Did you recently move into a new apartment or home in an urban area? You might be dealing with noise from neighbours or waking up to loud honking from cars outside. Whether it's traffic, planes passing by, or loud conversations, these sounds can disrupt you and affect your lifestyle.
Luckily, acoustic glass windows can insulate your space from unwanted noise, making it more comfortable and quiet for you. Each element of a window, from the type of installation and the frame material to the window seals and glazing options, contributes to high acoustic performance. Let's explore how you can improve your window acoustics and enjoy a quieter, more peaceful living space.
What is acoustic performance?
When looking at different types of windows in Australia, fixed, awning, and casement windows offer a higher level of acoustic performance. This is because they have a tight seal around the perimeter when closed and also tend to offer options that have thicker glass. Double-glazed windows and laminated glass windows, in particular, are great for acoustic performance because they are made of glass pressed with a thin interlayer that helps to absorb sound vibrations. Double hung windows that overlap or sliding windows cannot be sealed as well, so they aren’t as effective.
The frame material is also very important to achieve better acoustic performance. A dense material such as wood, provides the best acoustic performance in comparison to a hollow frame material, although maintaining wood from warping can jeopardise the sealing of the window, affecting acoustic performance over time. Products such as AliClad are a great mix of performance and longevity.
The acoustic performance of a window is measured by its ‘Rw value’, which shows how much sound in decimals it reduces when insulating against noise. A Rw 30-35 dB is good for residential areas with moderate noise and a Rw 38 dB or higher is optimal for acoustic performance and price.
How does sound travel through windows?
Sound is created by the vibration of an object through a medium, such as air. If this vibration is not resisted by a flexible or dense material, the volume of the sound wave will remain at the same volume. If the glass in your windows vibrates with the sound wave, the glass itself will recreate the sound passing through the glass and offer no reduction in sound. Laminated Hush glass is effective due to a manufacturing process that dampens a large amount of vibration, passing little sound into your home.
Glass that faces the direct sound source, tends to require more intense acoustic consideration.
STC ratings
Soundproofing in buildings is often measured by the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, which evaluates how well walls, windows, and doors reduce airborne sound. This rating is commonly used in interior spaces such as offices, apartments, and homes to minimise noise transfer between rooms.
For windows, STC measures their ability to block general airborne sound, like talking. However, sound doesn’t always get completely absorbed—sometimes, only part of it is blocked, while the rest passes through. This remaining sound is known as transmission loss.
Understanding STC ratings helps in selecting materials that enhance soundproofing for a quieter indoor environment. A window with a higher STC rating is better at reducing the amount of sound that passes through it. For example, a window with an STC rating of 30 blocks less sound compared to one with an STC rating of 40, offers better noise reduction. An average window tends to have a STC rating of 25 to 30, and good soundproofing begins at STC 45 to 50.
OITC ratings
Another measurement is the Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC), which evaluates a window’s ability to reduce low- to mid-frequency sounds from entering a building. If you live in an urban area where cars are honking, trains are coming by, or planes are taking off, this can be analysed with a OITC rating.
OITC ratings tend to be lower than STC ratings because they focus on low-frequency sounds, which are harder to block, but in general, a higher number of OITC, around 20 to 40, the better soundproofing you experience.
What are the pros and cons of acoustic performance windows?
When deciding on if you should invest in acoustic windows, it’s crucial to consider both the pros and cons.
Pros of acoustic performance windows:
Reduces outdoor noise and improves indoor comfort.
Creates a peaceful environment to improve sleep quality.
Offers more privacy by blocking sounds from neighbors or nearby public spaces.
Increases property value in urban locations.
Reduces heat loss, which in turn lowers energy bills (when double-glazed)
Eliminates UV degradation of internal furnishing (when laminated)
Cons of acoustic performance windows:
Tends to be more expensive than standard windows due to their specialised construction and materials.
Weights heavier than regular windows and requires additional support during installation, adding to the overall cost and time.
Makes operating windows and doors much heavier.
Offers less clarity and glass visibility.
While acoustic performance windows offer significant benefits for noise reduction and comfort, they come with higher upfront costs and potential installation challenges. It’s important that you research all the options out there and chat with window experts to decide which option is best for your lifestyle and home.
Are acoustic windows worth it?
At the end of the day, it’s up to your preference and budget if you want to install acoustic glass windows. If you don’t mind excess noise, then they may not be a priority, but if you’re having trouble sleeping or constantly feeling disturbed in your home, it may be a worthwhile investment. Whichever option you choose, we are here to help you navigate it. Here at Miglas, we specialise in soundproof windows and doors and have a variety of options available for you to pick from. We can help you pick from the various types of windows in Australia.
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