Comparing Sound-Proofing Window Options for Homes Near Freeways or Airports

The advantages of living near a freeway or airport include conveniences, attractiveness, quick travel, easy access, and liveliness. One of the disadvantages that the homeowners often complain about is noise, though. Noise pollution is a nuisance that can very easily transform into a day to day annoyance, be it the roar of the low flying aircraft or the constant buzz of traffic. The silver lining is that modern window technology has made soundproofing a lot more accessible, effective, and energy-efficient than it used to be some time ago.

It is always a good thing to begin by knowing the differences between modern sound-proofing versions of windows, in case you are attempting to mitigate noise within your home. In order to help you make a choice about what is best about your house, the following is a clear comparison.

The reason Windows are the most important in sound reduction

The bulk of exterior noise gets into a house rather than through its walls but by the windows. The reason is that old windows usually have:

Thin, single-pane glass

• Weak seals
• Standard air gaps
• Sound transmitting aluminum or aging frames

These characteristics intensify noises instead of minimizing them around highways or airports in residential areas. The idea of modern sound-proofing windows is to avoid just that.

Before choosing a window, it is important to understand the sound travel. The transmission of noise through glass is by vibration. The heavier, thicker and better insulated your window assembly, the less vibration will affect your living location.

Alternative 1: Glass Laminated Windows

Laminated glass is now one of the most sought-after sound-dampening measures in the homes that are exposed to noise. It operates by joining two sheets of glass with a layer of acoustics (typically PVB or EVA). This inner layer absorbs sound energy before it enters the house.

Best For

Homes facing:

• Freeways
• Busy intersections
• Schools
• Train lines

Benefits

• Removes a lot of noise in the mid- and high-frequency ranges.
• Provides security due to the hardness of laminated glass to break.
• Helps block UV rays
• Enhances the energy performance in combination with low-E coating.

Considerations

Laminated glass weighs more than normal insulated glass thus good framing is of essence. It would not completely do away with deep and low frequency noise, however, it would significantly lower overall sound levels.

Alternative 2: Two-Pane Windows and Bigger Air Spaces

A common upgrade is the dual-pane windows although not every dual-pane design provides good sound-damping. In the case of noise-sensitive places, the air space between the 2 glass panes will be the most important factor. An increased distance leaves more room to be occupied by sound waves.

Best For

Homeowners who want better:

• Sound insulation
• Energy efficiency
• Temperature control

Benefits

• Less expensive than laminated or multi pane windows.
• Reduction in noise when it is designed with a broader spacing
• Reduces heat transfer
• Best suited to work with fill gases, such as argon.

Considerations

Normal dual-pane windows with small spaces do not aid much in the reduction of sound. The bigger air spaces also work much more effectively than just using two pieces of glass.

Option 3: Triple-Pane Windows

In triple-pane windows, there are two layers of insulating gaps between the three layers of glass. Although such are commonly sold as energy efficient, they can be utilized to offer audible sound reduction when configured in mixed-thickness glass.

Best For

Homes exposed to:

• Frequent aircraft noise
• Cargo train routes
• Heavy nighttime traffic

Benefits

• Strong thermal insulation
• Superb at the low frequency, heavy vibration noise isolating
• Eliminates drafts and temperature changes.

Considerations

The triple-pane windows are not all soundproof to the same extent. When the three panes are equal in their thickness, one should not be so well off. Mixed thicknesses (occasionally known as asymmetrical glazing) are far more effective in preventing vibrations.

Alternative 4: Sound-Control IGUs (Acoustic Insulated Glass Units)

The acoustic IGUs are particularly designed in such a way that they reduce the transmission of sound. These tend to incorporate laminated glass, uneven glass thickness, and air space optimization into a single, high performing system.

Best For

Homes within direct line of:

• Airports
• Highways
• Commercial districts
• Industrial zones

Benefits

• Maximum amount of sound attenuation possible
• Made to cut across several frequencies of noise
• Huge vibration resistance
• Full enhancement of both interior comfort and silence

Considerations

These are high-quality, high-performing models that should be placed in homes that have extreme exposure to noise. They usually bring the greatest improvement on day one.

Making the Right Decision about Your Home.

Depending on the noise that you are exposed to, the best option will be to:

• Traffic noise (car, truck, motorcycles) 
  → Laminated glass or acoustic IGUs.
• Aircraft noise (low-frequency vibration)
   → Triple-pane mixed density or acoustic IGUs.
• General noise in the city (conversation, music, playing children)
   –> Dual-pane and huge air gaps or laminated glass.

Homes that are located along major freeways or fly paths tend to be the largest beneficiaries of the laminated glass or acoustic IGUs due to their combination of saving energy and reducing noise.

Final Thoughts

Besides being an annoyance, noise interferes with sleep, concentration and overall comfort. Upgrading the windows is one of the best ways of restoring peace and calm in your house. The current sound-proofing technology is very impressive and can have a great degree of enhancement in terms of being near a busy downtown street, near an airport, on a freeway, or a school.

ClearMax Windows and Doors install high-performance windows which are specifically designed to be fitted in places where noise is a significant problem. We have the staff that will help you choose the best sound-control system to use in your house provided that you are willing to lower the sound volume and enhance your comfort.

Do you know how to minimize noise in your house? To get professional advice and no obligation free estimate, contact ClearMax.

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