Unfortunately, with more people, high roads on our doorstep and an increase in the number of cars on the road, unwanted noises are making a greater appearance in our lives and homes. The issue of noise is no longer limited to inner-city areas – the rise in the development of suburban and residential regions means the 'quiet life' has become all but a dream for many of us. So what can we do to get some peace and quiet?
One solution comes in the form of noise reducing windows. The process is not as technical as it sounds – it simply involves upgrading your windows to keep 90-95% of unwanted nuisance sounds at bay. Oh, and don't forget, they add an extra layer of security to your home and can even increase the value of your property!
The day to day sounds we encounter are not actually classed as noise, in fact for a sound to be considered noise it must be “loud, irritating and unwanted”. As you can imagine, the constant bombardment of noise can not only become very, very annoying but can truly begin to affect the quality of life.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft can create some of the most disruptive and disturbing noises which is expected from engines that produce 100,000+ horse power! The noise produced from aircraft is a real concern, not only for comfort but also for health, as frequent exposure can begin to have a physical impact on the body. A study published by the British Medical Journal revealed that people who lived by airports were at a higher risk of developing health issues such as stroke and heart disease.
Many airports have reacted accordingly and now offer soundproofing grants for homes affected by aircraft noise pollution. So, if you happen to live nearby an airport and currently do not have sound proofing, be sure to contact the airport to see how your situation can be improved.
Road Traffic & Rail Noise
During the day, noise from vehicles and trains is not particularly bothersome. After all, these sounds are part and parcel of living in modern cities and towns. Living near a busy road or train station can be advantageous for many people, simply due to ease of travel. However, these types of noises become inconvenient during the night and evening, when the desired sound levels for comfort drops.
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Although unassuming, noise from cars and trains can contribute to disturbing and disrupting sleep, which can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Many people have taken to sound reducing windows, to eliminate virtually all noise created from these sources during the night, helping them sleep soundly whilst continuing to reap the benefits of living in areas with great travel links.
Noise from Neighbours
Noise from next door is at an all-time high for many of us! This is especially true in cities and towns as we live in increasingly close quarters. When anti-social noise is mentioned, we often picture screaming kids, over-exuberant musicians or yappy dogs, however, poor soundproofing in your home can mean even low-level sounds seep through. Sound reducing windows will contribute to reducing irksome sounds from neighbours and busy residential roads.
Which sound reducing option is best for you?
Suppliers are able to reduce the level of noise by adding layering to the materials your windows are made of, improving their ability to absorb and reflect sound. Your supplier will evaluate your home and consult you on which option is aesthetically and functionally best for you. Soundproofing can be applied to many types of windows, including PVCu and wooden framed windows and rarely requires planning permission, so there's little reason to worry whether your home is suitable.
Triple Glazing
Not heard of triple glazing before? You wouldn't be the first. Triple glazing is the less popular alternative to double glazing and involves adding an extra pane of glass to your windows. Although there are many benefits to adding triple glazing to your home, such as improved heat insulation, if noise is your grievance, it may not be the best option for you. Adding an extra pane of glass does have some noise limiting qualities, however, the type of glass used is typically of the same density and thickness – which does little for sound reduction. That makes triple glazing a solution best suitable for low-level, anti-social noise.
Double Glazing
Double glazing can work wonders for soundproofing your property – with its effects being most remarkable in houses with single pane or old windows. Typically installed on the outside of your home, units are specifically designed to combat noise, with the added benefit of improving energy efficiency and home security.
Double glazing's soundproofing power comes from the space between the two panes of glass and the thickness of each sheet. These factors combined help to effectively dissipate and disperse sounds of certain frequencies, making it great for eliminating road and rail noise.
For extra sound reducing qualities, ask about laminated panes.
Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is an option you should consider if you are having issues with unwanted noise. Of the three options, secondary glazing is the most effective method for sound reduction, which could explain why it has been growing in popularity amongst home owners. Typically, units are installed internally within your existing window frame, which not only makes secondary glazing suitable for properties with traditional or listed features but also causes the gap between the two panes of glass to be far wider than double glazed windows. Secondary glazed windows are designed to keep 90% of unwanted external noise out of your home, making it an effective solution for homes affected by aircraft noise pollution.
To find solutions that best suit your needs, contact Bennbrook Windows here or call 01992574555
