Living near a busy street or in proximity to train tracks can mean a lot of unwanted noise pollution in your home. Doors and walls do a lot to eat up the sound, but windows are often the weakest link. Soundproof windows won’t completely block sound, but they can help make the home quieter. And fortunately, manufacturers have developed several technologies for replacement windows in Phoenix, AZ that will reduce noise and make the home a peaceful and calming place.

Measurement Used for Noise Reduction

Just as the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) provides ratings on energy efficiency, there is also a measurement for noise reduction so consumers can compare products. It is known as the Sound Transmission Class (STC). Numbers usually range between 18 and 40. The higher the rating, the more sound the windows can block.

5 Features that Contribute to Noise Reduction

Acoustic control often works in tandem with technologies that improve insulation. Here are some of the most important features for noise reduction:

1. Window Style
Just as certain window types block air and heat transfer better than others, certain window types are also better at blocking noise. Picture windows provide the tightest seal with little room for the infiltration of air and noise. Next come casement windows, hopper windows, and awning windows. These window styles will provide the most noise reduction. Single-hung windows, double-hung windows, and horizontal sliding windows have more gaps in the assembly—which usually equates to more noise.

2. Frame Material
The window frame material is not just an aesthetic choice. It has more to do with insulation and soundproofing than you might think. Aluminum windows transmit the most sound. Wood and vinyl windows will do more to block sound. But the window style and frame material are not the most important factors in soundproofing. The glazing is much more important.

3. Number of Panes

More window panes mean more acoustic control. Two panels of glass are the standard for insulated glazing units. Three panels of glass provide more insulation and soundproofing. But it is costly to add more glass to a window, and sometimes the price does not justify the benefits.

4. Glass Thickness

Thicker glass will also help reduce sound. Most panels of glass come in 3mm widths. But some come as thick as 5mm. Most IGUs have glass panels of the same thickness, but you can get windows with glass in different thicknesses. Each panel will block noise at different frequencies, which is helpful at reducing noise without the cost of an extra panel of glass.

5. Laminated Glass

Impact-resistant glass is perhaps the best way to soundproof windows. The laminated glass features a plastic interlayer with a density that helps break up sound. The laminated glass alone can provide an STC of 35. And the rating only gets better when partnered with other insulating features.

If you want to learn more about soundproofing features on replacement windows in Phoenix, AZ contact the experts at Freelite Inc. We can help you find products that will turn your home into an oasis of peace and quiet.