Soundproof Windows

[Bklyn]

I have a specific question about interior soundproof windows. If there is a better forum to post this question, please let me know.

A few units in my condo have been researching interior soundproof windows since our windows are situated over a highway and the noise can sometimes be a little unnerving.

We have found 3 companies (soundproof, citiquiet and cityproof) listed in ascending price order. While the quality of the product appears to be the best from cityproof (the most expensive), they claim that the thicker the glass, the better the noise reduction. They push 1/2" glass, which is about 30% more expensive than 1/4" glass. The cheaper company (soundproof), claims that there is not a large difference between glass thicknesses for sound reduction. Soundproof claims the real sound reduction work is done by the air (4” in my case) in between the two windows. Does anybody know the correct answer? Is paying more for thicker glass going to make a noticeable difference? Cityproofs website claims that 1/4 reduces noise by 55-60% while 1/2" reduces noise by 75-80%.

Would anybody care to comment? Thanks in advance. As you can probably tell, I'm a bit confused at the moment and this is not a cheap expenditure.

 

[IRstuff]

Personal experience is that 1/4" glass is OK. You'll probably find that there are other sound paths through the walls and ventilation.

TTFN

 

[Bklyn]

Actually, this is an old converted schoolhouse with thick walls. There are others in the building with 1/2" glass and the sound reduction is enormous. I'm really just wondering if the glass thickness makes a difference or if the noise reduction is accomplished mostly through the air spacing between the two windows?

 

[IRstuff]

It's a combination of both. The glass panes can act like drum heads, so the stiffer (thicker) they are, the less transmission of sound. The 1/2" glass is substantially stiffer than the 1/4" glass.

TTFN

 

[Orpheus3D]

Hi
I have no direct experience of window sound insulation, but I know a lot about reducing vibration as I make holograms.

The thicker glass will be 4 times as effective.

Structurally the thicker glass will be able to move/flex only a quarter of the thinner glass. (Due to Newtons 2nd law the flexing moment can only move by the square of the thicknesses i.e. twice as thick means 1 divided by 2 x 2 = 1/4.

Sound transfers by the soundwaves moving the air so your airgap will also reduce the sound transmitted. The density of the air would also effect this. So if you could create a vaccuum in the glazing you would have no sound transfer. Or reduced air or thinner air would let less sound pass.

HOWEVER, as the other writers have said, the double glazing is only one aspect and sound will be getting thru in other ways.

 

[lunyc]

Bklyn, which soundproof windows did you get? I am in the same boat with those same 3 companies (Soundproof, City Proof and Citi Quiet) right now, and would love to hear what glass thickness you selected, and how well it works. I face the LIRR. Thanks!