How can I reduce street noise coming through windows?
Acoustic glass is available to reduce noise coming through glass. Glass thickness and the air gap between glass plays a major part in noise reduction too. Noise travels as sound waves. There are two types of sound waves: airborne and structure-borne. Airborne sound waves are easier to block than structure-borne sound waves.
What is acoustic glass and how does it reduce noise?
Acoustic glass is two sheets of glass with a 0.8mm special interlayer between them, two sheets of glass together increases the thickness of the glass. This is then used as one pane of glass in double glazed units. The special interlayer prevents structure-borne sound waves from vibrating through one sheet of glass to the other by absorbing and weakening the sound waves. This means fewer vibrations from sound waves will travel through the window, and the vibrations that get through will be weaker which reduces the noise coming through.
Why is glass thickness important for noise reduction?
Thicker glass is better at reducing noise for low frequency sound waves such as common neighbourhood noise and traffic noise. This is because structure-borne sound waves have to travel greater distances to reach the other side of the glass, so it’s more likely that some sound waves drop. Double glazed windows uses two panes of glass. We advise using acoustic glass for one pane and a normal sheet of glass for the second pane. The normal pane is thinner so it will reduce sound waves at higher frequencies passing through the window. Overall, the acoustic glass pane is thicker so it will reduce low frequencies and any high frequencies passing through will be reduced by the normal pane in the double glazed unit.
Is there anything other than glass that transmit noise?
Yes; window frames and sealant (used to fill gap between window frame and wall) also transmit noise. Good quality window locks and rubber seal used in windows helps to reduce sound waves.
Why air gap between glass panes is crucial factor for noise reduction?
Generally, larger air gaps between the two panes of glass in a double glazed window reduces the airborne sound waves that is transmitted into the home. For good noise insulation, we recommend the air gap to be from 50mm to 150mm. Moreover, its vital that all air gaps are sealed correctly to achieve maximum noise reduction.