Traditional 4mm windows are not the answer to eliminate traffic noise or rowdy neighbours, TrueBlue Glass manager Sean Leavey says.
The Loganholme-based glass supplier says poor window design can even impact the good intentions of insulation within home walls.
“Building a new home or renovating an existing one is an ideal time to consider your acoustic requirements,” he says.
He says double glazing is the most effective barrier against noise.
A secondary window is installed, and there is a space between the two windows, which will significantly reduce the outside noise.
One of the downsides of large gaps though can be the increase in air movement which will reduce the window’s thermal performance.
Another important consideration is that the space required for secondary glazing may not be practical in a normal home.
Mr Leavey says standard double glazing with at least a 12mm gap is effective at reducing the transmission of medium to high frequencies (human voice).
For low frequencies (traffic) using a different thickness of glass in each pane, or incorporating laminated glass, can help to cut noise transmission.
Laminated glass is the next best option, but is usually more effective at reducing high frequencies such as aircraft noise.
The thicker the glass, the better the sound insulation properties.
The further the sound has to travel through the glass, the more sound waves will drop off.
Thicker glass is a common solution to reduce low frequency sounds like common traffic and neighborhood noise.
Here are some tips for reducing noise:
- Use thicker glass to reduce traffic noise
- Use double glazing to reduce high frequency noise (voices)
- Install windows away from noise sources
- Avoid placing windows and doors directly opposite or adjacent to neighbouring houses or units
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows to achieve better sound reduction
- Check manufacturer’s claims of noise reduction for both high and low frequencies
- Consult an acoustic engineer
