New Windows Can Help with Noise Reduction

Many people choose to replace their windows to refresh their home’s appearance, but new windows offer other benefits, including a boost in energy efficiency and enhanced security. If you’ve been researching new home windows, you’re probably excited to customize yours and choose from the numerous options for window materials, colors, styles, and grid patterns. However, if you want to maximize your investment and get the most functionality out of your new windows, it’s essential to add insulation, energy-efficient additions like gas fills, and multiple panes. And not only can these features possibly lower your heating and cooling costs, but they can also increase comfort and reduce noise intrusion. Our experts explain how.

How Sound May Enter Your Home

If your windows are deteriorating or sagging, water, air, and noise may enter your home. Old, worn-out windows may have gaps in their frames or seal leaks, creating openings where sound waves can pass through easily. Additionally, if your windows weren’t installed properly or were sealed incorrectly, you may have the same problems with noise infiltration resulting from gaps and leaks. Replacing your windows and closing these gaps can effectively reduce noise infiltration. And when you add other features to your new windows, you can further decrease the amount of outdoor noise that enters your home.

Can New Windows Reduce Noise?

Yes. In addition to improving your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal, new windows can reduce noise. Old and outdated windows not only have gaps and leaks but generally have fewer panes, thinner glass, and less insulation than modern ones, so they can’t block noise as well. If you live on a busy street or near a train station, freeway, or airport, outdated windows let these noises through more easily, disrupting the peace and quiet inside your home. Installing new insulated windows can create a barrier that reduces these unwanted noises.

How Modern Windows Stop Noise Intrusion

The spacing and thickness of your home’s windowpanes affect how much noise enters your space. Well-insulated windows with thick glass and multiple panes slow down and weaken sound waves—they simply have more barriers that noise must pass through. Adding more sound-dampening features, such as argon gas fills, increasing the distance between panes, and laminating the glass creates more obstacles for sound waves, resulting in less noise in your home.

Sound Ratings

You can also discuss the sound transition class (STC) rating when shopping for new windows. This rating roughly indicates how effectively your windows will reduce sound in decibels. The STC rating ranges from 25 to 60. If your windows had a low rating of 25, you’d be able to hear a normal conversation from outside. The higher the number, the better the noise reduction, with over 60 being soundproof. Our professionals can tell you about more soundproofing options to increase the comfort and tranquility in your space.

Let Us Install Your New Home Windows

If you’d like to find out more about noise-canceling windows and our other window options, contact our friendly team. The experts at Polk County Window & Door would be delighted to explain more about how our high-performance, American-made windows can help with noise reduction and restore your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. We have numerous window customization options to fit your needs, including a wide array of styles, colors, interior and exterior finishes, energy-efficient additions, and hardware styles. Our specialists can help you choose the perfect combination to meet your requirements and achieve your home improvement goals. Reach out today to get your questions answered. We look forward to working with you.