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EuroSeal Windows & Doors for Toronto & the GTA
EuroSeal Windows & Doors for Toronto & the GTA
CALL US: 416-650-5070

Soundproof Solutions: Innovations in Noise Reduction Windows

When considering installing new or replacement windows, you may have come across soundproof windows as an option. At Euroseal, we’ve found that many of our clients are looking into noise-reduction windows to preserve the peace and quiet of their homes.

Noise-reduction windows stop outside noise vibrations from entering the home. They are made using a combination of various soundproofing materials.

This article explores sound-reducing windows and covers everything from the types of soundproof windows available to you to how those windows manage to reduce sound pollution.

Noise Reduction Windows

Why You Might Need Soundproof Windows

Before investing money on soundproofing upgrades, you should first determine whether or not you would even benefit from noise-reduction windows in the first place.

At Euroseal, we’ve found that most of our clients want soundproof windows for one of the following reasons.

  • Tranquil living environment: First and foremost, people choose soundproof windows to preserve the peace of their living environment.
  • Better sleep: Noise pollution can lead to sleep deprivation, which, in turn, can lead to difficulty concentrating and poor overall health. Soundproof windows have helped many Euroseal customers to sleep better at night.
  • Productivity: Lots of people now work from home. However, our homes weren’t built to be working environments, which means that noise from outside can cause distractions, leading to reduced productivity. Soundproof windows can help to limit these distractions and ensure you’re fully engaged with your work.
  • Health reasons: Sound pollution can affect your health negatively. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and other health problems that harm your well-being. Soundproofing can create a much more relaxed atmosphere in your home, more conducive to better health.
  • Increase property values: Last of all, some people choose sound-dampening windows to boost the overall appeal of their home. In this way, soundproofed windows can be an astute investment. Buyers see soundproofed windows as a positive when looking for their new homes.

Key Features of Noise-Reduction Windows

While there are many styles of noise-reducing windows, most windows designed to absorb sound have some features in common. These include:

  • Laminated glass: Most soundproof windows are made using glass that is laminated, meaning layers of glass are bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) – a sound-dampening material. This kind of glass can reduce the sound vibrations from outside, making it more difficult for sound to pass through the barrier.
  • Multiple panes: Your existing windows may be double or triple-pane windows, and you will notice they have gaps for air between each pane. In soundproof windows, these additional layers are used to reduce noise transmission through the windows.
  • Sealed window frames: The frames used for noise reduction windows tend to be sealed and fit incredibly tightly to ensure that there are no gaps around the windows that could allow sound through.
  • Films and coatings: On top of having a double-pane window with tightly sealed frames and laminated glass, soundproof windows also sometimes have special coatings on the surface of the glass that further enhance its soundproofing capabilities.
  • Sound Transmission Class (STC) Rating: STC is the rating system that is used to measure how much a window reduces noise transmission. It is a standardized measurement used across the industry. According to the National Research Council of Canada, an STC rating of 60+ is recommended for rooms with music-related noises, but for general privacy, an STC rating of 45 should be fine.

Types of Soundproof Windows

Noise reduction windows are an effective solution to noise pollution caused by busy roads, passersby, or train tracks running close to your house. There are a few different types of noise-reducing windows that you can opt for your next window upgrade. These include:

Double and Triple Pane Windows

At Euroseal, we install lots of double and triple-paned windows. They are most commonly chosen for their ability to improve energy efficiency in homes. However, they’re also an effective solution for reducing noise pollution.

Laminated Glass and Acoustic Seals

Laminated glass, as we mentioned previously, is common in windows specifically designed for soundproofing. They can help to reduce the noise coming in from outside. However, quite a lot of laminated glass options come with fixed windows. This means that while you won’t hear the noise from outside, you also won’t be able to open the window for ventilation.

Smart Window Technology for Soundproofing

Smart windows are a newer technology that can be installed in homes for various reasons. Indeed, with this innovative technology, your windows can react to changes in lighting from outside to keep the house cool or warm, can change the amount of light coming through the windows for visibility reasons, and even change the noise-cancelling abilities of your windows.

Acoustic switchable glass is commonly used in places where privacy is key, like spas and offices, but it may also be used in warehouses with noisy machinery and even residential environments. It can be used to enhance privacy and keep noise out when you choose.

Choosing The Right Sound Reduction Window Replacement

In most residential scenarios, upgrading windows to triple-paned windows can enhance soundproofing without any extra expense. Installing new windows is also likely to improve the frame and ensure there are no gaps that allow sound through. For some people, this is enough noise cancelling.

Laminated glass is a popular option for people living in particularly noisy areas. And while they are great for reducing noise, there are some drawbacks. The biggest one, of course, is that most laminated windows do not open. So, if you’re willing to sacrifice ventilation options, then this could be a good choice for you.

Lastly, smart window technology is the right option if you want flexibility. While it is a more expensive option, you do have the chance to change the soundproofing abilities of your window as you please.

Final Thoughts

Getting home in the evenings and trying to relax while passersby disturb your peace is a good enough reason for many to look into ways to soundproof windows. Thankfully, even just a regular upgrade to double and triple-paned windows can enhance the tranquility of your home.

If you’re looking for a window replacement and need advice on the best soundproofing options, then contact our experts today. Euroseal has been proudly installing windows and giving helpful advice to homeowners across the GTA for years. Contact us today for more information.

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200 Connie Crescent, Concord, ON L4K 1M1, Canada
EuroSeal Windows & Doors for Toronto & the GTA

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