Do You Really Need Soundproof Windows?
First, we should define our terms: The word need is such a subjective word. You need shelter, food, and water, but do you really need soundproof windows? Probably not, but you may want them for any number of reasons. And, there’s really no such thing as soundproof replacement windows, but Milgard noise reduction windows Houston come pretty close.
Click Here To Watch A Video About Sound Reduction Windows
Look At It From A Purely Financial Perspective
First, you’ll want to conduct some form of a cost benefit analysis. It doesn’t have to be a formal document. Think of it as a list of pros and cons. Cons might be:
- More costly than regular replacement windows.
- Sound-blocking windows are not necessarily more energy-efficient because of the engineering principle of air between the panes instead of gas.
Pros:
- They block irritating, intrusive noise.
- Sound-blocking windows can be made energy-efficient by adding low-E coatings, but an energy-efficient window can’t be made soundproof.
- Single-pane windows with poor seals are responsible for a lot of the sound intrusion. With noise reduction replacement windows, both issues are resolved.
Return on Investment (ROI) is another analytical tool to help you decide if purchasing Milgard Noise Reduction Windows Houston is a wise investment. What you get in return:
- Increased property value
- Improved curb appeal
- As with any professionally installed replacement windows, the new seal will prevent leaks of both sound and heat or cold
- Peace and quiet in you home when you want it, and how do you put a price on that?
Why are Milgard Noise Reduction Windows Suddenly so Popular?
Advances in engineering have a lot to do with it, but so do changing societal norms. Both of these factors have come together at the right time for noise reduction windows. Manufacturing advances: Milgard’s Quiet Line™ Series Vinyl Windows:
- Are double glazed
- Have a built-in sound panel
- Are designed through single-extrusion construction
- Can be matched to the rest of the house where noise is not a factor because they’re designed for uniformity to match other Milgard Vinyl Series
- Have additional mass (thicker glass)
- Have increased air space between window panes to block sound
Societal norms:
- Noise pollution is a real issue
- Many people are more sensitive to intrusive noise
- People who move into gentrified urban areas are often unaccustomed to the sounds of the city
- Home is more and more considered to be an escape from the outside world, sounds and all
Is There a Rating System for Noise Reducing Windows?
The Sound transmission class (STC) scale rates the sound-stopping capability of windows. Windows indicated as soundproof actually block from 90-95% of noise. The STC ratings for various window types is indicated below:
- A basic single-pane window have an average STC rating of 27
- A dual-pane averages 28
- Soundproof windows must have ratings of at least 45
- Milgard’s Quiet Line™ Series Vinyl Windows rate 48+
The higher the number the better the sound blocking quality of the window.
Professional Installation is Critical to Successful Noise Reduction
Houston Window Experts are certified by Milgard to install all of their window styles including the Quiet Line Series. We can make recommendations which might involve installing noise reduction replacement windows on just the side of your home where the noise assaults your peace and quiet.