 0.8 with some manufacturers achieving as little as 0.5
Soundproofing
A good triple glazing system can reduce noise pollution by up to 54dB.
Durability
Seals within triple glazed systems are extremely advanced so you can expect up to 30 years of performance
About Glass
Glass construction can be as important as the number of panes of glass in order to maximise soundproofing in a home.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is constructed by two panes of glass with a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between. This forms the outer pane of double or triple glazed units. PVB optimises the amount that sound waves can be dampened by the window. It also makes the window much harder to break.
Glass Thickness
If the panes of glass in a multi glazed casement are all of the same thickness, it will only offer a small increase in sound insulation. One pane of glass should be thicker than the other to offer superior sound protection. This is true for both double glazed and triple glazed products.
Secondary Glazing
This is the addition of a slim second window on the inside of an existing window. It is a method of increasing window insulation and can help to reduce noise penetration by adding a second barrier. In the past, this has been a popular solution in conservation areas that have restrictions on the installation of double glazed windows. However, innovations in composite units such as our Residence and Heritage collections have meant that double and triple glazed windows have been accepted in period properties and conservation areas.
Window Frames
It is not just glass that conducts sound and heat, so it’s important to look at the properties of your window frame material too.
uPVC
uPVC frames are thermal and UV efficient, plus they have great soundproofing properties as standard.
Aluminium
These frames are often designed with thermal breaks within the casement that prevent the transfer of both heat and noise through the frame.
Timber
Wood offers naturally strong thermal and sound proofing properties. It can be prone to damage unless consistently maintained, which can affect long term soundproofing performance.
Composite
The energy efficiency of this window frame material has a U-value of just 0.8. So both thermal and sound insulation is superior.
With a multitude of ways to ensure that your new windows offer the best soundproofing properties, your home can be a haven from the barrage of noise outside. To look at which options will work for you, just get in touch.