In a 2013 study carried out by the British Medical Journal, those who lived near Heathrow airport were 10-20% more likely to be admitted to hospital for a stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. A German study also revealed that being exposed to an average noise level of 60dB increased coronary heart disease by 61% in men and 80% in women.
In recent times, pollution has become one of the chief problems that pose a threat to life. Noise pollution forms an integral part of this significant environmental hazard. Prolonged exposure to high frequency and excessive noise, especially over a long period, can be the root cause behind numerous health issues that can range from insomnia, lack of concentration, and emotional instability to cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and many more.
And that is why making your home soundproof or at least protected from immoderate noise is extremely important for a healthy life. Soundproof windows are the easiest and yet the most effective solution to this problem.
Soundproofing your windows is a relatively easy task that even you can do at home. However, you can find that in one of my other posts.
On the other hand, Soundproof windows are already designed and manufactured to block out and disperse sound. Of course, this requires you to replace your current windows.
| Type of Window | Sound Reduction Level (dB) | Material | Price Range | Customer Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundproof Sash Window | Up to 40dB | Double-glazed, Tempered Glass | $$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| Imitation Sash Window | Up to 51dB | Acoustic Secondary Glazing | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Soundproof Casement Windows | Up to 45dB | Aluminium, Wood | $$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| High Performance Tilt and Turn Windows | Up to 51dB | uPVC, Aluminium | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Noise Reduction Glazing | Varies | Special Acoustic Glass | $-$$$ | ★★★☆☆ |
Table of Contents
Soundproof Sash Window:
Soundproof sash windows reduce noise by causing the sound waves to lose their power as they pass through the materials used. These materials will absorb and reflect sound. The double-glazed, tempered glass is the most effective of these materials and sealants and other acoustic elements to combat noise.
What makes sash windows more effective is their ability to create an air-tight seal. The design of the window allows this as there is only one edge that needs to be manually sealed.
The simplistic yet charming design of the Sash style of windows dates back to the Georgian era, which, when combined with the modern technology of lower resonance, adds a vintage touch to your decor. Besides, the noise cancellation capacity of these windows goes up to 40dB (on average), which means they can effectively mute the sound of planes, trains, and even drones.
So, where do you find these windows? The global marketplace offers up many possible merchants. Alibaba.com provides many such merchants all in one place. @Pro Building Material company is one such verified merchant that can customize soundproof sash windows for you.
How to sign up for Alibaba
I’ve written a post detailing the entire process, so if you’re unsure how to order and/or don’t yet have an Alibaba account, read more here.
National Consumer Center offers you a chance to get a $500 gift card to Amazon. The payouts are quick, and you can use the Gift Card to pay for some of your Amazon products.
Soundproof Imitation Sash Window:
The imitation sash windows are reproductions of the Georgian sash windows fused with the practicality and effectiveness of modern household windows. These windows have a superior noise cancellation power that can reduce up to 51dB. The same effect can be achieved by two different modifications: noise reduction sash and acoustic secondary glazing.
Soundproof Casement Windows:
These classic but contemporary window designs go a long way in adding a persona to the interior decoration, but what’s more, they keep you healthy too. Just like opening the window will let the whole world in, closing them would mean canceling out all the noise and din of the outside world, providing you with a comfortable peace.
Casement windows are another excellent option if you are looking to replace your windows with soundproof ones. They are probably the most common window designs, so they are easier to find or have manufactured whilst maintaining the style of your home.
High-Performance Tilt and Turn Windows:
High-performance tilt-and-turn windows are a popular choice when it comes to soundproofing one’s house. With noise cancellation properties that can reduce up to 51dB of sound and their chic appearance, these tilt-and-turn windows beautify and protect your home from unwanted pollution.
How do Soundproof windows work
Soundproofing requires a dense barrier between the source and the area you’re trying to keep quiet. For most of your home, concrete, wood, etc., serve this purpose; however, regular window glass has its limitations for this purpose.
Soundproof windows use a thicker grade of glass sometimes to achieve this. Another method is to use laminated windows, which is a glass and plastic compound. This provides better density to the window but is not as effective. The other method is to use double glazing, which has a gap between the two sheets of glass. The best option combines soundproof-grade glass that’s double-glazed.
Double-glazed options work best and make the most sense for soundproof windows. Air can fill the space between the glasses; however, there is an option to use gas instead. This option also may benefit in reducing energy costs as well as blocking out some UV rays. These are also great as they fulfill a safety standard required, especially in bathrooms.
Then there is the matter of the sound traveling between gaps in the windows. This requires soundproof windows to be carefully engineered to ensure there are no gaps. The use of quality gaskets, hinges, the central locking system, and all the other window parts need to work nearly perfectly to provide the airtight seal required.
Installation
Once you have the windows, it’s also important to properly fit them into the wall and carefully treat the edges. Failing this will create leaks around the window and drastically reduce the effectiveness of the windows.
There are different varieties available in the market, providing customers with a wide array of options to choose from, depending on the houses’ aesthetic. A significant advantage of these products is that You can customize them.
Soundproof windows not only keep your family safe from the harmful effects of noise pollution but, at the same time, the diverse designs and models add a certain charm to your house.
Noise Reduction Glazing: It’s worth a second mention.
Acoustic glass or noise reduction glazing is a special glass designed to reduce any extra noise coming inside the house. The best part is that you can attach it to the existing window frames, and the installation process is relatively easy.
When it comes to soundproofing your windows, the leading companies offer three basic types of options: uPVC windows, Aluminium, and wooden windows, each with its unique design and purpose.
- uPVC windows cover the likes of uPVC sliding windows, uPVC sash windows, and uPVC french windows. The chief advantages of this type are that they are low-maintenance, cost-effective, and durable. uPVC windows are also environment-friendly and can be customized as per the consumer’s choice. At the same time, they ensure proper ventilation inside the house and are immune to the changing climatic conditions. However, despite being weather-resistant, these windows tend to sag due to their weight, and overexposure to the sun can lead the window frames to crack and rupture.
- Aluminum soundproof windows offer a wide range of collections to choose from, including— glass to glass windows, aluminum French windows, and side-hung windows. The advantages of this type of window are many. They are durable, eco-friendly, and come at an affordable installation cost. Furthermore, their thermal efficiency is way more significant than the other products accessible to the consumers and is suitable for all kinds of weather conditions. The one deal-breaker for aluminum soundproof windows is the conduction of heat. Since metal is a good conductor, the expansion and contraction due to heat absorption can result in cracks and ruptures over a long period.
- Wooden soundproof windows can be a tilt and turn type, a fixed type, hung, or sliding. A significant advantage of this type of window is that wood is not a good thermal conductor and has the smallest expansion coefficient of the other two varieties. Besides, the quality of insulation that these wooden windows provide is a few times better than their metal equivalent. On the other hand, they are more vulnerable to humidity and pest infestations. Since wood absorbs moisture, there’s a pretty significant risk of the frames rotting and becoming soggy. This can affect the shape and design of the window as well as decrease its efficiency.
The perks of soundproof windows are easy to install and can be an excellent energy-saving option. Some products even come with an additional insulation layer that helps maintain a steady temperature inside the household, saving a considerable amount of energy. They can even reduce conduction and thermal absorption like the dual-pane window with a layer of air between the double window panes. This way, the chances of the interior getting too hot or too cold are minimized. The primary benefit is noise reduction and, in some cases, complete cancellation of the excessive noise and resonating sounds, which you can reduce up to 45 dB.
Conclusion
As is evident, soundproof windows are the key to a better lifestyle and healthier living. With a marvelous collection to choose from and an expansive price range, these windows will not only cut down on the polluting effects but also beautify your living space. This is an excellent investment with multiple benefits and perks that are tough to let go of.
Good luck and happy soundproofing!
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