Is there an efficient method of fighting traffic noise?

31
Aug 2015

Living in big cities teeming with life is both attractive and convenient. However, it also means streets clogged with thousands of cars at any time of day, polluted air, and noise that becomes increasingly problematic for our hearing. The latter issue can be solved by installing windows with improved noise reduction. Such windows will provide efficient protection against noise from the outside, making our home an oasis of silence to which we will happily return after a hard day’s work.

R – The key parameter

When choosing our windows, we should take notice of the Sound Reduction Index R, which indicates how efficiently the window protects the room against sounds from the outside. The efficiency of the sound reduction of the window depends on the type of glass panel. However, we do not mean here the glass panel itself, but the type of glass, the combination of thickness of the panels, the presence of protective film, the spacing between the glass panels, and the presence of gas in the glass panel unit. Careful installation is also important, as always in construction.

How to measure the noise levels in your neighbourhood

According to Polish Standards, the acceptable noise level in residential rooms falls within the range of 30 ÷ 40 [dB] during the day and 25 ÷ 35 [dB] at night. In order to illustrate these values in dB, listed below are the estimated values for various types of noise:

  • Rustling leaves – 20 dB
  • Clock ticking – 30 dB
  • Loud conversation – 70 dB
  • Lawnmower – 80 dB
  • Busy street – 90 dB
  • Jackhammer – 100 dB
  • Jet aircraft – 140 dB

The noise level that gets into the room also depends on the distance from the noise source and any obstacles (e.g. trees) that could reduce the sound wave along its way to the building. Considering the values listed above, we are able to determine the appropriate R index value of our windows to ensure that our flat remains quiet.

The solution is within reach

OKNOPLAST offers sound absorbing glass panels with Sound Reduction Index R of 36, 39, 40 and even 50 dB. Such noise reduction values of the glazing ensure comfort for the inhabitants of buildings located in the vicinity of busy traffic routes. The high attenuation level is provided by the asymmetrical structure of the sealed glazing unit and laminated glass panels with noise protection film. The glazing unit efficiently attenuates low frequencies related to high traffic volume, as well as high frequencies generated by jet aircraft flying over at low altitude. The audible noise inside the building will sound like the source is located much farther than it actually is. Also, we will not hear the noise of road works – a jackhammer will sound like the distant, harmless buzzing of an insect.

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