The quietest windows windows with maximum sound insulation

Life in a metropolis can hardly be called quiet and calm. Being outside the house, you have to put up with this, and the modern city dweller is more likely to be surprised by the ringing silence than the usual hum of transport and technology. However, a noisy environment is unlikely to contribute to proper rest at home or concentration at work.

The level of sound insulation of premises mainly depends on the type of glazing of light openings, that is, on the windows and, in particular, the double-glazed windows installed in them. They will be discussed in detail below.

Sound insulation and noise protection of double-glazed windows

33.1 – two 3 mm glasses with one layer of PVB film 0.33 microns 44.2 – two 4 mm glasses with a two-layer PVB film between the glasses. Stratophone is a soundproofing film produced by AGC consisting of two or more layers of PVB film.

Varieties

Sound insulation of windows is achieved through the use of several design solutions.

These include:

• increasing the thickness of glass and their number in a double-glazed window;
• the width of the air chambers and the composition of the inert gas inside;
• sealing system and strength of connection between the double-glazed window and the profile.

In general, soundproofing windows are grouped according to a number of characteristics :

1. profile material;
2. his type;
3. types of glass.

Based on profile material

Plastic frames and boxes have virtually no effect on noise reduction. Because PVC, due to its rigidity, is not able to absorb sound waves. But the profile design itself is of great importance for such windows; the frames under them must be at least 70 cm deep in order to accommodate 3-chamber double-glazed windows.

Advantages:

• soundproofing;
• energy saving;
• thermal protection -0.8 m2*K/BT;
• high installation accuracy;
• high strength with a closed reinforcement system.

The disadvantages of plastic noise protection profiles include high cost and large specific gravity of 1 m2 of window.

The most popular five-chamber noise-proof double-glazed windows:

• Russian brands Trocal Inno-Nova Ideal-7000;
• KBE;
• Veka;
• Rehau.

Today, wooden noise-proof windows with double paired or separate panels are also well represented on the market. This provides good sound insulation, even without the use of special double-glazed windows. The design involves the installation of asymmetrical glazing, the outer “P” single-layer glass is 4 mm, and the inner sash is equipped with a double-glazed window.

Thus, noise-proof Finnish Domus blocks with a glazing formula of 3/(80-195)/4/10/4 have a frame width from 105 to 220 mm, capable of absorbing noise of 43 dB, and Swedish Joinex windows with paired sashes 4/(40-60) /4/12/4 and external triplex provide protection of 50 dB and at the same time weigh much lighter than Finnish ones. The average cost of such window systems is 25,000 per 1 m2.

Advantages:

• high strength, thanks to the use of 4-layer laminated veneer lumber;
• window thermal insulation 1.05 W/m2K;
• window sound insulation up to Rw=50 dB;
• environmental friendliness;
• long service life over 50 years.

Disadvantages include high cost, complexity of installation and the need for additional installation of a mounting frame.

By profile type

The profile design also affects the sound insulation effect, although to a much lesser extent than a double-glazed window. Soundproof windows must have a profile with the following profile system characteristics :

• large installation width;
• maximum number of cameras;
• with a front wall thickness of at least 2.8 mm.

For a powerful acoustic effect, experts advise choosing a 70 mm profile with 6 chambers, for example, WDS 7S / WDS 8S with wide 40/44 mm double-glazed windows.
Advantages :

• high mechanical characteristics due to the thickness of the outer walls of 2.9-3.0 mm;
• high-quality weld;
• reinforced closed reinforcement 1.5-2.0 mm;
• rigid structure, able to withstand large wind loads;
• small deformation from foundation subsidence;
• high thermal protection 1.25 m2 x°C/W;
• high noise protection up to 47 dB;
• increased impact resistance at T = –30°C;
• long service life of 45 years.

The high installation depth of the profile ensures reliable fixation of window fittings and intensive use of window sashes, which is explained by the large number of internal partitions.

The disadvantages of such systems include the high cost and complexity of installation work due to the increased dimensions and weight of the window unit.

By type of glass unit

The type of double-glazed window has the greatest influence on the soundproof characteristics of the window, occupying almost 80% of the total area. In this regard, it becomes a large membrane that transmits street noise into the room.

In order for a double-glazed window to become noise-proof and reduce the level of street noise, manufacturers
use three design methods :

• Installation of triplex instead of standard glass. The triplex design consists of 2 glasses, between which a durable and fairly elastic polymer film is placed. This glass composition transmits less sound compared to monolithic glass.
• Multi-chamber double-glazed windows with different distance widths, passing through which sound waves reduce their volume.
• Double-glazed windows with argon, an inert gas, not only increases the thermal resistance of the structure, but is also the best sound insulator. More viscous argon resists the passage of sound waves much more effectively, reducing sound volume by 25-30%.

The maximum sound protection effect is realized in three-chamber double-glazed windows and higher. In special quiet double-glazed windows, sulfur hexafluoride is used instead of argon, which ensures 100% insulation of the room from street noise.

Advantages of quiet double-glazed windows:

• high window strength;
• increased level of security;
• energy efficiency;
• high sound absorption.

The disadvantages include the high cost of such double-glazed windows.
Average noise insulation values ​​for different formulas of “quiet” double-glazed windows:

• 4/16/4 (Ar), 32 dB, 4300 RUR/m2;
• 4/6/4/12/4 33 dB, 4150 RUR/m2;
• 6/10/4/10/4 (Ar) 34 dB, 4700 RUR/m2;
• 6/10/4/10/4 (SF6 and Ar) 38, 4800 RUR/m2;
• 4/12/9 (triplex) 42, 6500 rub./m2;
• 4/10/4/10/9 (triplex) 44, 6800 rub./m2.

The glass formula consistently shows the thickness of the glass and air spaces in mm, and "Ar" and "SF6" are the argon and sulfur 6-fluoride used to fill the chambers.

By design

Glass is a rigid material that has virtually no acoustic characteristics. Waves hitting the surface of a glass sheet are partially reflected, but at the same time the sheet itself begins to vibrate and thus transmits noise, redirecting it deeper into the house. Increasing the thickness of the glass only partially reduces the noise level.

Due to the characteristics of glass, it is in principle impossible to create a double-glazed window that is similar in sound protection to a wall structure, since there is no alternative to glass in nature yet. Therefore, developers of noise-protective window systems, in order to improve its characteristics, additionally make changes to their overall design.

Such methods include the use of acoustic sealants and seals to protect the perimeters in the contact area of ​​the glass unit elements and the PVC sash. These materials must be as elastic as possible, thereby they will function as a damper, dampening the vibrations of the window sheet. Silicone and EPDM are best suited for these purposes.

Next, the direction of organizing noise protection concerns window frames and frames. Research conducted in the Glaverbel laboratory has proven that mullion windows, when dividing the canvas into 2 horizontal parts by an impost, or even using more frequent binding, can significantly increase sound protection compared to windows with continuous glazing.

Decorative beads and other various decors installed in double-glazed windows lead to deterioration of the sound insulation of the window as a whole. When exposed to temperature differences, they peel off and become sources of noise themselves, starting to rattle additionally.

Which windows to choose

Choosing the best double-glazed window for sound insulation is not enough. It needs to be framed - that is, select a window frame. Not every glass unit is suitable for the best glass unit. The main reason is the thickness of the glass unit. A good noise-proof double-glazed window requires a thick frame.

How thick is the glass unit in which windows is it installed?

Which frames are better - TOP brands

All popular window manufacturers produce quiet modifications using three basic noise reduction principles. The most popular of them in terms of the price-quality ratio of sound protection are considered to be such models of “quiet” windows.

Rehau

Characteristics:

• PVC;
• Premium Geneo profile;
• width 86 mm;
• 6 cameras;
• glass unit up to 54 mm;
• two compaction circuits, 50 dB;
• 10,000 rub./m2.

Advantages:

1. excellent value for money ratio;
2. large selection of models.

The disadvantage in some models is that the wall thickness is below 2.8 mm.

Montblanc Grand 80

Characteristics:

• PVC;
• width 80 mm;
• 6 cameras;
• 49 dB;
• 7900 rub./m2.

Advantage:

• good price-quality ratio;
• reliable noise protection;
• fire safety and high service life of more than 60 years.

No deficiencies found.

Profile KBE 88

Characteristics:

1. PVC;
2. width 88 mm;
3. 6 cameras;
4. 48 dB;
5. price-7800 rub. m2.

Advantages:

• long service life;
• best price-quality ratio.

No deficiencies found.

Salamander

Characteristics:

1. PVC;
2. category A;
3. bluEvolution;
4. width 92 mm;
5. 3 sealing circuits;
6. 6 cameras;
7. glass unit up to 60 mm;
8. 46dB, price - 26,000 rub./m2.

Advantages:

• high quality;
• factory warranty for more than 5 years.

Disadvantage: very high cost.

Veka

Characteristics:

1. Alphline;
2. PVC;
3. width 90 mm;
4. 6 cameras;
5. 45 dB;
6. 9600 rub./m2.

Advantages:

• compliance with European quality;
• soundproof double glazed windows and high-quality seals.

Disadvantage : overpriced and low service life up to 40 years.

Cost of soundproof double glazed windows

You can achieve the same level of sound insulation by using different double-glazed windows. The level of sound insulation is selected, most often, in combination with the thermal insulation parameter of the double-glazed window, as well as cost. The degree of noise protection can be improved both by increasing the thickness of the glass and the width of the internal chamber. In the second case, this improvement will have virtually no effect on the cost of the double-glazed window. Adding thicker glass 6 mm or laminated triplex glass to a double-glazed window will significantly increase its cost. Read more about laminated glass and their protective properties in the material: Safety glasses and double-glazed windows.

A company specialist will help you select a double-glazed window according to the parameters.

Manufacturers

Both industrial enterprises and small private companies are engaged in the production of double-glazed windows. Some PVC window manufacturers also assemble double-glazed windows, but most of them work with large organizations specializing in the manufacture of glass and glass-related products.

• At the moment, the group of companies has ten factories, the total productivity of which exceeds 500,000 m² of double-glazed windows per month.
• The Oknasalut company, in addition to manufacturing various types of glazing from PVC profiles, produces sound-proof double-glazed windows. Cost from 1000 rubles per m².
• specializes exclusively in the production of double-glazed windows. It was founded in 1996 and currently has a powerful industrial complex. The cost of a two-chamber product with triplex is 2400 rubles per m².

Sound and soundproofing

Sound insulation of glass (and double-glazed windows) shows the ability of a structure to reduce airborne noise (sound vibrations).

The loudness of a sound depends on the effective sound pressure, frequency and vibration of the sound wave. For low-frequency noise (30 Hz), the permissible sound pressure is considered acceptable at a level of no more than 70 dBA. For high-frequency (4,000 Hz) sound pressure should not exceed 20 dBA. In addition, the human ear is unable to perceive some types of noise (up to 20 Hz and above 20,000 Hz), but their presence or absence affects our well-being.

When is window soundproofing necessary?

Rice. 2. Noise levels

Despite the assurances of manufacturers, they cannot guarantee 100% isolation from loud annoying voices from the road or yard. Since the products have certain noise suppression standards - from 24 to 35 dB. For comparison, the rustling of trees is approximately 20 dB, and the roar of an airplane taking off is from 75 to 100 dB. According to GOST, the noise level in the room should not exceed 40 dB during the daytime. With this level of background sound stimuli, a person can feel quite comfortable.

Reference! Changing the noise level is a very complex process, which is influenced by frequencies, intensity and other indicators. It is impossible to take measurements yourself.

Soundproof plastic windows

A double-glazed window is the main part of the window (occupies up to 90% of the area), which is responsible for noise reduction. A double-glazed window hermetically installed in a plastic window frame, depending on the type of construction, can reduce sound pressure by 40-50 dB.

An opening window is less reliable than one without shutters in terms of sound insulation, since due to the loose fit of the shutter to the frame, noise reduction is reduced. To achieve the best soundproofing characteristics of windows, we recommend installing blind (non-opening) window structures with double-glazed windows.

In an effort to achieve effective noise protection, also take care of appropriate wall insulation and the method of installing the window in the opening.

Multi-chamber profiles

The translucent surface of window structures occupies more than seventy percent of the block, therefore it is the main one in terms of sound insulation. The remaining 30% is neutralized by the profile, which must also be taken into account if maximum absorption of external noise is required.

A high-quality profile is divided by internal partitions into isolated sections (some modifications include up to seven such sections).

In addition, some of the profile chambers may contain a special filler, which also has a positive effect on the soundproofing qualities of the structure.

Recommendations for choosing noise-proof double-glazed windows

To soundproof a room, special attention should be paid to the type of glass unit.

What increases sound insulation

Installing glass of different thicknesses will indirectly improve the sound protection of a double-glazed window - the resonance effect will be reduced.

1 – GOST 30826-2001 “Multilayer glass for construction purposes. Technical specifications"

Examples of glazing windows with sound absorption:

***To enlarge a photo, click on it.

Average prices in the Russian Federation

All noise-proof windows are expensive products; their price, first of all, depends on the protection option adopted by the designers, the manufacturer's brand, the number of cameras and the window material. The most expensive Western-made options are made of wood.

The quietest windows with maximum noise insulation on the domestic market in terms of price-quality protection ratio are:

1. Rehau, PVC, Geneo premium profile, 6 chambers, 50 dB, 10,000 rub./m2.
2. Montblanc Grand 80, 49 dB, 7900 RUR/m2
3. KBE 88, 6 cameras, 48 ​​dB, price - 7800 rub./m2.
4. Salamander, bluEvolution, 6 cameras, 46 dB, price - 26,000 rub./m2
5. Veka, Alphline, 6 cameras, 45 dB, 9600 RUR/m2

Where are quiet windows most relevant?

If your windows face a busy roadway, then noise-proof windows will be an excellent protector from the annoying noise of cars passing nearby. Most relevant for 1-5 floors of panel or brick houses.

One of the reasons for excess noise in the room is the sounds coming from the noisy courtyard, which has become a meeting place for noisy companies. In this case, you cannot do without additional protection.

What are soundproofing structures?

Noise-proof windows are structures made from a special double-glazed window and frame with noise-insulating characteristics that can reduce street noise by more than 35 dB.

A sound-insulating double-glazed window is a translucent part of a window structure, consisting of 3 or more glasses connected into a common sealed structure using spacer frames that create air cavities - chambers. Their number directly affects the characteristics of the window unit, such as noise and heat insulation.

According to studies conducted by experts, the overall sound insulation of a window depends 70% on the features of the double-glazed window and its characteristics.

The noise insulation parameters of windows are additionally
influenced by the following factors :

1. Tight fit to the window opening.
2. The thickness of the glass, thick ones better protect the room from street sound.
3. The width of the window frame, the wider they are, the higher the noise protection characteristics.
4. The number of chambers, noise-proof windows are made of three chambers and higher, depending on the noise level that needs to be dampened.
5. Filling the chambers with xenon, krypton, sulfur hexafluoride and argon increases the soundproof characteristics of the unit.
6. Quality of seals.

Scope of application

Soundproof windows are quite expensive designs, so it is not necessary to install them in all cases. The standards for such an installation are determined by the basic SNiP II-12, published in 1977, which determines permissible noise standards for different types of premises.

So for residential premises this level should not exceed 30-35 dB. If the apartment or house is located in a quiet place, away from transport infrastructure, and the noise level inside the rooms is at or below the established standard, then there is no need to install noise-proof windows.

Reducing the noise level in a room is a complex task; it cannot be solved only by installing noise-proof windows; walls, ceilings, and floors must be protected from it if there is additional structural noise in the house.

But first of all, you need to identify sources of increased noise . This is done by special laboratory measurements. If, during such studies, it turns out that street noise enters the room through the windows, then they begin to select a noise-proof window model.

For example, during measurements, street noise reached values ​​of 80 dB, then the window should have noise absorption characteristics of 80-35 = 45 dB. This room will require a block with at least the fifth class of protection. You can choose a soundproof window model from the German brand “Salamander”, capable of absorbing 46 dB with a window width of 92 mm, with 3 seals, 5 chambers and a glass unit thickness of up to 60 mm.

A similar choice of noise-protective windows can be made for other urban premises, knowing the standard noise levels for them:

• government agencies and offices, up to 50 dB;
• schools, libraries, up to 40 dB;
• bedrooms, up to 20 dB.

Private sector standards are set 5 dB lower. The owner should not strive to complete soundproofing in the house, since absolute silence also negatively affects a person’s well-being, creating an anxious and oppressive feeling.

The difference between ordinary windows and soundproof windows

In the manufacture of sound-absorbing windows and doors, glass of different thicknesses is used; in addition, the width of the spacer frames plays an important role (the spacer frame is the distance between the glasses). To achieve maximum silence, spacers are made in different widths.

There are several ways to increase the noise protection of a double-glazed window:

• Use of glass of various thicknesses. This double-glazed window is called asymmetrical.
• Injection of inert gas into the space between the glasses. This method helps improve sound insulation due to the low resonant frequency of the gas used.
• Using triplex. If you decide to install a single-chamber double-glazed window in your home, using triplex will help achieve the same sound insulation as when using a regular 32 mm double-glazed window.

Noise insulation of single-chamber double-glazed windows

Rice. 3. Scheme of a single-chamber double-glazed window

Single-chamber plastic models are two transparent surfaces that are located at a distance of 12 to 16 mm from each other. They have a rubber seal along the outer contour. Due to the minimal cost of materials, such models are among the cheapest. Often, buyers associate a relatively low cost with poor quality.

The standard rate of absorption of noise from the street for a basic design will be about 24-25 dB. At the same time, this indicator is partially facilitated by the furnishings of the room itself: the presence of carpets, upholstered furniture, and draping fabrics. It is recommended to purchase the product for:

• Houses in quiet areas;
• Dacha or summer house;
• Non-residential premises;
• Balconies.

In other cases, you should pay attention to more durable and reliable products.

How to find the source

If a plastic window whistles, you need to determine the exact location of the problem. If an unpleasant sound occurs, close the door in the mode in which the noise is heard. When you find an area, you need to press it with your finger. If the intensity of the defect changes during strong movement, then blow through the seal.

There are drainage holes at the bottom of the frame. The elements should be covered with any homemade plug (crumpled paper, film). If the unpleasant sound disappeared, then the noise of the hole was provoked. Gaps can be easily blocked with white plasticine or sealant.

Diagnostics of a plastic window Source sense-life.com

The problem area can be identified in the micro-ventilation position. Slightly loosen the structure with a slight turn of the handle. If the humming stops, then the unpleasant sound comes from the fasteners (screws, nails). To identify a noisy part, professionals recommend tightening each moving component with a screwdriver.

Filling a glass unit with gas

Rice. 12. Argon for filling glass units

The chambers are filled with gas:

• Argon;
• Krypton;
• Rarefied air;
• Sulfur hexafluoride.

This method is often used by manufacturers as a bonus for buyers. However, it does not show significant results. The improvement in room insulation when filled with argon, krypton or rarefied air will be only 2 dB. And sulfur fluoride increases this figure by 4 dB. With little protective properties, gas-filled chambers have a relatively low throughput, so the room will be darker.

Sealing the assembly seam

Rice. 9. Sealing the cavity with polyurethane foam

During installation, cracks and gaps appear that can serve as a source of sound penetration. Therefore, all cavities around the frame are sealed with polyurethane foam, after which it is smoothed, plastered and puttied. This results in several layers of protection against any gaps.

Polyurethane foam is a universal joint filler, but greater tightness can be achieved using other materials. For example, if you use small pieces of mineral wool soaked in a cement solution before using polyurethane foam. Such pieces should fit tightly to the frame and fill all voids. The tightness is higher than with polyurethane foam. But the work process itself is long and difficult. When the work is done well, polyurethane foam is used to process the opening from both the inside and outside of the building.

Installation of Finnish windows

Rice. 15. Example of Finnish windows

Finnish windows, or soundproofing windows, are considered one of the best ways to protect a home from external noise. They help reduce overall noise levels by almost 40 dB. The product consists of 3 glasses. Two of them are connected as a single-chamber double-glazed window, and the third goes at a considerable distance (from 16 mm). Finnish windows cannot always be classified as double-chamber, since the gap between the single sash and the chamber is not connected by a seal along the entire perimeter. For connection, special fittings are often used that hold the parts of the frame together.

Main reasons

The difference in pressure is a factor that causes whistling in plastic windows. When there is a temperature difference between the street and the room, even the smallest gap when air is sucked in is accompanied by a sound effect. Let's look at the root causes of through holes.

Incorrect adjustment

If a plastic window whistles (buzzes), then the culprit should be sought in operating errors. At least twice a year, the structure must be switched to summer or winter mode. By default, after installation, models are placed in the standard position, although they can also be placed in the maximum position.

If adjustments are not made at all, the seal will wear out. Constantly changing options negatively affects the durability of the rubber-silicone part. Gaps appear between the doors, through which air passes and a whistle is heard.

Why the profile whistles Source evro-okna.dn.ua

Video description

The window whistles: what to do?

Poor quality profile

If upon inspection no visible damage is found, then the problem should be looked for in the raw materials. Among the common defects, professionals highlight the “sail effect.” Unscrupulous manufacturers use unsuitable material for regions with harsh climates. Plastic that is too soft shrinks at low temperatures, resulting in an unpleasant hum and crackling sound.

Common window problem Source nsk.remontokon.org

Low-quality raw materials expand during sudden changes in degrees from hot to cold, which provokes noise from the profile. If the density of the main structure, frame and slopes is different, then the feature enhances the unpleasant effect. The problem should be neutralized by a stabilizing corner, which is not always installed.

How to fix

If plastic windows whistle, the easiest way to eliminate the unpleasant sound is with a sealant. After identifying the location, the problem area is covered with silicone glue. The method is temporary, so the culprit of the noise will have to be neutralized.

If there is a guarantee

Problems with new plastic windows should be resolved by the installer. If the user interferes with the design, he may lose the warranty on the profile and fittings. We recommend calling a specialist to adjust the position. The employee will not only set up the glass block, but also tell you how to independently choose the desired mode.

If installation is incorrect or parts are poorly assembled, the supplier is obliged to replace the plastic window or get rid of the monotonous noise from the cracks. After discovering a problem, we recommend contacting the company that installed the profile. The arriving specialists will eliminate the unpleasant whistle along with the through holes.

If double-glazed windows are under warranty Source steklim-spb.ru

If the fittings or rubber seal fails ahead of schedule, then you should not interfere with the design. Replacement under warranty is faster and more reliable than independent experiments. The contractor knows the model of the components, so an error will be excluded.

To prevent whistling in the future, plastic windows need to be serviced every 2-3 years. The arriving specialists will clean the profile from dirt, lubricate the fittings and seal. If any component fails and leaks air, company employees will replace it with a new one.

Work of a specialist Source neproduvashka.ru

Sealant

The part is an elastic tube that runs along the perimeter of the sash. The element helps plastic windows fit more tightly, which protects against drafts and whistling. There are 3 types of components:

• VMQ;
• TPE;
• EPDM.

When choosing fittings, preference is given to the models that were installed during installation. Information can be found in the documentation supplied with the design. The papers indicate the name and parameters of the element.

The standard seal consists only of silicone, which completely follows the shape of the groove. Models with one sticky side are used for wooden windows. The old component is pryed and pulled out of the guides. Factory types are often inserted into the profile without glue, so dismantling will not be difficult.

Choosing a soundproofing window

If you want to replace elements, then you need to determine what class of sound insulation the windows need. The sound insulation class depends on the noise. There are several classes of soundproofing windows. The room is located in a place where cars do not drive, then you will need second class windows. Cars sometimes pass near your living space, you need to purchase fourth class windows. And if traffic is a common occurrence in your area, then fifth-class windows are needed.

It must be remembered that absolute silence is also harmful for a person and can cause some discomfort. Because such silence is unnatural for a person. But if you live in a building with many apartments, you will not encounter this problem. Because if noises from the street do not reach you, then you will hear the sounds that will come from the entrance.

Disadvantages of multi-chamber plastic windows

Rice. 4. Example of a multi-chamber double-glazed window

Multi-chamber structures use at least 3 glasses, which have a rubber gasket in the gap. Such products from window factories are now particularly popular. They are a priority for installation in residential buildings. However, they cannot be called ideal:

• The more cameras, the more expensive the purchase will be;
• Sound insulation indicators do not always depend on the number of air pockets, so the degree of silence will be comparable to the characteristics of a single-chamber standard;
• The more air pockets, the more massive and heavier the structure becomes. Not every window sill can bear such weight;
• The frame turns out to be very thick, which means it will take up more space. The window sill space will decrease;
• The throughput of multi-glass profiles is lower, so the apartment will not be darker than outside.

To the listed disadvantages it is worth adding the fact that it is advisable to decide on thick profiles right away, since replacing a single-chamber product is almost impossible.