Sound reduction isn’t usually high on the list of your priorities for windows. Nowhere is this truer than South Florida, where you have to regularly contend with high temperatures, lots of rain, and the occasional hurricane. Fair enough. No one wants to sacrifice safety for sound reduction, but did you know some windows can do both? Welcome to the world of impact window noise reduction. 

Do Noise Canceling Windows Exist?

Noise-canceling windows are a bit of a contradiction. Yes, windows can significantly reduce environmental and ambient noise. No, perfect noise canceling windows don’t exist. Rather, certain types of windows – mainly impact windows – cut down a lot of sound pollution and make your life much more peaceful.

 So, do noise canceling windows exist? Not exactly. This is where STC (sound transmission class) enters the picture. STC is a scale that measures how easily sound can travel through a window. Your standard window, usually a single pane of glass and a wooden frame, has an STC rating in the high 20s. To earn the title of soundproof window, your window needs to have an STC rating of 45 and higher.

 Now we’re getting into impact window noise reduction territory. 

Major Noise Reduction Impact Window Benefits

There are many impact window benefits (like keeping your house safe and dry during a tropical storm!), but today we’re looking at impact windows and noise. How do these windows help reduce and block sound? We’re glad you asked.

 Impact windows get their strength from multiple layers. Just how many layers, and the type of material used, varies depending on the type of window. One of the strongest – the Custom Window Systems Windpact Plus – uses lamination and insulation to help bolster the “normal” glass. This also means significant noise reduction. There is also something called a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer. The result of using this window is a quieter home and a happier you.

 Laminated insulated glass also helps prevent heat and ultraviolet radiation. This means a cooler home and reduced energy bills. Sounds like a win-win, right? 

What Types of Noise Do Impact Windows Help Reduce?

You’ll have to deal with different kinds of sound pollution in different parts of South Florida. If you live by I-95, for example, you’ll likely be sick of hearing road noise. If you live on the Intracoastal, you can expect to hear ships’ horns. Impact window noise reduction helps cut down on both.

You can expect to get relief from:

• Street traffic – Vehicles, honking, accidents
• Construction – Demolition, building, drilling
• Planes – Taking off, landing, taxing
• Trains
• Neighbors – Loud music, etc. 

Cut the Noise with ASP Windows 

Now that you know how impact windows can help reduce unwanted noise and lead to a more peaceful home, it’s time to see what they look like! Impact windows aren’t only useful – they’re stylish additions to any home. Click here for details to get some serious window inspiration, and call us today at (888) 782-8342 when you’re ready for a more peaceful home.