Have you ever cringed at the sound of a startling noise? Have you found yourself sitting in your home, wanting to relax only to be distracted by the sounds outside? Noise pollution is a very real problem, and with cities and towns seemingly becoming more populated and busy with each passing year, the level of noise pollution continues to rise.
While it may seem like the only solution is to move to a rural area with no neighbors in sight, there is a simpler answer. Impact windows can provide homeowners with the level of noise reduction they are after, thereby delivering the kind of peaceful home environment they never thought possible. So let’s explore how impact windows can help with noise reduction.
Impact Windows Can Hold Up to Severe Weather
Often, homeowners look into installing impact windows because they offer excellent storm protection. They aren’t just strong; they are impact-resistant. This means homeowners have peace of mind during high-wind events like hurricanes.
If impact windows ever break, it’s not like breaking a traditional glass window. A standard window results in sharp pieces of glass shattering all over the place, which is extremely dangerous and a mess. Because impact windows are made from a blend of laminated glass and tempered glass, there is no such thing as shards of glass. Homeowners don’t need to worry about getting cut by their windows.
Impact windows also have heavy-duty frames that can also withstand severe weather. They can be made of vinyl or aluminum, both of which are known for their durability. And as you may imagine, these extra strong windows also do a great job at insulating the home, so there are cost savings.
These impact windows can be a costly investment at the onset, but they can last for decades and will increase the value of the home. So, noise pollution aside, they offer an array of benefits.
How Serious Is Noise Pollution?
It’s one thing to get irritated by loud noises and sudden sounds, but just how real of a thing is noise pollution?
Here’s a statistic that may come as a shock: noise pollution is ranked as the second biggest environmental cause of various health problems. Statistics from the UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center estimate that 10 million people living in the US are suffering from permanent hearing loss that is a direct result of noise-related trauma or environmental noise.
Any noise that is described as unwanted and disturbing can be classified as noise pollution. Noise pollution affects the health of humans, animals, and other organisms on the planet. No one is safe from its effects.
To better understand what noise pollution is, it’s important to know what’s considered acceptable levels of noise versus harmful levels. Anything above 85 decibels is considered high and potentially harmful, and that’s as simple as heavy traffic, a lawnmower, a restaurant during the peak dinner hour, or even a window air conditioning unit. It’s rather shocking to realize those everyday sounds are considered dangerous, so imagine what the really loud sounds can do.
While it is recommended you take steps to protect your hearing if you’re going to be in high-noise environments, you shouldn’t have to take these steps at home. A home is meant to be a sanctuary and a place of peace.
Impact Windows Act As the Silent Protector
Now that it’s been determined that loud noises are common and can be harmful, and homeowners are not keen on walking around their homes with ear protection – there is a better solution. Impact windows are being heralded as the silent protector when it comes to noise pollution.
People often confuse impact windows with hurricane windows. While both do a better job at protecting the home during severe weather than standard windows, impact windows are far superior to hurricane windows. Impact windows are built with one thing in mind – strength. These windows are incredibly strong and can withstand strong forces of wind and even flying debris.
Impact windows have multiple layers made from tempered and laminated glass, which gives them their strength. But with that strength comes the ability to muffle and stifle outdoor sounds. The material used in impact windows can break up sound waves, which means the noise is unable to transmit effectively.
Typically speaking, a standard window that is only single-pane has a Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) rating of 28. This rating determines how well sound can be transmitted through the window. With a high-impact window, the rating is about STC 50, which makes it almost two times more effective at blocking noise. It’s impossible to completely soundproof the home through windows alone, but impact windows certainly do a much better job than standard windows.
Ongoing Results Make Impact Windows Even More Attractive
Homeowners may be shocked at how well impact windows reduce noise pollution from outside the home, but remember these are ongoing benefits. Think of all the years’ worth of potential damage you are saving your ears and overall health from. It won’t take long for you to start to forget just how loud your environment can be.
For houses located in urban areas, high-traffic areas, and those with a lot of noise and commotion, impact windows can make sense strictly on a noise pollution level. All the other benefits of installing impact windows are just a bonus.
Installing impact doors, which provide all the same benefits, can also increase the level of protection from noise pollution.
Let Us Help You Reduce the Level of Noise Pollution in the Home
At G&R Impact Windows & Doors, we’re here to help. We understand that noise pollution is a real concern and that homeowners just want a safe and peaceful retreat to relax in. We’re happy to speak with you about the benefits of impact windows and offer some solutions that would work in your home.
If you live in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or West Palm Beach area, be sure to call us at (305) 925-0818 so we can help make your home a quieter environment.
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