There's nothing worse than being woken up by disruptive outdoor noises or having endless construction happening in your city, day in and day out. Unwanted noises affect your sleep, concentration, and lower your quality of life. Choosing the right noise prevention windows for your home is a surefire way to instill tranquility in your home and ears for years to come.
Unfortunately, there are no windows that are 100% soundproof, but there are many ways you can introduce better noise reduction and sound resistance in your home. Our window installation team at SuperiorPRO in Atlanta is able to help you figure out which window would work best for your lifestyle. Give us a call today and see what we can do for you!
Understand Where Unwanted Sound is Coming From
The first clue in solving noise pollution is understanding how sound is measured and how to reduce noise in windows depending on your circumstance.
Most homes feature standard single-pane windows, but adding more panes of glass enhances soundproofing due to the additional mass introduced.
Sound waves travel through both the air and materials. As sound waves pass through different materials, they are either absorbed, reflected, or diminished. With additional panes, the glass becomes thicker, slowing the transfer of sound waves and reducing noise.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings measure a window's ability to reduce airborne sound with mid-to-high frequencies, like speech or TV. The higher the STC rating, the better it is at noise reduction for windows.
Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) ratings measure how well a window blocks lower-frequency noises, such as traffic and airplane sounds. If you struggle with heavy outdoor noise pollution, you'll need a window with a higher OITC rating than an STC rating.
Types of Noise Control Windows
Different types and glass of windows will significantly reduce the noise that's allowed in. Working with SuperiorPRO helps you avoid common window mistakes and ensure that you'll be choosing the right window for your lifestyle.
Double Pane
Upgrading to double-pane windows is a step towards reducing noise. These windows feature two layers of glass with a spacer filled with air which boosts energy efficiency and creates a barrier that minimizes sound transmission. Though double pane glass won't block all outside noise, double-pane windows can significantly reduce sounds such as distant traffic or nearby conversations.
Triple Pane
Triple-pane windows feature a third layer of glass and an extra air space, making them even more effective as noise control windows. Triple-pane windows are particularly valuable in noisy environments or regions with extreme weather, providing both acoustic and thermal benefits because of their insulating properties.
Specialized Glass
If your main goal is noise reduction for windows, it may be best to opt for specially engineered glass like Laminated Glass or Acoustic Glass.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made from two or more layers of glass bonded together with a special sound-dampening membrane interlayer. The interlayer is usually made out of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) which helps absorb sound vibrations, preventing them from passing through the window.
Ideal for both STC and OITC needs, laminated glass is great for homes in urban areas with low frequency noises like planes or train stations.
Acoustic Glass
For maximum sound reduction, opt for Acoustic Glass. Specifically engineered to block sound, Acoustic Glass uses specialized lamination techniques and varying glass thickness to block different sound waves and frequencies. Acoustic Glass offers the highest STC and OITC ratings and is the grandest choice for noise prevention windows.
Frame Material and Proper Installation
An important element of how to reduce noise in windows is understanding window materials and choosing the right frame with proper installation.
Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglass frames maintain a tight seal that prevents sound leakage and are a strong choice for effective noise control. Fiberglass also offers good insulation and is very durable.
Wood Frames
Wood frames are naturally sound-dampening, as wood absorbs sound vibrations. If you're looking for a cozy, aesthetic appeal, wood is an excellent choice for both noise reduction and style.
Vinyl Frames
Vinyl frames are the most affordable option, as they provide moderate insulation but are less effective at blocking sound compared to wood or fiberglass.
Bring Peace and Tranquility into Your Home
Are you ready to rid yourself of noise frustrations? Since 1998, our window replacement and installation team at SuperiorPRO in Atlanta has served our community with the utmost care and high quality service. Don't let noise pollution disrupt your life — call SuperiorPRO today and trust us to have your windows covered.