The terms “sanctuary” and “oasis” may be a bit overused nowadays when describing interior space. Yet the idea of a home as a retreat doesn’t change — one should be able to shut out the outside world when needed. This can be a tall order when one lives in a noisy area, be it a busy street or if one has the misfortune of having inconsiderate neighbors. In today’s post, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements discusses how the right kind of windows can help keep a quiet home.
To understand how windows aid in noise reduction, let us first take a look at how sound works. Sound travels through vibrations in the air. When it hits a barrier like an exterior wall, some of the sound is dispersed, which, if it’s loud enough, results in echoes in other places. Some of the sound is transmitted through the exterior wall. Depending on the material, the sound may either get absorbed or transmitted indoors.
The insulating materials in the walls absorb a significant amount of sound. Traditionally-built windows, on the other hand, can transmit sound into the indoor space even when closed. This can be due to poor seal around the windows, which would allow air leaks, but it’s mostly due to the glass panels. Traditional windows are built with single-panel glass, which transmits sound easily.
Windows with insulated glass feature multiple panes, primarily designed to slow down thermal transfer. To separate the interior and exterior surfaces, two or more glass panels are used, creating an air gap in the middle that serves as an insulating layer. The gap can be filled with an inert gas like argon to further enhance its insulating capabilities.
This insulating layer also has another property: it absorbs vibrations, which means it also helps reduce noise. Combined with insulated window frames, window seals and proper installation, insulated windows can help create a quiet indoor environment.
Learn more about the benefits of insulated windows with Howard Roofing & Home Improvements. Give our team a call at (636) 296-1057, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve Belleville, IL, and the surrounding communities.