Soundproof Windows
Your windows are the easiest point of entry for unwanted noise, which can leak into your home through the glass, the frame, and any gaps or spaces around the frame that have been left unfilled. Upgrading your windows is the single best way to soundproof your home – but make sure to choose high-spec soundproof windows that have been specifically engineered to block all forms of noise pollution.
Choosing the right soundproof system makes it possible to achieve a very significant reduction in noise – up to huge 51dB – so whether it’s the clack of trains, the rumble of aircraft overhead, or sound coming in from the street, soundproof windows are an easy way to restore quiet and to improve your quality of life in your home.
Specialist Soundproof Windows
Letting heat out and sound in, traditional single and double glazed windows do very little to stop noise pollution from entering your property. However, through advanced designs, specialised glazing, acoustic sealants and flawless installation, well-engineered modern sash and casement windows can deliver resounding reductions in unwanted noise, whilst also delivering superior energy efficiency.
Products
Soundproof Sash Windows
The inner city favourite, the Soundproof Sash window can offer a market-beating 47dB reduction in noise. Sleek, smooth and slimline, the Soundproof Sash comes in two designs, the heritage line and the modern sash, to block out the noise and to maintain the original aesthetic of your home.
Soundproof Casement Windows
Completely customisable to your property, the Soundproof Casement Windows are elegant, durable and timeless. Constructed with ethically-sourced engineered timber and specialised glazing, the soundproof casement guarantees superior thermal efficiency and up to 51dB reductions in the Ultra range.
High Performance Soundproof Tilt & Turn Windows
Secured with a multi-point locking system, the Tilt & Turn Soundproof Window opens in two directions – fully opening from the side, or tilting from the top for effective ventilation. With outstanding reductions in noise of up to 51dB and a triple glazing option available, the Tilt & Turn window will modernise the look of your property and, most importantly, will stop outside sounds dead in their tracks.
High Performance Secondary Windows
When noise is a serious concern, and you are not permitted to make adjustments to the appearance or features of your property, secondary windows are a great option. Sitting inside the existing window frames (on the interior) a secondary window works in conjunction with the original window behind to offer a huge reduction in noise pollution of up to 55dB.
Not sure what a reduction of 47, 51, or 55-decibels would sound like? Use our handy Noise Tool to hear the difference for yourself.
We offer expert advice on installing soundproof windows. To speak to us about your options and discover what solution will work best for you, get in touch.
Windows and Sound
Your windows are considered the biggest weak point when it comes to noise pollution in your home. Responsible for the most noise complaints in the UK, traditional windows – whether single or double glazed – are often constructed with very thin glass, which vibrates along with the frame, transmitting noise with ease from the outside to the inside.
Traditional windows also suffer from something called ‘coincidence frequency’ (also known as a critical frequency) which is the frequency at which the windows act as perfect conductors for noises within a certain range – meaning that your windows could even be amplifying the sounds from outside. If this ‘coincidence frequency’ happens to coincide with the frequency of your noise complaint you will experience considerable levels of (unnecessary) noise in your home.
It is also worth noting that soundwaves will always travel through the path of least resistance. If the windows have been badly installed, there will be air gaps around the frame or the glazing which will allow sound to flood into your property.
Types of Noise
Tackling noise pollution requires a considered and personalised approach – it is essential to fully understand the source of the complaint before taking action. Generally speaking, each source of noise sits within a certain frequency range, depending on your proximity to it.
The most common issues in the UK are caused by:
Aircraft Noise
Solutions for combatting aircraft noise will vary greatly depending on your distance from the flightpath, as well as whether the planes are landing or taking off, and even the type of aircraft that is passing overhead.
Road Traffic Noise
Road traffic noise changes depending on the type of traffic, as noise pollution on a sidestreet with speed bumps will differ greatly from the roar of the M25 or the Kings Road during rush hour.
Train Noise
The best solution for train noise will change depending on the proximity and location of the train track, i.e. it is above or below your property, and also whether the trains stop at a nearby station, if they are stopping or speeding up.
Anti-Social Noise
The noise source can vary dramatically when it comes to anti-social noise, including anything from the neighbour’s dog barking to the sounds of the local pub, bar or club and pedestrians walking by at all hours of the day and night.
How Soundproof Windows Work
Soundproof windows are designed to fight against the ‘coincidence frequency’ – dampening and dissipating the soundwaves to reduce the volume and amount of noise pollution in your home:
Specialised Glazing
Specialised soundproof glazing is available in a variety of thicknesses. Soundproof windows use two different thicknesses of glass in a single frame to work against the coincidence frequency. The thicknesses of those two panes of glass will depend on the source and severity of the noise complaint
Lamination
The panes of glass in a soundproof window are laminated with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) which reduces the elasticity of the glass, helping dampen the sound.
Acoustic Sealant
High-performance acoustic sealants are used to plug any gaps in and around the frame to ensure noise cannot leak through any spaces around the frame.
Acoustic Foams
During installation acoustic foams are used to ensure that noise cannot be transmitted between the wall and the window.
Dampened Sash Boxes
The boxes which house the sash’s opening mechanism have also been engineered to include acoustic dampening materials, improving their soundproofing capabilities.
If you are considering soundproofing your home, it is important to know that your soundproofing is only ever as effective as your weakest point. When soundproofing the windows of your home, you may also want to consider soundproofing other key areas for a more dramatic result: