HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME SOUNDPROOF WITH DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS?
Living in a city offers a plethora of advantages, but it has its disadvantages as well. The noise of traffic and commotion associated with city life can affect our lives. That is why, for this very situation, installing double glazed windows can return your house to the peace and quiet it deserves.
Double-glazed windows reduce noise pollution by diminishing the power of sound waves. This is accomplished with the help of quality materials that are utilized in creating double-glazed windows to assimilate and reflect sounds. The pane vibrates when noise hits single glazed windows which causes air on the opposite side of the window to vibrate which in turn carries sound to the ears. But when you add an extra sheet of glass with double glazing, the amount of vibration is reduced and this reduces noise exponentially.
When a double-glazed window is properly fitted, there wouldn’t be any gaps or cracks around the window which would allow noise to come through. The sound hits the sealed pane which stops the vibrations from getting through, while the Argon gas between the two window panes has different properties in handling soundwaves when compared to regular air. Since the panes aren’t in direct contact with each other, the soundwave is considerably dampened, which makes your home much quieter inside.
The sound insulation of a double-glazed window can be improved by
Having a wide cavity between panes of glass
Differing thicknesses of the two glass panes used
Using thicker glass
Efficient insulating window frame
Specially laminated insulating glass
In general, a double-glazing system can effectively reduce 60 to 75 percent of traffic noise. The windowpanes are a couple of inches apart and filled with argon gas. This arrangement provides insulation and also helps with heat transfer. This means that your homes would be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
However, if you want to improve the soundproofing of your double-glazed windows, here are some methods you can use:
1. Acoustic Caulking
For some homes, the caulk could’ve dried up in the past years, resulting in excessive noise. In this case, implementing a fresh new seal to insulate any air gaps that can allow sound to travel through can do the job. This way, you can eliminate excessive noise seeping through your windows.
By caulking, you create a seal around your window frame. For this, try acoustic caulk. It is easier to apply as well as highly durable. It stays for at least four years after which you can apply a new layer again.
Acoustic caulk is much more efficient than the regular one. It is efficient, flexible, durable, and can absorb sound easily.
2. Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping is a tape that can be applied to the gaps of windows that open up. These tapes block any gaps and work as a caulk for exposed surfaces. These tapes are available in a wide range of materials such as foam, rubber, and even silicone. It’s a great addition to catching noise paths and preventing wastage of energy.
3. DIY Window Plug
They work just like the weather-stripping tape and acoustic caulk mentioned above but can be used only when you need peace and quiet. They are easily removable and an effective method in reducing the sound leaking through.
4. Laminated Glass
Implementing another layer of glass to the pane can reduce the possibility of sound leaking through the pane itself. However, since many laminated glasses work to seal the sound, you may not be able to open your windows afterward.
5. Soundproof Window Kit
This method attaches acrylic or glass over the current windowpane. The acoustic or laminated glass increases the possibility of noise cancellation. This is an effective method to prevent noise from coming through the windowpane.
6. Soundproof Window Film
A soundproof window film or vinyl window film is something that can be applied as easily as applying stickers. All you have to do is match the size of your windowpane and apply them to the windowpane surface. This will eliminate noise coming through any small cracks or vibrations that transfer through your window.
7. Retrofit Laminated Glass Installation
With retrofitted installations, a new replacement of insulated glass is put into preexisting frames. The new replacement can be soundproof or security glass to decrease sound effects.
8. Triple Glazed
This means adding another pane of glass and argon gas in the gap. Though pricier, it will significantly enhance the soundproof effect.
Other Options to Soundproof
Rearranging furniture
Couches and upholstered material
Covering the windows
Rugs or carpeting
Filling up bookshelves
Soundproof curtains
Installing new blinds
Creating a barrier
Other than being soundproof, double-glazed windows offer a plethora of advantages such as
Being waterproof
Are weather resistant
Offers excellent insulation
Higher security
Help in reduction of condensation
Help in saving energy
We hope that this article was useful for you. We deal in uPVC windows in Cochin, Kerala. Other than that, we also deal in soundproof uPVC windows and doors and double-glazed windows in Cochin. If you are interested in any of these, we would be happy to help you and choose the best fixture that compliments your house. So, try not to let those booming noises of traffic and commotions dominate your life and affect your well-being. Install double-glazed windows in your home to hinder the commotion that could otherwise affect the peace and quiet of your home.