Tips
How to soundproof your windows
Keeping outdoor noises outside your home makes life more peaceful. You head inside to get away from the noise to relax. Your windows can play a role in finding peace in a busy world. Learn how sound reducing windows work and how to choose them for your home.
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What are noise reduction windows?
Noise reduction windows have more than one pane of glass. The interior pane has increased thickness. The added thickness helps dull the effect of outside noise. No window is soundproof, but they can help curb some of the noise you can encounter if you live in a busy city or near an airport.
Proper window installation helps ensure sound reducing windows operate at optimal levels. Professional installation can help seal any air leaks through which sound can pass.
Noise reduction windows are also known as Sound Transmission Class/Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class (STC/OITC) windows. STC represents how well an indoor partition reduces sound. OITC represents sound transmission between indoor and outdoor spaces.
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How do sound reduction windows work?
Extra window panes can limit the impact of outdoor noise. They present more of a barrier. They slow down the transfer of sound waves to make it seem quieter.
The variation in glass thickness between the panes breaks sound waves into different frequencies. It disrupts the transmission of sound to reduce its impact.
What is sound abatement?
Let's first grasp the concept of sound abatement before we delve into its benefits. Sound abatement refers to the process of reducing or blocking the transmission of sound waves from one area to another. In the context of windows, it involves the use of specialized materials and design features to minimize noise infiltration, resulting in a quieter indoor environment.
What to consider when choosing your windows
Noise reduction, or sound abatement, can be achieved through the materials used to build the window. For the most part, it’s the glass in the window that makes the biggest difference. Consider the following options when selecting replacement windows for your home:
Multiple glass panes
Consider double-pane glass options to reduce the noise in your home. Noise travels slower through multiple materials, and many older homes still have single-pane windows. By upgrading from a single-pane to a double-pane glass window, you should notice a significant improvement in the level of noise you hear inside your home.
Infinity replacement windows come standard with a double-pane glass filled with argon gas between the panes rather than air. Argon gas is denser than air, making it an excellent insulator. And because the frame of Infinity windows is made with Ultrex® fiberglass — the strongest material in the replacement industry — the window frame is slimmer. Less bulk, more glass, better views and you still get the sound abatement benefits.
Noise reduction glass options
Besides STC/OITC glass, you can choose laminated glass for noise reduction windows. Laminated glass also has a thick interior pane with the interlayer that holds glass in place if shattered. The vinyl interlayer and protective plastic film between double-pane glass serve as another barrier for sound to pass.
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How noise reduction windows can transform your home environment
Living on a busy street can bring a lot of distracting noise into your home. Infinity can help you find the best replacement window for noise reduction. Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows can reduce the impact of outdoor noise with the extra glass. The increased interior pane thickness of STC/OITC glass can dull noise to transform your home environment.
Understanding Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) ratings in windows
Sound Transmission Coefficient or Sound Transmission Class is an acoustic rating system. STC indicates how well a window blocks noise. STC ratings range from 0 to 100. Higher numbers show greater sound resistance.
Single-pane windows can have an STC rating around 25. An extra pane of glass can give a double-pane window a rating between 26 and 33. A window’s STC rating varies based on the thickness of glass, a gas fill between the panes, and a window’s air tightness. Laminated glass can also increase STC rating.
An Infinity consultant can review noise reduction for windows with you.
Frequently asked questions
The best windows for noise reduction are those with an increased pane thickness. The added thickness creates more of a barrier for sound to travel through. Laminated windows are another option because of the thin polymer.