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After a long day at work, you’ll probably be craving for some peace and quiet. However, noise pollution is a common concern in busy neighborhoods and big cities. Fortunately, a quality window replacement can help in blocking outdoor noise.
Here’s how you can achieve a more peaceful home with new windows.
Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) is a rating scale that measures the sound-blocking ability of walls, ceilings and floor assemblies. It’s affected by two factors, which are the window design and installation. The higher the STC of a window, the better it is at blocking unwanted noise. The STC rating for windows typically ranges between 18 to 38. Standard double-hung windows with 2 1/1-mil, single stretch glass usually have an STC rating of around 28 to 32. You’d want to look for windows with an STC rating of at least 35 if you live near an airport.
Energy-efficient windows have excellent sound-blocking properties. By choosing high-performance windows, you can reduce your energy costs and enjoy a more peaceful indoor environment. Proper sealing during installation is also essential to reducing noise infiltration.
You must pay attention to the weatherstripping system since it’s prone to air leaks. It’s easier for air to penetrate the weatherstripping than wood or glazing. Weatherstripping the frame and sash can help in minimizing dust, water, air and sound penetration.
Manufacturers are developing window designs with better sound-blocking capabilities. Disrupting soundwaves as they pass through a window is key in reducing outdoor noise. This can be achieved by using varying glass thicknesses, which creates different vibrations that deflect soundwaves. Having multiple panes of glass can also help. Since laminated glass is thicker, it can improve noise reduction.
Noise-reducing windows are designed to prevent exterior noise from entering your home. When the soundwaves are broken up by the windows, noise reduction occurs. Renewal by Andersen® windows achieve this by combining impact-resistant glass with a PVB interlayer. Our 400 window series has been given an STC rating of 34, minimizing the sound that will through your windows.
All Renewal by Andersen windows come with the Andersen High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, which significantly reduces outdoor sound transmission. With our windows, you don’t have to worry about being woken in the middle of the night due to a barking dog or having a relaxing afternoon interrupted by noisy kids playing outside.
Further, the benefits you can get from our windows go beyond making your home more cozier and quieter. They can help your home stay cool in summer and warm during winter. Since you don’t have to depend as much on your HVAC system to keep your interior comfortable, you can save more on your heating and cooling bills.
Renewal by Andersen windows feature Fibrex® material, which is stronger than wood and two-times more stable than vinyl. This material is a great insulator, meaning it can also help in reducing unwanted noise. It’s guaranteed not to crack, flake, rust, pit, blister, or corrode. Fibrex is so strong that it can be made into different window shapes and styles. You can make your home brighter by requesting for narrower frames that offer more glass area.
Whether you need new double-hung, picture, or casement windows, you can count on Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville. Our windows are perfect for both classic and modern homes. They are also available in 27 different color combinations of interior and exterior colors. Call us at (866) 609-5033 or complete our contact form to schedule a free in-home consultation. We serve homeowners in Knoxville, TN, and areas around Tennessee.