Do you live in a noisy neighborhood with zooming traffic, barking dogs, and loud lawnmowers that frequently disrupt your peaceful home environment? Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to minimize these loud outdoor sounds—but you can keep them from disrupting your life at home by investing in noise-canceling windows.
Modern replacement windows have superb sound-reducing features that can block up to 95% of annoying outdoor noises. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about noise-canceling windows—and other quick, straightforward ways you can minimize unwanted noise in your home.
What Are Noise-Blocking Windows?
Noise-blocking windows are made of multiple panes of glass separated by dense gases, like argon or krypton.
When soundwaves travel through your windows, some get absorbed, some bounce off the surface, and some pass through. Window systems that include multiple layers make it more challenging for soundwaves to pass through. These barriers dampen the noise and, in turn, create the quieter home environment you crave.
Some noise-canceling windows include extra features to reduce your windows’ Sound Transmission Class (STC) even further. These features include window panes of varying levels of thickness, which can help to dampen sounds at different frequencies, and laminated glass inserts to block unwanted noises.
What Is Sound Transmission Class Rating?
In the United States, windows are ranked by their Sound Transmission Class (STC). This value measures how effective building surfaces are at blocking noise. When comparing measurements for STC—the higher the number, the better the soundproofing.
Sound Transmission Class ratings for all building surfaces range from 25–65, but windows range from 25–45. Windows that aren’t soundproofed (also known as single-pane windows) typically have a rating between 25–27, and double-pane windows have a rating of 33–35.
However, triple-pane or double-pane windows with a laminated glass insert range between 42–45. For reference, an eight-inch concrete slab has a rating of 45. When you compare those numbers, it is easy to see why modern replacement windows are a practical and effective investment for soundproofing your home!
Common Types of Noise-Canceling Windows
If you are interested in upgrading your current windows to a noise-canceling alternative, there are several options you can select from to fit your budget, including:
Double-Pane Windows
Double-pane window systems are made from two glass panes separated by one layer of dense gases. They are not as effective at blocking noise as some options listed below, but they are a much better alternative to single-pane windows.
If other noise-canceling windows are not in your budget, you will notice a significant difference when upgrading your single-pane windows to double-pane windows.
Triple-Pane Windows
Triple-pane windows are made of three panes of glass separated by two layers of dense gases, offering plenty of barriers to hinder soundwaves from traveling into your home.
While triple-pane windows are more effective at blocking noises than single-pane and double-pane windows, they are typically more expensive. However, triple-pane windows are also incredibly long-lasting and energy-efficient, making them a worthwhile investment that will boost the value of your home.
Laminated Glass Windows
Laminated glass is an extra layer of plastic you can add inside your window system (double-pane or triple-pane). Although laminated glass adds to the cost of your windows, it can drastically improve soundproofing by up to 75%—making it a useful investment if you are concerned about noise pollution.
Dissimilar Glass Windows
Some sounds, like chirping birds, have high frequencies, and others, like the hum of traffic, have low frequencies. You may find your windows are more effective at reducing one type of sound over the other. However, dissimilar glass windows are the ideal option for reducing noises at all frequencies.
Dissimilar glass windows are window systems with glass panes of varying levels of thickness. Since different thickness levels block sounds at varying frequencies, these windows are ideal for minimizing all types of noises—from shrill sounds to low rumbles.
Helpful Tips for Reducing Unwanted Noises in Your Home
Whether you have noise-canceling windows or not, the following tips can help you reduce unwanted sound in your home. Plus, many of these fixes are quick and inexpensive, so you can implement them as soon as today!
- During the day, mask outdoor noise by running machines that produce white noise, like ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning units. If you have trouble blocking out noises at night, try investing in a sound machine.
- When you stand in an empty room, what happens? Chances are, you’ll hear an echo! You can absorb sound inside your home by adding curtains, rugs, furniture, and other objects that will decrease loud noises that carry through your home.
- Sound penetrates most easily through gaps between your walls and windows. Caulk small spaces between your frames and interior walls, or if your windows are getting older, invest in replacement windows. You can also add more insulation to your interior and exterior walls to prevent noise intrusion.
Transform Your Home into a Peaceful Oasis with Beissel Window & Siding
Although there are many temporary solutions, such as running a sound machine in your bedroom or adding shades to your living room, the most effective way to block outdoor noises is with top-quality noise-canceling windows. However, more importantly, it is crucial to have your new windows installed by a professional to ensure they perform at an optimal level.
Beissel Window & Siding offers durable windows made from fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, and wood from popular brands, like Infinity from Marvin® and Sunrise Windows®. We offer plenty of options for noise-canceling windows, such as double-pane and triple-pane windows, to help you find the right level of soundproofing for your style and budget.
Check out some of our rave reviews from hundreds of satisfied clients! If you like what you read, reach out to our knowledgeable team at Beissel Window & Siding for a free consultation for your window replacement.
For over 70 years, our family-owned and operated business served tens of thousands of Minnesotans, and we would love to serve your family, too.
