Noise can be problematic for businesses. Exterior noise – from traffic, airports, or machinery – disrupts workplaces. In the worst cases, noise can even dissuade likely tenants from renting or patrons from visiting a business.
Are you looking to reduce noise in your business? Soundproof windows are one option that can help you reach that goal.
Today, noise canceling windows are available for commercial property owners that can eliminate up to 90 or 95 percent of ambient noise. That’s right. The best soundproof windows can transform noisy offices, restaurants or hotels located in city centers into tranquil, serene spaces.
What do you need to know about noise canceling windows? We’ll take a look at how sound canceling windows work, as well as some tips for selecting the best soundproof windows for your property in this post.
What Are Noise Canceling Commercial Windows?
There are two types of soundproof windows. The first type is an insert that fit into the interior of an existing window. This supplement helps to create a sound barrier for people inside a building. Additionally, there are soundproof replacement windows; these include the frame and glazing and completely replace the existing window.
So how useful are soundproof windows?
Well, although soundproof windows will not block out all exterior noise, exceptionally low-frequency noise, the best options can block up to 95 percent of noise. Compared to a double-pane window, that’s about
But what makes them so useful? Noise-canceling windows utilize some unique features that help to block out the sound. A soundproof window may incorporate one or all of these features, including:
- Thicker Glass: Adding mass to the window is one of the most effective options for reducing sound transmission. This is the most critical feature.
- Laminated Glass: Laminated glass – i.e., two layers of glass sandwiching a plastic inner layer – helps to reduce noise. Laminating the glass can also help to add mass.
- Gas and Air Fills: Finally, increasing the amount space between panes of glass helps to limit the amount of sound that can be transmitted.
Comparing the Best Soundproof Windows for Commercial Properties
When you select noise-canceling windows, you should be aware of the window’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. The STC class shows how well window blocks sound – the higher the STC rating, the better.
STC ratings improve exponentially. For example, the jump from an STC-45 window to an STC-50 window might not seem like much, but it represents a significant reduction in noise.
Here’s one way to look at it: Increasing your window’s STC from 27 to 38 equals about a 90 percent reduction in noise. From 28 to 43? That’s about a 95-percent discount. That 5 percent reduction from 90 to 95 percent represents about a 50-60 decrease in the remaining noise is reduced.
Now, how do noise canceling windows compare to dual- or single-paned windows? A single pane window, for instance, might have an STC rating of about 27 (or 28 for a double-pane window); while soundproof windows tend to have ratings from 45-55 STC. At STC-25, for example, you might be able to average speech; at about STC-38 that speech would be completely inaudible.
Are you shopping for replacement windows to reduce noise? Aeroseal Windows & Storefront can help.