How does Double Glazing Block out Noise

Blocking Out Noise

People regularly use double/triple glazing as a way to block out noise from their homes as well as increasing the energy efficiency at the same time. However, before we get into the more technical aspects of this blog, there are a couple things you must keep in mind if you want your double/triple glazing to be an effective sound barrier. Firstly, using the wrong material or having windows that don't fit the space correctly will provide a lesser chance of acquiring your desired effect on the noise reduction of your home. Make sure to find a company that create windows custom to your home. As we manufacture all of our Windows, Doors and Glass Units we can ensure that the fitting will be snug and air passages that may be one of your main concerns is a non-issue.

Before any efforts are made to reduce noise pollution from the outside, we must understand how noise travels. With a greater understanding, you can create a more effective barrier.
Sound and Light both travel in waves. However, Light travels at over 650 million miles an hour, whereas Sound travels at 750 miles per hour (speed depends on air pressure and composition). It is easier to block out the faster waves of light than the slower sound waves.

The noise you hear is created by sound waves due to the vibrations in the air and other materials sound travels true. Eventually, sound reaches our ear drums and from there the sound travels to our brains. As i'm sure you have noticed by now, the efforts made to stop the sound waves reaching our brains is more difficult that first thought. Waves of light can be stopped by most solid materials, whereas sound actually travels better through some materials (e.g steel) than through air. Long sound waves can flex and wean their way through tiny gaps and corners.

Sound travels through solid objects by making them vibrate and in turn making the air on the other side of them vibrate, passing the sound on. Sound waves pass through a pane of glass quite easily, but with a double glazed unit they also have to also navigate through a pocket of gas (Argon) which slows down the sound waves meaning that less get to the second pane of glass, creating fewer vibrations and less noise. Triple Glazed Glass Units create a larger area for the noise waves to travel through and will have a greater noise reducing effect.

Double/ Triple glazing can be a really effective way to reduce the outside noise getting into your home, but it is important to remember, noise will find the path of least resistance. So follow these steps to ensure maximum efficiency. 

• Noise will find the path of least resistance.
• Make sure the windows fit so no air gap is there for noise to pass through.
• Channels for wiring/cabling to get into the house which tend to be cut through window frames need to be properly sealed.
• The seals where the windows fit into their frames need to be as airtight as possible.
• Even ventilators need to be tightly shut for the best results.

Basically if air can get in, sound can too so as we are unlikely to live in a completely air tight house there is little chance every bit of outside noise can be filtered out, but a well fitted double glazing unit can make a big difference to adding a bit peace and quiet at home.