Keep unwanted noise out
Sound proofing is often overlooked until noise that disturbs the peace at home is experienced. Whether it’s from traffic, aircraft, trains, factories or even neighbours, unwanted noise can spoil the comfort of your home. Yet noise disturbance is not something that you have to live with.
Vue Windows have been designed with acoustic performance in mind and come standard with features such as double silicon compression seals, multi-chambered profiles and all windows and doors can be double glazed. With the right glass combinations sound reduction of up 44dB is achievable.
The facts about noise, windows and sound proofing
As a general rule, increasing mass will improve sound insulation. Brick and concrete walls have stronger sound insulating values because they are of greater mass when compared to glass used in windows. But because we need windows to see through, to provide natural daylight and enhance a buildings look and appeal, the need for greater sound control when using windows becomes more important.
Sound originates from something that vibrates which generates changes in air pressure. FREQUENCY is used to refer to the number of vibrations or changes in air pressure per second.
The value given is usually expressed as hertz (Hz) (i.e., 750Hz). Different sounds produce different frequencies. Traffic noise as an example, produces sounds most intensely in the lower frequency range. The INTENSITY or LOUDNESS of a sound is of most concern to people. The loudness of a sound is rated as DECIBELS or ‘dB’. Tables 1 and 2 list general noise levels and recommended sound levels.
| Noise level (dB) | Example of Noise |
| 110 | Nearby riveter |
| 90 | Noisy factory/loud street noise |
| 70 | Average street noise |
| 60 | Average office noise |
| 50 | Average conversation |
| 40 | Quiet radio/private office |
| 30 | Average auditorium |
| Activity area | Satisfactory (dB) | Maximum (dB) |
| Residential recreation area | 30 | 40 |
| Bedroom | 25 | 30 |
| Classroom | 35 | 40 |
| Commercial offices | 40 | 45 |
| Source: AS2107 Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors 1987. | ||
The Human Ear
When referring to these tables, the following points should be considered:
- under typical field conditions the ear cannot detect a change of 1 - 2dB;
- the ear will not pick up a change of 3dB if there is a time lapse between the two sounds and they are of moderate or low intensity;
- a change of 5 - 7dB can always be detected;
- for every 10dB increase/decrease in intensity we perceive the sound as being a doubling/halving of the noise level.
| Glass thickness (mm) | Reduction (dB) |
| 6 | 3 – Barely noticeable |
| 6.38 | 5 – Clearly noticeable |
| 6.76 | 7 – Clearly noticeable |
| 10.38 | 11 – Halving of original noise |
It is important to note that laboratory sound reduction results as shown in the tables above, may differ from actual site conditions and results. Careful consideration should also be given to the frequency and intensity of the sound, framing types and construction, window surrounding/building material construction and any specialised acoustic requirements that are necessary.
Click here to read a detailed explanation about how glass can help sound proof your premises.
For the ultimate in acoustic performance, we recommend the use of our uPVC windows double glazed with Pilkington Optilam Phon. Click here to find out more.