We’ve all dealt with the woes of noisy neighbours throwing a party at 2 a.m. when we’re desperately craving for a good night’s sleep. Or the hubbub of kids from the neighbourhood playing in the streets while we’re trying to focus on some important work. Likewise, the workplace has its own share of noisy distractions.
Such interruptions, when consistent, can wreak havoc on your health and work productivity. Keeping the woes of noise pollution in mind, designers and architects are incorporating soundproof windows in their projects for creating a favourable living and working environment.
The Need for Soundproof Glass Windows
Now more than ever, there is a dire need for installing soundproof windows in urban areas where noise pollution is a grave threat to peaceful living. Metro cities are hotbeds of construction and renovation projects, which expose those living in the vicinity to continuous noise from heavy machinery; this can damage, weaken or even burst eardrums. Research has revealed a link between noise pollution and several health issues such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. It is also known to trigger stress, loss of memory, irritability and short temper.
If your home or office is troubled by constant noise pollution, it is pertinent to invest in soundproof windows. Let’s take a look at the science behind soundproof windows to really understand why they are becoming an integral part of modern décor.
How Do Soundproof Windows Work?
Soundproof windows are typically designed with double or triple-glazed glass (laminated glass also to certain extent reduced external noice..) include that too to help create an additional barrier between noisy exteriors and the interiors of a space. Double and triple-glazed windows feature two and three panes of glass, respectively, with a layer of inert gas sandwiched between each sheet of glass. The inert air i.e. argon gas is an effective insulator of sound and helps cancel out unwanted external noise.
Essentially, the higher the number of glazing layers, the more effective is the noise cancellation property of a glass sheet. The soundproofing capacity of a window is rated on a sound transmission scale (STC) - the higher the number on the scale, the better the window’s ability to block out excessive noise. If the rating is in the mid-50s range, about 95% of the noise is cancelled. So, for instance, if a single-pane window comes with an average STC rating of 27, soundproof windows are rated at least 45. And while no window is capable of blocking 100% of the noise, it can effectively reduce 90-95% of the noise to create a distraction-free and peaceful indoor environment.
Certain soundproof windows have extra layers of lamination wrapped onto each pane to enhance their noise-blocking ability. In places with extreme noise pollution, installing additional storm or hurricane windows can help enhance noise-cancellation properties. However, even the most heavy-duty windows require gasketing to ensure effective noise reduction. Why is this? Because sound is capable of transmitting between spaces indirectly, it does not follow a single path, can go under, and over and slip through the cracks in your windows. So, using a gasket helps seal the perimeter of the windows and prevents any noise leakage.
Soundproof Windows: Not Just for Noise-Cancellation
Soundproof windows don’t just cancel out noise. They do a whole lot more. Since the treatments used to manufacture soundproof windows also offer good insulation, you will see your monthly energy bills reduce drastically.
The treatments used in manufacturing soundproof windows also block out harmful UV rays and prevent pollutants such as dust, pollen or harmful microbes from entering your space. Not only does this ensure the well-being of the occupants of a space but also of the valuable art and furniture housed inside.
Real-Life Applications
Now that we know the importance of incorporating soundproof windows in our spaces, let’s take a look at some of their common applications.
There is nothing worse than losing focus during an important meeting due to distracting noises. But, even in general, a workplace should offer a peaceful working environment or it could negatively impact productivity. Hence, installing soundproof windows in both boardrooms and cubicles is vital to create a conducive work environment.
One can never overstate the importance of sleep, especially in today’s fast-paced, chaotic world. All work is dependent upon peace one finds at home. And where else do you need it the most than in your bedroom? To enjoy undisturbed sleep and to cherish the little moments you get to spend all by yourself or your spouse, you need to install soundproof windows.
AIS Glasxperts offers market-leading acoustic solutions for your personal and professional spaces. Our noise-cancellation windows and doors come in both uPVC and wooden frames. AIS Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) combines two or more glass panes, hermetically sealed to reduce noise levels by 30 decibels, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. AIS AcousticglasTM features a specialized PVB interlayer to dampen external sound, providing up to 60% reduction in sound. Choose AIS Glasxperts for the full spectrum of class-leading bespoke glass solutions, exclusively crafted for modern spaces.