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21 August 2024

Noise and Sound Reduction Windows for Your Home

Keeping outdoor noises outside your home makes life more peaceful. You head inside to get away from the noise to relax. Your windows can play a role in finding quiet from a busy world. Learn how sound reducing windows work and how to choose them for your home.

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What are Noise Reduction Windows?

Noise reduction windows have more than one pane of glass. The interior pane has increased thickness. The added thickness helps dull the effect of outside noise. No window is soundproof. They can help curb some of the noise you can encounter if you live in a busy city or under a flight path.

Proper window installation helps ensure sound reducing windows operate at optimal levels. Marvin Replacement installers ensure a proper fit for your windows. Professional installation can help seal any air leaks through which sound can pass.

Noise reduction windows are also known as Sound Transmission Class/Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class (STC/OITC) windows. STC represents how well an indoor partition reduces sound. OITC represents sound transmission between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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How Do Sound Reduction Windows Work?

Extra window panes can limit the impact of outdoor noise. They present more of a barrier. They slow down the transfer of sound waves to make it seem quieter.

The variation in glass thickness between the panes breaks sound waves into different frequencies. It disrupts the transmission of sound to reduce its impact.

Noise Reduction Glass Options

Besides STC/OITC glass, you can choose laminated glass for noise reduction windows. Laminated glass also has a thick interior pane with the interlayer. It holds glass in place if shattered. The vinyl interlayer and protective plastic film between dual-pane glass serve as another barrier for sound to pass.

How Noise Reduction Windows Can Transform Your Home Environment

Living on a busy street can bring a lot of distracting noise into your home. Marvin Replacement can help you find the best replacement window for noise reduction. Replacing single pane windows with double pane windows can reduce the impact of outdoor noise with the extra glass. The increased interior pane thickness of STC/OITC glass can dull noise to transform your home environment.

Understanding Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) Ratings in Windows

Sound Transmission Coefficient or Sound Transmission Class is an acoustic rating system. STC indicates how well a window blocks noise. STC ratings range from 0 to 100. Higher numbers show greater sound resistance.

Single-pane windows can have an STC rating around 25. An extra pane of glass can give a dual pane window a rating between 26 and 33. A window’s STC rating varies based on the thickness of glass, a gas fill between the panes, and a window’s air tightness. Laminated glass can also increase STC rating.

A Marvin Replacement design consultant can review noise reduction for windows with you.

Noise Reduction Replacement Windows

Noise reduction replacement windows, also known as noise reduction window inserts, can help limit the impact of outside noises. If you think your existing windows allow too much noise, you can look at noise reduction replacement windows. Marvin Replacement performs full-frame window replacement and insert replacement installation based on the needs of your home.

FAQs

What are the best windows for noise reduction?

The best windows for noise reduction are those with an increased pane thickness. The added thickness creates more of a barrier for sound to travel through. Laminated windows are another option because of the thin polymer.

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