Selection of replacement windows for noise reduction

Anyone who has ever lived near a train track or a busy street knows how frustrating outside noise can be. It’s hard to relax or sleep in your own home if you can’t escape the sounds of the outside world. Fortunately, thanks to innovations in glass technology, you can reduce the amount of outside noise entering your home by replacing your old windows with newer models optimized for sound blocking.

When looking for replacement windows to block sound, it’s important to keep in mind that not all windows block sound equally. Just because a window is new doesn’t necessarily mean it reduces outside noise as much as you’d like. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for replacement windows to block outside sounds.

Multiple panels are not necessarily enough.

Many homeowners are surprised to find that their new double-pane windows may not reduce noise significantly more than their old single-pane windows. Different thicknesses of glass block different frequencies of sound, so if the two panes (or even three, for triple pane windows) are the same thickness, the number of panes won’t really make a difference. To block more sound frequencies, the panels must have different thicknesses.

The panels must be separated.

All other factors being equal, the more space between the layers of glass in a window, the more effective that window will be at blocking sound. The amount of space between the panes will also affect energy efficiency, so be sure to discuss this option with a local window replacement specialist to determine how much space you really need between the window panes.

Look for laminated glass.

Laminated glass is commonly recommended for noise reduction. Laminated glass is formed by joining two pieces of glass with a layer of strong plastic between them. In addition to blocking sound very effectively, laminated glass also blocks the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

The installation must be hermetic.

The window must be properly installed and sealed to effectively reduce sound. It should also be surrounded by good insulation. If your window isn’t airtight, it won’t block sound well, no matter how big the glass.

New sound-blocking windows can help you enjoy peace and quiet in your home. Contact your local replacement window dealer for more information on installing new windows to reduce noise.