What Are The Best Soundproof & Noise Canceling Windows?

Living in a home with constant noise can ruin even the most idyllic of locations. Noise can come from many sources such as traffic, factories, airports, agricultural equipment and wind turbines. You’re probably wondering if new windows can help you to reduce noise, and if so, by how much?

In this article we discuss the main benefits of soundproof windows, how they work and how much they are likely to cost.

• Double glazing and triple glazing can reduce sound pollution significantly, compared with single-pane glass.
• You can achieve better soundproofing by taking extra measures such as using acoustic glass and insulated frames.
• According to Everest, a leading glazing provider in the UK, noise reduction windows normally range from £500 to £3,200 depending on their type.
• Adding secondary glazing is an affordable option if you want to avoid a full window replacement: you can expect to pay around £400 per window.

How Much Can You Reduce Noise Levels in Your Home

Soundproofing is a complex topic and there is a common misconception that you can eliminate noise completely. This is not possible, even with the best noise reduction windows. However, your home becomes much more comfortable if you can lower noise levels to around 30-34 decibels (dBA).

Here is a chart to give you an idea of the typical decibel levels associated with common noises:

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) provides a hazard scale for the different noise levels:

• Highly hazardous = 100-140 dB
• Hazardous = 70-100 dB
• Annoying, irritating, speech-masking = 40-70 dB
• Typical noise levels = 0-40 dB

For example, you can image the loud noise of a jet taking off, which is actually painful for the ears. This noise has a typical sound intensity of 120-140dB. Also note that the decibel scale is not linear: sound intensity doubles for every 10 dB increase. This means a 110 dB noise is twice as loud as a 100 dB noise (not 10% louder).

Most people prefer a noise level of about 30-35 decibels or less in their homes. Here is the typical noise reduction than can be achieved by different window types:

• Single Glazing = -20 dB
• Double Glazing = -30 dB
• Triple Glazing = -34 dB
• Sealed Secondary Glazing = -34 dB
• Double Glazing with Sealed Unit and 15 cm Cavity = -44 dB

The following table compares the actual noise level and the perceived noise level when using different types of windows:

As you can see in the table above, loud traffic noise (80dB) drops to the same noise level as a typical conversation (60dB) with single-pane glass. However, noise drops to a much more comfortable level of 36dB when using sealed double glazing with a 15cm cavity.

Higher-intensity sounds are much more difficult to block, even with the best windows. For example, a 120dB sound from a jet taking is still quite loud after a noise reduction of 44dB, reaching 76dB.

In short, blocking out sound depends on your window design, the noise intensity, and using additional soundproofing measures. At an 80dB sound intensity, the only windows capable of reducing noise to acceptable levels are those with large air gaps and noise reduction seals.

Important Features for Soundproof Windows

Noise reduction windows must not only deal with different decibel levels, but also a wide range of sound frequencies and pitches. The performance of soundproof windows is improved by using glass panes of different thicknesses, an air or gas cavity, and insulated frames to stop noise transfer.

Glass Thickness – Most double and triple-glazed windows have glass panes of the same thickness, and this configuration can reduce noise to some extent. However, identical glass panes may also resonate under some sounds, and this amplifies noise instead of reducing it. Windows can achieve soundproofing more effectively if their glass panes are made thicker, with one of them slightly thicker than the other. While noise reduction windows are more expensive, they also make your home more comfortable.

Insulated Frames – Window manufacturers also achieve noise reduction with insulated uPVC, insulated aluminium or solid timber frames. Regular uPVC and aluminium frames are hollow on the inside, which makes them a less effective sound barrier. Insulated frames provide better soundproofing while reducing your heating and cooling costs.

Air Cavities or Inert Gas Cavities – Most double glazing features an air cavity or inert gas cavity between the glass panes. A wider gap offers more noise reduction, as you can see in the following table:

Windows can reduce noise at all frequency levels, as you can see in the table. However, they are more effective against higher frequency sounds. For example, a window with a 50mm gap will lower a 125Hz sound by 11dB, but a 4,000Hz sound is lowered by 45dB.

Sealing – Sealing your windows will reduce sound pollution, especially if your existing frames are old or their seals are broken. You can find window seals that are specifically designed for noise reduction.

Types of Soundproof Windows

You can choose between many types of soundproof windows, depending on your needs and budget.

Double Glazing

Regular double glazing provides excellent soundproofing if your ambient noise levels are below 65dB. Double-glazed windows have a cavity filled with air or inert gas between the panes of glass – this acts as a barrier against heat, cold and noise.

Double glazing can lower noise by around 30dB, which means that a 65dB noise will be reduced to around 35dB. You can achieve even better results with additional soundproofing measures such as using insulated frames. Double glazing will reduce street noise effectively if your window is around 10 meters away from the street, but not if you are closer.

Triple Glazing

Triple glazing is a better sound barrier that double glazing, but the additional noise reduction is only around 4dB. Triple glazing often uses thinner panes and smaller air gaps than double glazing. Most windows also use glass panels of equal thickness, which means you can have resonance issues.

According to the Federation of Master Builders, triple glazing is typically 10-20% more expensive than double glazing. The sound reduction improvement of 4dB often isn’t enough to justify the added cost.

Double Glazing with Acoustic Glass

Double-glazed windows with glass panes of different thicknesses can often achieve the same noise reduction as triple-glazed windows. For example, Everest offers double-glazed windows with a 6.8mm acoustic laminated inner pane and a 6mm low-iron outer pane. This configuration can achieve a noise reduction of up to 34dB, which is the same performance offered by triple glazing.

Laminated glass is specifically coated to help reduce noise transfer. In most cases, this glass is laminated with a plastic called Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). The PVB coating adds yet another layer to your sound barrier, preventing resonance and sound amplification. This glass is typically sold as safety glass or acoustic glass.

Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing is an affordable and effective soundproofing method. You can add another glass layer of different thickness and an insulated air gap without removing the existing windows. While some soundproof windows can cost upwards of £1,000, secondary glazing starts at around £400 per window.

Laminated glass with a 100-mm gap can reduce noise levels by up to 35dB when added as secondary glazing. If you currently have single-pane windows with a 10dB noise reduction, you can achieve a total reduction of around 45dB.

How Much Do Soundproof Windows Cost?

Now that we discussed how noise reduction windows work, you likely want more to know about their pricing. Installing new soundproof windows can be expensive due to all the costs involved: acoustic glass, insulated frames, sealing, labour, etc. Adding secondary glazing is a more cost-effective option, since there is no need to replace your existing windows.

Here are some typical costs for different types of soundproof windows. Keep in mind these are just guideline values – accurate pricing can only be determined after a home inspection by a professional window installer.

• Secondary glazing starts at around £400 per existing window.
• Soundproof casement windows start at around £850 each.
• Soundproof sash windows will likely cost £1,300 or more.

Getting a Good Deal on Soundproof Windows

Soundproof windows can be expensive, but they are an investment in your property. They make your home more comfortable by reducing noise, while making it more attractive in the real estate market – in case you decide to sell. There are many types of soundproof windows, and you can achieve effective noise reduction without paying for the most expensive option.

In terms of cost and benefit, secondary glazing is the best option for most homeowners. Secondary glazing offers quality soundproofing without having you spend on new windows and frames – which can exceed £850 per window. On the other hand, if you have very old frames (25+ years) or single pane glass, buying new soundproof windows is generally a better option.

Here are some buying tips when comparing soundproof windows:

• Know what you need. If you want to reduce audible sound from 60dB to 34dB, you don’t need to pay for a window that reduces noise by 50dB.
• Compare your options. Window installation is a very competitive industry, and you can get better deals on acoustic glass and soundproof windows by directly comparing multiple quotes.
• Get an inspection. Window installers can help make the best choices for your home, based on the Sound Reduction Index (SRI) of different window options.

If you’re ready to move forward with installing soundproof windows, we can help. You can use our free comparison tool to find the top quotes from local installers in your area. We collect the lowest quotes from top installers and send you the best three, so you can save on your soundproof windows.

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