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Providing households with a wide range of benefits, we’re often asked how effective double glazing is at reducing noise. The acoustic performance of double glazed windows depends on glass type, interlayers, spacing and installation.
Increased noise pollution in the home can have a real impact on you and your family’s health and wellbeing. So, reducing noise pollution will not only reduce stress but it can also improve your immune system and your quality of sleep and memory.
Spending more time at home in recent years the need for a quiet home has become a focus for many. A quiet environment is essential for good health, wellbeing and productivity. Our double glazing
has been sound tested to see how well it reduces noise pollution and can keep out an impressive 35 decibels. This reduction brings outdoor sounds to the average noise level you would experience inside a home making living spaces much more comfortable.
To achieve this level of noise reduction you need high quality double glazing which ensures optimal acoustic insulation and performance. So if you would like to learn more about how double glazing reduces noise we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What is a decibel and how is it measured?
Decibels (dB) measure sound intensity - the higher the dB value the louder the noise in the home. When the sound’s force increases so does the volume of that sound. Unlike a linear scale (like a ruler) the decibel scale uses a logarithmic scale.
A linear scale divides distances into equal parts so for example 20cm is twice as long as 10cm, 30cm is three times as long etc. The decibel scale differs by increasing in powers of ten so every increase of 10dB is equivalent to a 10 fold increase in sound intensity. So 20dB is 10 times louder than a sound of 10dB and 30dB is 100 times more intense. 100dB is one billion times more intense than 10dB which is incredibly damaging.
When considering how much noise is acceptable in the home, experts refer to the LAeq (Equivalent Noise Levels). Recommended levels are 30-35dB for bedrooms for a restful sleep and 40dB for living areas for comfort.
Can we hear 1 decibel?
Yes, humans can hear sounds between 0 and 140 decibels. Skilled listeners can hear a 1dB change, less skilled listeners can hear a 2 or 3dB change. 0-30 dB is very quiet, the average home noise is 40dB and anything over 85dB is damaging. Common sources of noise in the home are appliances, televisions, conversations and outside traffic all of which contribute to the sound levels you experience indoors. Here are some examples of general noise levels to give you an idea of different sounds measured in decibels:
- Breathing: 10dB
- Whispering/rustling leaves: 20dB-30dB
- Quiet conversation: 40dB
- Normal conversation: 60dB
- Vacuum cleaner: 70-80dB
- Helicopter: 100dB
- Police siren: 110-120dB
- Jet engine/fireworks: 120+ dB
What does RW rating mean?
Measured in decibels, Rw refers to the Weighted Sound Reduction Index. So when you buy new windows,
Rw is the rating that measures the sound insulation of the product - the higher the Rw index the better the acoustic insulation. Rw is also influenced by the quality of the sealed unit in double and triple glazed windows as the integrity of the sealed unit plays a big part in both noise reduction and thermal insulation.
How much does double glazing reduce noise by?
Double glazing reduces sound from outside as the two panes of glass and the gas between them absorb the sound vibrations and dampen the transmission of sound. Able to reduce sound by 20-65%, our quality double glazing is capable of reducing sound levels by as much as 35 decibels. Furthermore, thanks to their superb sealing, uPVC frames can help to dampen noise vibrations even more.
What is the standard gap in double glazed windows?
Varying anywhere between 6mm - 20mm, the standard gap between the panes of glass is around 16mm.*
*correct at time of publishing
What double glazing is best for noise reduction?
Sheerwater always uses high-quality acoustic laminated glass for excellent noise reduction, as well as impact protection for those that require durable glass.
How does acoustic laminated glass work?
High-performance laminated acoustic glass features a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) fixed in between the two glazing panels to dampen the soundwaves further.
Areas that would benefit from laminated acoustic glazing?
- Homes near busy roads and motorways
- Homes near airports
- Homes near train lines
- Homes near schools/pubs/restaurants
- Interior office partitions/meeting rooms
- Overhead glazing affected by the impact of heavy rain
Is triple glazing better at reducing noise?
Triple glazing is very energy efficient; these glazed units have an extra layer of glass which can improve energy efficiency and insulation. But double glazing is often preferred for sound reduction as triple can actually amplify sound due to vibrations on the internal pane.
Using different thicknesses of glass in a triple glazed window can prevent resonance and improve noise reduction. Not all standard triple glazing is optimized for reduction, triple glazed windows with acoustic features are more effective for this purpose.
Do trickle vents increase noise?
Trickle vents can sometimes affect sound levels entering your home. However, they’re sometimes required to comply with buildings regulations and therefore can’t be avoided. If this is the case, acoustic trickle vents should be considered, which are designed to block out noise whilst letting fresh air inside.
Trickle vents can sometimes affect the sound levels entering your home. However they are sometimes required to comply with building regulations and therefore can’t be avoided. If this is the case acoustic trickle vents should be considered which are designed to block out noise whilst letting fresh air in.
Air bricks are essential for ventilation to prevent trapped pollutants and moisture but they can also be a source of sound leakage if not properly sealed.
Alternative Options for Noise Reduction
When it comes to reducing noise pollution in your home there are several effective alternatives to standard double glazed or triple glazed windows. One popular solution is acoustic glass which can be incorporated into both double glazed and triple glazed windows to reduce noise from outside. Acoustic glass is designed to disrupt sound waves making it ideal for homes exposed to high levels of external noise.
Another great option is secondary glazing. This involves adding a second pane of glass inside your existing window frame creating a larger gap between the panes. This larger gap helps to reduce sound waves and dampen sound levels making your living space much quieter. Secondary glazing is particularly useful for older properties where replacing the original windows isn’t possible or desirable.
Proper installation and regular maintenance of your windows are also crucial for optimal sound reduction. Even the best double glazed or triple glazed windows can lose their effectiveness if not installed or maintained correctly. By exploring these alternative options and keeping your windows in top condition you can reliably reduce noise and enjoy a more peaceful home environment.
Secondary Glazing: The Best Alternative
Secondary glazing stands out as a highly effective way to reduce noise pollution especially in areas with high levels of external noise. By fitting a second pane of glass within the existing window frame secondary glazing creates a much larger gap between the two panes compared to standard double glazing. This larger gap acts as a barrier to disrupt and absorb sound waves before they enter your home.
For homeowners who want to keep the character of their original windows secondary glazing is the ideal solution. It allows you to keep your existing window frames whilst still benefiting from a significant reduction in noise levels.
In fact secondary glazing can be up to 5 times more effective than standard double glazing at reducing unwanted sound making it the top choice for those living near busy roads, train lines or other sources of noise pollution.
Whether you want to reduce sound in a period property or just want a quieter living space secondary glazing is a flexible cost efficient and highly effective alternative to double or triple glazing.
Window Installation
No matter how good your double glazed or triple glazed windows are their ability to reduce noise is heavily dependent on proper installation. If windows are not fitted correctly even the best noise reduction technology can be compromised by small gaps or cracks that allow sound waves to enter your home. This can result in higher noise levels and reduce the overall effectiveness of your investment.
To get the best out of your glazed windows always choose a professional installer with experience in fitting double glazed and triple glazed windows. A skilled installer will make sure your windows are sealed tightly and aligned perfectly minimising the risk of sound leakage. Regular maintenance checks are also essential to keep your windows in top condition and to address any issues that could affect their noise reduction.
By prioritising expert installation and ongoing care you can get the most out of your double glazed or triple glazed windows and enjoy a quieter more comfortable home.
Maintaining Your Double Glazed Windows
To keep your windows working effectively and maintaining their noise reduction properties regular maintenance is key. Start by cleaning both the glass and window frames to prevent dirt and debris building up which can interfere with the window’s ability to reduce sound waves. Check you windows periodically for any gaps, cracks or signs of wear as even small imperfections can let sound in.
If you notice any damaged seals or broken glass it’s essential to repair or replace these components as soon as possible to restore the window’s sound insulation.
Well maintained double glazed windows reduce noise levels and also energy efficiency and overall comfort. By following these simple steps you can keep your windows reducing noise for years to come.
Surrey Building Regulations
If you’re looking to install new windows or upgrade your existing ones in Surrey you need to be aware of the local building regulations. These regulations require all new windows to meet specific standards for energy efficiency and noise reduction. Installing double glazed or triple glazed windows that meet these standards is essential for comfort and compliance.
Building regulations also cover the installation of windows to ensure they are safe, secure and noise reducing. Working with a professional installer who knows the Surrey requirements will ensure your new windows meet all the criteria.
By choosing high quality double glazed windows and proper installation you can get great noise reduction, energy efficiency and peace of mind knowing your home meets all the building regulations.
High performance double glazing in Woking & Surrey
Double glazing in disrepair? Single glazed windows are much less effective at blocking outside noise and traffic noise and let more heat out.
Upgrading to soundproof windows with thicker glass can reduce outside noise including traffic and improve thermal efficiency by reducing heat loss. Get a FREE quote, call us on 01932 344 415, or contact us online to find out more and take affirmative action to reduce noise getting inside, whilst possibly increasing the value of your home too.
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How good is secondary glazing at reducing noise?
