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Window Noise Reduction: Which are the Best Soundproofing Windows?
When looking for replacement windows, window noise reduction is a key feature for many homeowners. Investing in soundproofing windows around your home will help to reduce the level of noise from the outside.
As a high proportion of the noise we hear enters through our windows, replacing them could be the ideal solution to your problems. In this article, we’ll discuss how windows can reduce noise pollution, how noise reduction is measured, and how much soundproof windows cost in the UK.
However, if you’re just looking to get soundproof windows installed as quickly as possible, we can also help you with that. Finding qualified window installers on your own can be a stressful process, taking up hours of your free time. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Our team at GreenMatch can quickly connect you with up to 4 trusted installers from our UK network.
As well as saving you time, using our service can save you money. You can easily compare the quotes side by side to ensure you’re getting the best deal. What’s more, our service is completely free and non-binding. Click the button below to get your soundproof window quotes now.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £150 per year
How can windows reduce noise pollution?
As glass panes are rigid structures they are ideal for conducting sound waves. For this reason, a single pane of glass in your windows will do very little (if anything) to stop unwanted sounds from entering your home. In fact, even double glazing won’t make a significant impact. While it’s not possible to completely soundproof your home, you can make a real improvement by installing windows with ‘sound proofing qualities’.
To have a real noise reducing impact a window needs to have a combination of 2 or more of the following factors:
Thickness
Generally, the thicker the glass, the less noise you will hear.
Laminated layers
A layer of, for example, PVB (polyvinyl butyral) between the sheets of glass can reduce noise pollution without affecting the clarity of the glass.
Space between the panes
The greater the gap between sheets of glass the better the protection. It’s also possible to add heavy gases like argon in the gap which will reduce noise even further.
Ways to increase window noise reduction
As well as fitting new windows, there are some other ways to reduce noise pollution making its way in through your windows.
Seal cracks around the windows
You could have the best soundproofing windows but if there are cracks around them then you won’t notice any benefit. Checking for cracks then filling them in with sealant is one of the most effective ways to reduce outdoor noise. Doing so will also help to prevent heat from escaping which in turn will keep your heating bills to a minimum.
Double or triple Glazing
Adding a second or even third pane of glass to the windows to make double or triple glazing is a very effective option. Alternatively, you could fit windows with secondary glazing which is simply adding a second pane of glass to existing single-glazed windows. You could also get grants for windows and doors from government programs such as ECO4, although these tend to only apply to double glazing.
Noise reduction glass
Some glass has been specifically designed to prevent noise pollution.
Noise cancelling curtains
A thick pair of curtains can help to keep outdoor noise at bay too. Plus, as they’re thicker than normal curtains, they’ll also help to keep the heat from escaping too.
Measuring window noise reduction
To get a sense of how effective a window is at noise reduction, you need to look at the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating given to it. This rating will tell you how much sound can travel through the window. The ratings relate to decibels and refers to the average level of noise stopped at 18 different frequencies.
STC Ratings Guide
On average, a window can have an STC rating of anything from 18 to 38.
- Single pane: 26-28
- Double pane: 26-32
- Soundproofed single pane: 48-54
- Soundproofed double pane: 48-54
To give you an indication of this in real life terms, the STC rating needs to be 40 or above to make a significant improvement to a noise problem. For this reason, while replacing single pane windows with double glazing may improve a mild noise problem, it will not make an impact for homes with severe noise pollution.
Important Note! The STC rating for the glass does not necessarily reflect the STC rating of the window. Some manufacturers will display the STC of the glass to make the product appear more effective than it actually is. We recommend that you ask for clarification from any supplier to be sure the whole window will provide enough protection.
How much difference will soundproofing windows make?
Replacing your existing windows with higher quality single or double pane glass can help to reduce some of the noise transmission, but this usually will not exceed a 20-50% reduction. For homes suffering from a significant noise problem this will not be enough to make a noticeable difference.
According to acoustic experts, to actually notice a significant improvement the minimum reduction needs to be at least 75%. Some specialist windows like the ones used in recording studios can deliver noise reduction up to 95% but these aren’t always suitable for residential properties.
In addition, because of the extra technology that’s involved soundproofed windows are generally tougher in their construction making them more secure.
How much do soundproofed windows cost?
As a rough guide you can expect to pay between £300 – £1,200 for soundproof windows excluding installation. However, as with most home improvement projects, costs are hard to estimate without a professional assessment of your home. The cost of replacing some or all of the windows in your home with soundproof glass will depend on several variables:
- Style of window
- Number of windows
- Type of glass used
- Size of windows / frames
- Cost of installation
Get free window noise reduction quotes
GreenMatch can provide you with up to 4 quotes from installers in your area. These professional installers have all passed our strict screening process to ensure they meet our high standards including industry accreditations and customer recommendations.
Complete our simple enquiry form today and we will be in touch in a matter of hours to confirm your details and find you the best quotes for your replacement windows. There’s no fee for using our service and no-obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive. Click the button below to begin.
- Quotes from local engineers
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- Save up to £150 per year
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