Reduce Noise with Soundproof Windows

Installing new windows has many benefits, namely their insulatory properties, reduction in energy bills, and their aesthetic appeal. An often underrated feature of double and triple glazed windows is their soundproofing qualities. With that in mind, this article is all about showing you how double and triple glazed windows soundproof your home and why it is so effective. So, if you live near a busy road, airport, train or bus station, this article is definitely for you. 

Benefits of reducing noise levels in your home

• Reduced stress
• Improved quality of sleep
• Greater ability to concentrate and work from home
• Uninterrupted gatherings for family and friends

How is sound measured?

To start, it is necessary to understand how sound is measured before you can see how much double or triple glazing reduces that amount. Sound intensity is measured by Decibels (dB). The higher the dB measurement, the louder the sound. So, when you hear a HGV, train or aeroplane near you, the force of this sound would be more significant than a car driving past if you live on a busy road. The force of the sound can also increase the volume of the sound. Conversely to other scale measurements, the decibel scale increases to the power of ten. So, every increase of 10dB also results in a 10 fold increase in the intensity of the sound. This can be damaging to your hearing over a sustained period of time. The average amount of noise a home experiences in the UK is around 40dB, anything over 85dB can be damaging. 

What level of sounds can humans hear?

Humans can hear sounds between 0 and 140 decibels. Skilled listeners can hear a change of 1dB but most of us can detect sound increases of 2-3dB. Some examples of common sounds and their decibel levels include:

• Breathing: 10dB
• Whispering/rustling leaves: 20dB-30dB
• Quiet conversation: 40dB
• Normal conversation: 60dB
• Vacuum cleaner: 70-80dB
• Helicopter: 100dB
• Police siren: 110-120dB
• Jet engine/fireworks: 120+ dB

How is sound reduction measured?

How far windows can reduce sound pollution is measured in Rw, which is the weighted sound reduction index. When you are looking to purchase new windows, Window & Glass companies such as ourselves advise on the level of sound reduction. The higher the Rw is the greater the insulation of sound that our windows and glass offers. 

So how much noise do double and triple glazed windows reduce?

How much sound that is reduced depends on the type of window. For instance, because double glazing has two panes of glass and a layer or argon gas, double glazed windows can reduce sound by as much as 20-65%. So, if you live in a particularly loud area such as near an airport which could have as much as 120dB, this would reduce the sound pollution to at least 96dB, at best around 72dB which would bring the level of noise down near to that of the average home in the UK. There are other factors that go into this, such as the quality of the sealant around the windows, uPVC frames and trickle vents etc. 

Triple glazing, as the name suggests, consists of three layers of glass with two gaps between them. The additional layer of glass and the extra air gap provide enhanced sound insulation compared to double glazing. Triple glazing is particularly effective in areas with high levels of noise pollution or for homes situated near busy roads, airports, or other noisy environments.

In general, triple glazing has the potential to offer better sound reduction than double glazing due to the additional glass layer and air gap. However, the actual performance depends on various factors, including the thickness of the glass, the width of the gaps, the type of gas used to fill the gaps, and the overall quality of the window installation.

It’s important to note that while both options can significantly reduce sound transmission, other factors such as window frame materials, seals, and overall construction quality also play a role in determining the effectiveness of sound insulation. It is important to note that while there are many varying beneficial types of windows for your home, no window will be 100% at completely eradicating sound when it comes to high intensity sounds on the decibel scale. 

Other ways you can adapt your windows to reduce sound

Of course, at Bingley Windows & Glass, we would discuss all the available solutions with you to best insulate your home from sound pollution during our initial conversation. That being said you can look for some additional products to insulate your home from sound. These include:

• Replacing your window panes with a thicker type of glass such as laminated or thermal
• Adding air space between panes to absorb the sound intensity and vibrations
• Plugging any gaps surrounding window frames or having new windows professionally installed
• Considering the use of modern trickle vent solutions

You can also take some steps around the home to absorb the impact of noise:

• Fill a room, the greater amount of soft furnishings and furniture, the more sources are available to absorb the impact from high intensity sound
• Invest in insulation materials for your walls and doors
• Buy a sleep machine or play soft ambient music. Quiet is the enemy of sound, so having a sound close by you can concentrate on can be a great short term measure.

How much will soundproofing my windows cost?

In short, there is no specific answer that we can give. We can advise on the general costs of double glazed or triple glazed windows but depending on the sound intensity you are experiencing and other insulation materials that may be required we would need to first have a conversation with you.

If we can be of any assistance, you can contact us today on 01535 958 183 or by using our contact form. 

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