Windows
Vinyl window film Essentially these are window stickers that are peeled off and stuck to the existing window until it covers the entire pane . Window films do little to stop intrusive noise from entering a dwelling .
Window curtains , blinds , and shades These may absorb some external noise when completely drawn but will also block out natural lighting as well as the view .
Replacement window design constraints
General contractors have an important consultative role to play when DIY efforts fall short . Since even most professional window installations are not specifically designed to reduce excessive noise intrusion , these efforts can also offer less than the desired result .
Dual pane windows Dual pane windows will not keep out the noise because they are not designed to do so . The dual panes act like a drum and reverberate in response to external noise vibrations . The result is that the noise as sound vibrations transfers right through the panes . The seals of most dual pane windows degrade within a few years , which allows even more outside noise to pass through .
True soundproofing windows
For a much more effective option than DIY attempts or replacement windows , general contractors are turning to soundproofing companies with expertise in engineering products used in very noise sensitive environments like recording studios .
Similar to recording studio window soundproofing technology , a secondary soundproofing window is installed inside , behind the existing window . The product is custom designed specifically to match – and function – like the original window . Installation is simple and fast with virtually no cleanup , making them efficient for contractors to install and usually quite profitable .
The inner window essentially reduces noise from entering on three fronts : the type of materials used to make the pane , the ideal air space between original window and insert , and finally improved , long-lasting seals . The combination can reduce external noise by up to 95 percent .
The first noise barrier is laminated glass , which dampens sound vibration much like a finger on a wine glass stops it from ringing when struck . An inner PVB layer of plastic further dampens sound vibrations .
Air space of two-to-four inches between the existing window and the soundproof window also significantly improves noise reduction because it isolates the second window from external sound vibrations .
Finally , spring-loaded seals are placed in the second soundproof window frame , which prevents sound leaks and helps to stop noise from vibrating through the glass .
The bottom line for general contractors is that they can quickly provide homeowners , office managers , and real estate professionals with true window soundproofing when DIY efforts fail . Since these are quick and easy to install , offering them as an option to a contractor ’ s existing services can be quite a profitable option . ■
Randall R . Brown www . soundproofwindows . com
Randall R . Brown is the owner of Soundproof Windows , Inc . ( and a hands-on inventor and businessman .) Soundproof Windows , Inc . is a market leader in soundproof windows and ships its products worldwide .
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