If you are experiencing noise pollution, you will know just how distracting and harmful it can be. Fortunately, there is a relatively simple solution – install some acoustic windows.
As with any investment for the home, it is important to weigh the cost against the benefits to determine your best course of action.
In this blog, we will explain how acoustic glass works, the many benefits it offers, and whether it is worth the cost, depending on your circumstances.
What is Acoustic Glass?
Acoustic glass, also known as soundproof glass, is designed to reduce the level and intensity of the outside sounds that can travel into your home.
Noises outside are called ambient sound, and when ambient sound reaches 65 decibels (dB), The World Health Organisation (WHO) class it as noise pollution.
For reference, two people having a normal conversation typically reach a decibel level of around 50. 65 dB may not seem much higher, but because the sound is heard through vibrations, each additional 10 dB means the noise is perceived as being ten times louder.
The pitch of the sound also affects how loud it ‘feels’. So high-pitched noises such as children’s voices or whistles seem louder than a low hum. However, low noises travel further (think the bassline of music in a nightclub). Solid objects can absorb and then amplify the sound, but acoustic windows work to block and reduce such sounds.
How Does Acoustic Glass Work?
With a single glazed window, the sound waves hit the glass and transmit into the home. The single pane of glass absorbs very little of the sound, causing uncomfortable levels to be transmitted.
Double and triple glazing have Argon gas sandwiched between multiple panes of glass, disrupting the sound waves and reducing the level transmitted.
Using this principle, acoustic glass is double or triple-glazed but also comprises different thicknesses of glass and a PVB laminate interlayer which work together to break up the sound waves and further dampen the sound being transmitted. Windows with the highest sound transmission class (STC) are the best for reducing external sounds.
Acoustic Glass Thickness
Acoustic glass is double or sometimes triple-glazed. There are also different thicknesses of glass available. Usually, glass will be between 6.5 mm to 12mm thick. You can get even thicker glass, but it will be heavy, require a stronger frame than most windows, and will be considerably more expensive.
You may think the thicker the glass, the better the noise reduction. You would be right in a single-glazed window. However, with acoustic glass windows, having panes of different thicknesses helps to disrupt the sound waves to reduce noise pollution.
- A single pane of 4mm glass will reduce noise by around 29 dB
- A single pane of 12mm glass will reduce noise by around 34 dB
Acoustic Glass vs Double Glazing
As mentioned. Double glazing already absorbs more sound waves than single glazing so homes with single glazing would see a huge improvement in external noise reduction by installing double glazing. The average double-glazed windows can reduce external noise by up to 33 dB. If your external noise levels don’t exceed 65dB, double glazing could provide the ideal solution.
However, some homes need a little extra help. Triple glazing offers an additional 4 dB ‘dampening’ of noise compared to standard double glazing.
Acoustic glass is capable of reducing external noise by approximately 50 dB.
How Effective is Acoustic Glass at Reducing Sound
Despite the name, no glass is entirely soundproof. External sound always bounces off and transmits through a solid object, such as a window. The key is to reduce the decibels so the sound transmitted is not harmful or intrusive.
At Manchester Window Factory, we provide STADIP SILENCE windows, which can reduce ambient sound transmission by up to 54dB in a double-glazed window. Even a single pane of STADIP SILENCE glass can reduce the sound to approximately 47 dB, approximately, depending on how thick the pane is.
If you live in a noisy area, such as a city centre, close to a train station, or on a flight path, acoustic glass can reduce the high noise levels to a far more manageable level.
For example, a jet plane taking off at 25 metres produces 150 dB and can rupture an eardrum at that distance. If you live close to an airport or on a busy flight path, you may experience more than 100 dB regularly, leading to serious ear damage.
With acoustic windows, that sound could be reduced to the level of a regular conversation.
Similarly, the noise of a nearby motorway or train station could be reduced to a whisper.
The Benefits of Acoustic Glass
While the main benefit of acoustic glass is reducing ambient sounds, other benefits include:
- High energy-efficiency rating
- Can help reduce your heating bills
- Airtight seals offer excellent insulation, keeping your home warm and comfortable
- Our acoustic windows are safe and made to British Security Standards
- Can filter up to 99% of UV light, preventing sun bleaching
- Can increase the value of your property
- A range of sizes, shapes, colours and styles is available to suit any decor and architecture
- Choose from a selection of hardware
Is Acoustic Glass Expensive?
There are a few ways to achieve soundproof windows, and not all involve installing new windows.
Secondary Glazing
If you have good solid frames, it may be possible to install secondary glazing. This is a second pane of a different thickness, fitted to the glass with a gas-filled gap, to create a double-glazed window. Not only is this a much cheaper option (at around £400 per window), but far less disruptive and can be done in less than a day.
New Acoustic Glass Windows
If you are buying new soundproof windows, the cost will be determined by the manufacturer, the size and number of windows and the type of windows.
As a rough guide, a casement soundproof window will cost you between £895 – £1,860 depending on the size and complexity of the design among other factors. Soundproof sash windows are significantly more expensive. You should expect to pay between £1365 and £4,760 per window.
Remember, labour costs can also increase depending on how difficult it is to access the windows.
If you are working on a tight budget, it may be wise to replace the windows in rooms where the noise pollution is causing the most headaches. This could be a home office, bedrooms or a living room.
Conclusion
Soundproof windows are an investment in the health and comfort of your family. If you have severe noise pollution, you may already be experiencing physical and mental health issues, which will only get worse over time.
However, it may not be necessary to replace all your windows with soundproof units.
If you currently have single-glazing in your home, upgrading to double or triple-glazing could solve your problem. If the problem is confined to one area of the home, secondary glazing or replacing a small number of windows may do the trick.
If you need to replace all your windows with new acoustic windows, you will have the peace of mind of a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.
With over 25 years of experience providing and installing the highest quality windows, doors, and conservatories, Manchester Window Factory is here to help.
If noise pollution is a problem, our in-house experts can advise which options best suit your circumstances and budget.
If you want to know more about the acoustic windows available or any of our products or services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us, email us or fill in our online quote form to request a callback. We look forward to hearing from you.
