Many people ask us “Are Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors Soundproof?” While these products are not considered soundproof, they do provide a significant amount of sound reduction when compared to standard non-impact windows and doors. It is one of the many additional benefits that hurricane windows and doors can provide your home and family.
So how do hurricane windows and doors provide sound reduction? It all comes down to how the impact glass is created.
Impact-resistant glass is made by combining two thin pieces of standard glass and fusing them with a layer of a vinyl interlayer between. This vinyl interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or Sentry Glass Plus (SGP), is what prevents the glass from breaking apart if it is hit by a flying object.
This interlayer also “...has a different density from the glass, breaking up the sound.” This sound disruption can be measured using the Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) Rating. The higher the rating, the more noise is blocked by the window or door. Here are some STC ratings for non-impact and impact glass, according to BetterSoundProofing.com.
Single pane 1/8” has an STC between 21 and 28
Two sheets of 1/8” glass with 3/100” PVB: 1/4″ pane with an STC of 35
Double those dimensions and the value improves to 39
These ratings show that while impact windows and doors are not soundproof, they can reduce some of the most common irritating noises, like lawnmowers, airplanes, and traffic. PGT Windows provides a tool to demonstrate the difference in noise levels between non-impact and hurricane impact windows. If you have a specific noise irritant in your neighborhood, use this tool to compare the sound reduction for that specific irritant.
If you prefer a live demonstration, CGI Windows featured a noise reduction chamber in their showroom that can show you the noise reduction in real-time. This chamber is constructed of Casement Windows, and inside is a speaker playing jet engine noise. You can see once the window is closed and sealed, the noise is significantly less than before.
Whether you live near the Brightline train tracks, near common areas like golf courses and pools, or just have a neighbor that is louder than you like, impact windows and doors may be a solution to improve the conditions in your home, making your space more relaxing.
If you are interested in learning more about the lesser-known benefits of hurricane windows and doors and would like to schedule a free consultation, contact our office at 561-623-8446 or fill out our request form.
