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| Author: | David Martin |
| Subject: | Vinyl windows good for noise? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-21 22:32:37 |
I'm looking for vinyl replacement windows that do a great job of abating noise. It looks like Alside, Schueco, Gorell, and Quantum make some good options, but it's hard to get specific information on noise reduction. They all say that they're good (of course), but how do I tell? Are there significant differences I should be aware of, or are they all about the same in this respect? It seems that I should be looking for thick glass, foam filled frame, triple pane (?), and well-fitting sashes.
Thanks in advance for any information/advice. I'm finding it exceedingly hard to make an informed decision about which windows to buy.
David
| Author: | Richard Kaller |
| In Reply To: | Vinyl windows good for noise? (posted by David Martin) |
| Subject: | RE: Vinyl windows good for noise? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-21 23:24:11 |
David,
Windows are rated on STC or Sound Transmission Classification. If you search “STC Windows” there is a lot of information on the Internet.
Any quality replacement window will significantly reduce outside noise if the current window is leaky and drafty. Sound travels on air so if the window blocks the air space noise will be reduced.
The slightest crack in a window allows a significant amount of outside noise to pass through the window. Sometimes opening the window does not seem to increase the noise level very much since most of the noise is already getting through the small cracks.
Now if you are near a noisy airport or highway then several manufacturers are making “noise mitigation” windows.
These windows are “basically” two standard replacement windows connected together creating a doubly tight opening with a large airspace. There is more to the deign, but that is the basic idea.
To achieve even better mitigation include a panel of acrylic. Acrylic tends to absorb noise and vibration.
“Noise mitigation” windows tend to do well with high frequency noise such as sirens, kids screaming. They do not do so well with low frequency noise such as low rumbling of tractor trailer tires, low frequencies of jet engines.
Hope this helps.
Richard Kaller
| Author: | laura |
| In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl windows good for noise? (posted by Richard Kaller) |
| Subject: | RE: Vinyl windows good for noise? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-22 00:15:31 |
I know that Xact windows are vinyl, MI has insightwhich is cellular composite. Any thoughts???
| Author: | Oberon |
| In Reply To: | Vinyl windows good for noise? (posted by David Martin) |
| Subject: | RE: Vinyl windows good for noise? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-22 19:22:56 |
Excellent reply Richard. I agree 100% with his comments with a bit of clarification. Acrylic (plexiglass) or polycarbonate (Lexan) can help with noise control when used in conjunction with glass or other materials. Plastic alone actually has sound transmission "blocking" properties that are about 1/2 as good as glass of equal thickness (Mass Law Equation - although glass does not follow that particular rule very well anyway!).
But, the specific frequencies blocked will vary between materials and thicknesses and for that reason using dissimilar materials (such as laminated glass) will perform better than using a "single material" such as two panes of identical glass in an IGU.
| Author: | Bob |
| In Reply To: | RE: Vinyl windows good for noise? (posted by Richard Kaller) |
| Subject: | RE: Vinyl windows good for noise? |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-29 20:03:40 |
Regarding your comment that the slightest crack in a window allows significant noise inside, are there similar problems if mounting screws are driven beyond flush to 1/8 t0 1/4 inch below flush? I'm still chasing the change to outside sounds with our replacement windows.