Is outdoor noise driving you up the wall?
Cars, yappy dogs, leaf blowers, your neighbor’s late night party… Noise finds a way to get in. You’re not alone. Recent articles have shown that nearly 95 million Americans are dealing with noise pollution.
That’s a lot of people losing sleep.
Here’s the problem:
Most houses were never constructed with acoustics considered. Decrepit windows, weak glass and poor seals allow sound to easily invade your living room.
The good news?
You don’t have to retreat to the country. The right window style and glazing can make your home a lot quieter – and dual-action windows are a great place to begin.
Let’s jump in!
Why Outdoor Noise Gets Into Your Home
Sound is nothing but a vibration traveling through air. It strikes your house and tries to find the path of least resistance.
And nine times out of ten… That weak spot is your windows.
Walls are massive and dense. Glass is thin and lightweight. Worse yet, gaps around old window frames become minute unlocked doors for sound. Amazing how much noise can come through even the smallest crevice.
Think about it:
If air can leak through, so can sound.
For that reason window replacement is typically the largest single improvement you can make towards a quieter house.
How Dual-Action Windows Help Block Sound
Two-way operation windows function in two methods. Rotate the crank once and the window will pivot in from the top to allow ventilation. Continue rotating and the entire sash will swing inward similar to a door.
Pretty clever, right?
Dual-action windows excel at keeping noise out because of how they latch closed. Locking either option compresses the sash to the frame at multiple points around its perimeter. That helps form a better seal that significantly reduces noise penetration compared to other window types. If you’re trying to decide what windows are right for you, learn why tilt and turn windows for US homes are great at fighting noise with an airtight seal and strong frame.
Here’s why that matters…
Sliding windows operate on brushes and tracks allowing the sash to slide. Openings allow for gliding . . . but they’re terrible for soundproofing. Double-action windows fix that dilemma by sealing tight like a vault.
Tip: With the tilt option you can crack open a window to let in fresh air without fully opening the window. Helps minimize noise from coming in while ventilating.
The Best Glazing Choices For A Quieter Home
The frame is only half the equation. What glass (or glazing) goes inside it is equally important.
Here are the 3x main options you should know about…
Double Glazing
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass with an air gap between them. This air gap reduces the sound because as it travels between panes of glass it slows down.
Quite a jump over a single pane. Works very well for most residences on low to moderately trafficked streets.
Laminated Glass
This is the secret weapon most homeowners have never heard of.
Laminated glass has a layer of plastic in between two pieces of glass. This layer absorbs vibrations from inside it, and prevents them from travelling further. It does this particularly well with low frequency sounds from HGVs.
FYI: You can combine a single laminated glass pane with a single non-laminated glass pane within one double glazed unit. This allows you to achieve an excellent compromise between cost and performance.
Triple Glazing
Three panes, two gaps. Sounds like it should be the quietest, right?
Not always.
Triple glazing is great for insulation. However when it comes to noise reduction, the distance between panes can be limiting as far as noise reduction goes. If noise reduction is your primary goal, laminated glass will typically offer you better value.
Glazing Options Compared
| Glazing Type | Best For | Noise Blocking |
|---|---|---|
| Double Glazing | Quiet to medium streets | Good |
| Laminated Glass | Busy roads, buses, trucks | Excellent |
| Triple Glazing | Cold climates | Good |
Honestly, all of these are great. But laminated glass is definitely your best bet if you live by a busy street.
Seals, Frames And The Small Stuff
You can purchase the finest glass in the world. …However, if it is not installed correctly, noise will find a way in.
Pay close attention to these details:
- Seals: Look for thick rubber seals that squeeze tight when the window closes.
- Frames: uPVC and wood frames absorb sound better than thin aluminium.
- Installation: There should be no gaps between frame and wall. Use acoustic foam/sealant to fill gaps.
- Mixed pane thickness: Two glass panes with different thickness will block more sound frequencies than two panes of the same thickness.
Little known fact: each pane of glass resonates at its own frequency. If they match, some frequencies will pass through both panes. If they don’t match, one pane will catch what the other lets through.
Simple, right?
Is A Quieter Home Worth It?
Short answer… Yes.
Noise pollution isn’t just irritating. It can destroy your sleep schedule, increase your stress and impact your concentration during work-from-home days.
There’s also a monetary incentive. Studies conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research determined that the construction of noise barriers along highways led to a 6.8% increase in prices for homes in the surrounding area. Buyers obviously appreciate a quieter home.
That means energy efficient windows not only allow you to sleep better. They also add curb appeal when you go to sell your home.
That’s a win-win.
The Bottom Line On A Quieter Home
Outdoor noise is a growing problem. But fixing it doesn’t have to be complicated.
To quickly recap:
- Find where noise is getting in (it’s usually the windows)
- Choose dual-action windows for a tight, multi-point seal
- Pick laminated glass for the best sound blocking
- Use panes of different thickness
- Get the installation right
Begin with the room that needs it the most. Replace the windows in that room and notice how great of a difference it will make. Continue this process until you are finished.
Your ears (and your sleep) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dual-action windows?
Double hung windows are windows that open in two different ways. They can be tilted open from the top for ventilation or fully opened like a door for easy cleaning and ventilation.
Do dual-action windows reduce noise?
Correct. Dual-Action windows lock at multiple points along the frame. This forms a tight seal which prevents sound from leaking through crevices like it does with sliding windows.
What is the best glass for blocking noise?
Laminated glass will most often be your best option. Its inner plastic layer dampens vibrations, reducing low-frequency noises like traffic.
Is triple glazing better than double glazing for noise?
No, not necessarily. Triple glazing has excellent heat retention qualities, however laminated double glazing will often provide greater noise reduction for lower cost.