Published on: February 24, 2025
The best windows for noise reduction require the right materials, so learn how they work before making your choice.
The building industry measures the noise that travels through a window using a Sound Transmission Class (STC) or Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC). STC is far more common on modern windows and you’ll often see an STC rating of about 26 for modern dual-pane windows with the standard 3mm glass.
More window panes add additional insulation, which can reduce the amount of noise that makes it into your home or building.
The way noise-reducing windows work is by slowing sound waves from transferring. When sound waves are slower, they sound quieter.
Sound waves also change, get reflected, absorbed or are dampened as they go through various material types. Windows can impact noise through the air space between layers of glass, more glass panes and certain types of glass. Weatherstripping is another proven method for enhancing a window’s noise-reducing abilities.
Make informed decisions about the best windows based on your soundproofing needs. This list outlines what to look for in soundproofing solutions no matter the noise you’re working to filter out of your home.
The window frame is a good place to start when shopping for windows. Before you get too deep into looking at insulating properties, glass layers and designs, decide what window frame you want.
The three main options are wood, vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum.
Wood windows are good at filtering sound because of their density. They also often offer good insulation. Wood windows are often made from timber, which is effective at noise reduction.
Another good window frame material for soundproofing is fiberglass. These windows hold their shape and are firm enough to prevent noise leakage into your home.
If you want to combine the benefits of low-maintenance windows with soundproofing qualities, vinyl windows might be the best option for you.
The more panes of glass there are on your windows, the more noise reduction they’ll promote. Double-pane or triple-pane windows are the best options for noise reduction because they have layers of gas between the panes that further insulate the windows.
Additionally, the thicker the glass is in your windows, the more it will reflect sound waves to keep your home peaceful.
For windows to do their job effectively, you need to seal them to your home tightly. Any small gaps can allow sound to leak inside. These leaks and gaps can also let air in and out, which would reduce the energy efficiency of your windows.
The best weatherstripping materials are rubber or silicone. They block sound well and provide a tight seal. However, expert technique goes into weatherstripping a home or building, making it crucial that you select your window contractor carefully.
Some types of glass are better at preventing noise transfer than others. Acoustic glass includes an interlayer designed for noise reduction by dampening sound vibrations.
Another option is to use laminated glass. These types of windows include glass layers with an interlayer that reduces noise transfer by absorbing it.
Another soundproofing method for windows is glazing. By adding a glaze to your windows, you can further protect the indoors from outside noise sources. You’ll find a variety of glazing methods available, such as double glazing and triple glazing.
Double glazing is the most common form of soundproofing window glazing, partially because it also aids in energy efficiency. Using this method balances budget with window features to keep the window affordable.
With a double-glazed window, you’ll get a window that has two layers of glass that have a small vacuum-sealed gap between them. In the gap is argon, an inert gas. Having the gap between panes helps reduce sound wave transmission.
The glass panes are sealed together using a putty-like substance, offering a tighter seal and greater energy efficiency.
You can buy the most expensive windows on the market with the highest noise reduction ratings available and still experience ambient noise in your home due to poor window installation. Who you choose to install your windows truly matters.
Make sure your window installation team has the experience necessary to seal your noise-reducing windows thoroughly and knows what to recommend when it comes to materials.
While some windows might start with a high STC rating, they might not wear the best, meaning you’ll quickly notice sound pollution in your home again. A good contractor can help you weigh a window’s ratings with its long-term effectiveness to find the best window based on the life of the window.
As your windows age, many factors will impact how long and how well they reduce outside noise pollution.
Noise pollution is a major factor that impacts the comfort of your home. Regardless of the age of your windows, meet with the team at 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing to learn what options you have for enhancing your home’s noise protection.
Schedule your free estimate for an in-home review of your windows with a member of our skilled team.
Further Reading:
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