Soundproof Windows

Soundproof Windows

There is no denying that living in a big city has a long list of benefits. Any service providers or shops you could possibly need are always to be found within a few minutes’ drive. And if you don’t own a car, you still have a multitude of other commute options. However, every rose has its thorns. Regardless of the number of advantages, there are a few serious drawbacks to living in an ever-busy city centre. Pollution, litter, and constant noise are the most prevalent ones. To protect yourself from the cacophony of non-stop honking, roaring car and motorcycle engines, and passers-by outshouting one another, purchase soundproof double-glazed windows.

How do soundproof windows work?

Unfortunately, the so-called soundproof windows don’t block all sounds coming from the outside. That’s why ‘noise-reduction windows’ is a more accurate name – albeit longer, which is why people often say ‘soundproof’ instead. Regardless of which term you use, these windows can block up to 95% of outside noise. To find out how much noise a window can reduce, check what its sound transmission class (STC) rating is. The best soundproof windows, which block around 90% of noise, have an STC rating of 45 or more. This means that they reduce the noise by roughly 45 dB – for instance, a 90 dB sound (which is the noise level of, for example, an underground train) would be reduced to 40–45 dB (quiet library sounds).

Standard windows, on the other hand, have an STC rating of only around 25–28. For comparison purposes, 30 dB is the noise level of whispering. Replacing your regular windows with soundproof windows costs a reasonable amount of money – especially considering how much they improve your overall quality of life. If you want to finally be able to work and relax in peace and quiet, or fall sound asleep at night, replace your old windows with soundproof double-glazed windows. London with its bustling streets will have never seemed more muted. Noise-reduction windows are an attractive option for those who want to enjoy all benefits of living in the heart of a city and at the same time revel in the tranquillity of their homes.

What are the advantages of noise-reduction windows?

Noise-reduction windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can commission sash, casement, or tilt and turn soundproof windows, depending on your preference. This is, in itself, a considerable advantage, as thanks to that you have more freedom in selecting the window type that best suits your needs and the architectural style of your house. Apart from this diversity of available variants, soundproof windows have a number of other assets, which makes them a good, practical alternative to standard windows. If you are still on the fence about purchasing noise-reduction windows, here is a list of their key advantages.

Noise reduction

Did you know that noise is not only irritating, but also unhealthy? Noise pollution impacts people of all age groups, all over the world, and poses a significant threat to their health. Firstly, all sounds that reach or exceed 85 dB are potentially harmful to human ears. To better illustrate this, let’s note that the noise level of a car horn is 110 dB and that of an ambulance siren – 120 dB. These sounds issue almost constantly from the bigger, busier streets. Secondly, noise pollution can cause numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, stress, sleep disturbances, or even hearing loss, which is why it’s essential that the barrier that protects you from the outside noise has adequate acoustic properties.

Have you ever wondered why some noise levels are situated so close to one another on the decibel scale? For instance, an electric toothbrush (60 dB) and tumble dryer (70 dB) differ just by 10 dB, even though in real life the gap between them seems rather big. That’s because the values on the decibel scale increase by a factor of 10. To simplify, a sound that reaches 20 dB has a 10 times greater intensity than a 10-dB sound. That’s why reducing the noise level by 1 dB would be almost unnoticeable, but a decrease of 10 dB makes a substantial difference. But if you truly want to block the street noises, which often reach 110–120 dB, you’ll need windows that reduce noise by 40 dB or more. At Sash Factory, we offer you some of the best soundproof windows in London.

Energy efficiency

Good acoustic properties frequently go hand in hand with increased thermal insulation. That, in turn, translates into heightened energy efficiency. If you want to reduce your heating bills, invest in noise-reduction windows. London can get colder, especially during the winter months, but with our windows, you’ll be able to wake up in a pleasantly warm room. In the summer, on the other hand, soundproof windows will keep the hot air outside, leaving the interior refreshingly cool. Our airtight noise-reduction windows will help you be in complete control of the temperature and airflow inside your house.

Sturdiness

Thanks to their innovative design and construction, soundproof windows are much more solid than the standard ones. This also means that they have outstanding security features, meaning it would be exceedingly difficult, as well as time-consuming and noisy, to break them down. Noise-reduction windows are, therefore, a superior break-in protection. If you don’t feel totally safe in your neighbourhood, you should consider having soundproof windows installed in your building – even if the noise itself is not unbearable. The sturdiness of our windows’ structure will give you a sense of security, which makes purchasing noise-reduction windows a worthwhile investment. And if you want the window frame to be as solid as the entire construction, opt for timber.

Timber soundproof windows

To choose the best product, make sure it combines all advantages of noise-reduction windows with the benefits of using solid timber frames. Why is wood the perfect building material for soundproof windows? London is home to many window manufacturers, and a large part of them specialise in timber-frame windows – not without a reason. Wooden windows are more environmentally friendly, sturdy, and resistant to mechanical damage. If well maintained, they are weatherproof and more durable than uPVC. Thanks to that, not only does the constant buzz of city life become muffled, allowing you to focus on your daily tasks, but the window itself is also less prone to damage. If you live in a noisy area, there is possibly no better solution to this problem than a set of timber soundproof windows.

Why invest in noise-reduction windows in London?

Like many other densely populated cities, London is loud. According to the recommendations made by the WHO, the average noise level should fluctuate around 50 dB. Unfortunately, some Londoners are continually exposed to 86 dB. Standard windows can reduce this only by 25–28 dB, leaving much room for improvement. Luckily, noise-reduction windows are available. Our customers frequently pick this window type to protect themselves from the dangerous effects of noise pollution. According to the WHO’s estimations, each 10-dB boost in the noise exposure level increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 8%. Silence, in contrast, is confirmed to have multiple health benefits, including:

• improving concentration,
• stimulating brain growth,
• relieving insomnia,
• lowering blood pressure.

Sash Factory – best soundproof windows in London

At Sash Factory, we have unrivalled experience in providing customers with bespoke soundproof windows. Our product range includes noise-reduction windows of many types, shapes, and sizes. We have carried out projects for customers from all parts of London. In cities such as this, it is crucial to opt for windows that can properly protect you from the outside noise. Regardless of how much solid soundproof windows cost, London is one of the places where this investment is undoubtedly worth it. Sash Factory will provide you with top-quality soundproof windows. To request an individual quote, please reach out to us. Depending on the complexity of the project, lead time can fluctuate between 6 and 20 weeks.