Smother the noise with windows

Installing proper windows is one of the most effective ways to help aid road noise. Soundproof windows work best in that regard. However, more factors should be taken into account when considering how to reduce noise in an apartment.

While the heat transfer coefficient is usually the deciding issue when we choose joinery, we should never completely disregard acoustic insulation the way we often do when we buy and sell windows.

There are multiple regulations governing acoustic requirements for buildings, predominantly regarding the health of inhabitants. According to Directive 89/106/EEC of the European Council and an often overlooked Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure, buildings must be designed and constructed in such a way that the noise level affecting people does not pose a threat to their health and does not prevent them from doing work, resting and guarantees sleep in satisfactory conditions.

Moreover, we must protect residential and public facilities from external noise that penetrates the premises from the outside, including those coming from installations and technical equipment of the building, as well as noise travelling by air and solid elements generated by users of other spaces.

As per regulations, noise levels should not exceed 60 dB during the day and 50 dB at night. The maximum noise level for living spaces is 40 dB during the day and 30 dB at night. A barking dog produces about 80 dB, and a pneumatic drill 130 dB.

Naturally, the intensity of noise in interiors depends on many factors. Among them are the location of the building, the arrangement of potential internal and external noise sources, the acoustic properties of the building’s structure and the materials used for spade dividing elements and their components.

The construction of partitions, i.e. walls, windows and doors, is crucial. A lot of noise reaches the inside through windows in particular. Eko-Okna pays attention to all window parameters during production. For example, the BluEvolution 82 double sash window offers acoustic insulation of roughly Rw = 30 dB when using standard 4/16Ar/4 glazing. The double sash balcony window in the Ideal 8000 system (with a threshold) features the same acoustic insulation coefficient.

Despite the satisfactory parameters of standard windows, soundproof glazing is a good choice in areas with significantly higher noise levels.

Soundproof glazing uses laminated glass with an acoustic film between the panes. Acoustic glazing increases acoustic comfort in interiors and, at the same time, provides an exceptional level of soundproofing. They are suitable for residential and public buildings. In addition to combating noise with windows, it is worth remembering the innovations appearing in construction. Modern materials like acoustic panels and mineral wool are good insulators too.

Why should we keep window acoustic in mind? Noise is exceptionally bothersome and causes adverse health effects on the human body.

Prolonged exposition to noise can damage hearing or even lead to nervous system dysfunction. Scientists also believe that noise can have social and health effects, such as deterioration of communication skills, reduced learning abilities, increased irritability, anxiety, or impaired perception of optical signals from the environment.