Noise pollution is increasing every day. As humans inhabit different and distant areas, they tend to increase noise levels. Often, the noise of cars, buses, and other vehicles enters your home during the day. Similarly, the parties and gatherings of your neighbors may dominate your nighttime. Some homeowners feel very irritated and frustrated with these noises. They may divert attention, reduce focus, and cause an increase in stress levels. Consequently, homeowners think of replacing their current windows with noise-canceling windows to reduce the issue. Here, this article will consider everything related to noise-canceling windows in the following order:
- Are the noise-canceling windows completely soundproof?
- What technology do noise-canceling windows employ?
- What are the costs of noise-canceling windows?
Are noise-canceling windows completely soundproof?
Setting your expectations right to increase the comfort and enjoyment you derive from the product. Thus, it is important to understand how much noise-canceling windows offer noise reduction. Homeowners have a general misconception that soundproof windows are completely soundproof. It is certainly not the case. However, these noise-canceling windows offer as much as 90 to 95 percent noise reduction. Thus, they are almost as good as soundproofing. Generally, these windows cancel the noise from most higher frequency sources. Thus, the sound of birds chirping may no longer wake you in the morning. However, it is difficult to cancel low-frequency sounds completely. Trucks and trash grinders usually generate these sounds. However, modern noise cancellation windows have a better sound transmission class, which blocks these low-frequency sounds.
Generally, a single pane window averages at 27 on the sound transmission scale, while a dual-pane window may minimally increase to 28. On the other hand, noise cancellation windows average at an awesome level of 45 on the sound transmission scale. Similarly, high-quality noise cancellation windows may offer a noise reduction of at 50 to 60 STC.
What technology do noise-canceling windows employ?
The noise-canceling windows need to provide a barrier between the outside sound and our ears. Usually, the best way is to employ techniques that prevent soundwaves from entering the home. Usually, a few common strategies help to reduce sound penetration. Increasing the mass of the window is an effective approach. Here, the manufacturer uses thicker glass that can physically block and reflect soundwaves from entering the home.
Similarly, the manufacturer may insert more air space in the windows to increase the distance between window-panes. This air disperses the sound waves in different directions instead of directly entering the house. Similarly, the glass requires lamination of noise-resistant material. Generally, plastic or laminated glass proves effective in reducing sound penetration. Furthermore, in some cases, a thick coat of varnish may apply to the needs to sound reduction.
Additionally, the contractor may install an additional windowpane behind your existing windows. This pane reduces the sound’s penetration and increases the sound transmission class rating of the complete window structure. Another method is to completely replace the window pane with windows that already have noise-canceling features.
What are the costs of noise-canceling windows?
Noise-canceling windows may cost a few hundred dollars greater than normal windows if owners buy them ready-made. However, ready-made windows may not be effective in high noise areas. For example, if the homeowner lives near the airport, he may have to get his noise-reducing windows custom-build. In such cases, a 6000 square foot windowpane for the entire house may cost as much as $ 250,000. Additionally, homes within the city may opt for expensive noise-canceling windows to cancel the noise of sudden thunder or ambulance sirens.
Another addition to noise-canceling windows is energy-efficient technology. These windows use low-energy coatings to trap heat in spaces between them. Thus, they cancel noise and reduce your heating costs. Additionally, you may request noise-canceling windows made from a specific material. Some people prefer their windows made from bulletproof glass. In such cases, the cost may rise even higher than before.
Conclusions
Noise-canceling windows are not the only solution to reduce noise penetration in your house. You may use a better vent system to prevent noise from entering your house. Similarly, insulation may prove useful. However, if you require noise canceling windows specifically, our guide will help you know everything about them before the purchase.
