It can be hard to feel relaxed and comfortable in your own home when all you hear are the sounds of traffic and people talking outside your window. But did you know that the right type of glass for your windows can make your home a lot quieter?
Below, this residential glass replacement company in Cicero, Illinois is going to explain how a simple glass upgrade can keep much of that outside noise outside.
Why does street noise get in so easily?
Many older homes, and even some newer builds, still use single-pane windows. These have only one thin layer of glass in the frame. Only one layer of glass between your home and the outside world. And as you might guess, that single layer is not much of a sound barrier.
Glass is not naturally soundproof. It is rigid, and sound vibrations can pass through it easily. When the glass is also thin, there is not much material for sound to bounce off or get slowed down by. That is why you can hear everything from a car door slam to footsteps on the sidewalk as if it is happening inside your living room.
What type of glass will help?
Laminated glass is one of the best glass options for blocking sound. It is made with two panes of glass and a sound-dampening layer (usually made of polyvinyl butyral or PVB) sandwiched between them. This inner layer helps absorb sound vibrations rather than letting them pass through. It is still clear like regular glass, but it is a lot more effective at making outside noise barely noticeable.
Laminated glass also increases your home’s security because it is harder to shatter. And it blocks more UV rays than standard glass, which can prevent your furniture and flooring from fading.
For even more sound dampening, some people use laminated glass with insulating glass units (or IGUs). These have two panes of glass with either air or an inert gas (like argon) sealed in the space between them. That air pocket in the middle works like a barrier that slows down the transmission of sound. Argon gas, being denser than air, improves both insulation and sound control.
You can also talk to your residential glass replacement company in Cicero, Illinois about using thicker glass. Thicker glass naturally blocks more sound, simply because there is more material for the sound waves to push through.
Keep in mind that not all homes need very thick glass, and thick panes can be heavier and more expensive. But in particularly loud areas (or for specific rooms like home offices or bedrooms), it can be worth the upgrade.
Professional installation is crucial.
You could buy the best soundproof glass in the world, but it will not do much to stop outside noise if it is not installed correctly. If there are gaps around the frame or the seal is loose, then outside sounds can still enter your home.
You need a professional for this job. An experienced residential glass replacement company in Cicero, Illinois will take careful measurements, choose the best type of glass for your environment, and seal everything tightly so that no sound can enter your home after the installation.
Quality glass installation can also lower your HVAC costs by improving insulation.
Looking for a Residential Glass Replacement Company in Cicero, Illinois?
If you are looking for a top-rated residential glass replacement company in Cicero, Illinois, look no further than Glass & Mirror America. Our team can help you compare options and choose the right glass to make your home quieter. Contact us at (800) 411-2801 to begin the process.
