How to soundproof your home from stressful urban noise
From the roar of traffic to the rattle of the Luas, there is no doubt life is getting noisier for those living in urban areas.
More than just a nuisance, noise can become a considerable source of stress, particularly if you live close to a motorway, busy road, tramline or other source of constant background din.
Fortunately, there is a solution that doesn’t involve moving house: acoustic glass.
According to windows expert Jim Toal of Fairco Windows and Doors, acoustic glass dials down the volume outdoors so those indoors can enjoy peace and quiet.
“Acoustic glass is the equivalent of moving the road 28 meters further away from your home. Even if you live beside a busy thoroughfare, you won’t hear the traffic at all,” said Jim.
For those who want to understand the science behind using glass to reduce the racket, acoustic glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with one or more acoustic interlayers.
Depending on your needs and budget, the experts can either greatly reduce or even totally remove background noise from your home environment.
“By varying the thickness of the sheets of glass, different levels of sound insulation can be achieved,” said Jim.
“For ultimate sound proofing in a home setting we recommend laminated glass. This is where two panes of glass are used with a layer of plastic in the middle. The thicker the plastic laminate layer, the more sound will be deflected,” he explained.
The window expert says for serious noise reduction double glazing is not enough.
“It will help to some degree, but as sound operates in waves, to really make a difference you need acoustic glass. Its variations in glass thickness and interlayers are scientifically calculated to disrupt how sound frequencies operate.”
For those seeking the quiet life the good news is the cost of sound proofing your home need not break the bank and acoustic glass can be retro fitted to existing window frames.
“Ideally acoustic glass is best installed when people are getting new windows, but it can be fitted in existing window frames.
“Sound proofing is also more pocket friendly than people think as specifications vary from very high to more moderate. We work with people based on their needs and budgets to achieve the best possible result.”
And it is not only the roar of traffic that you may want to eliminate from your domestic life.
“We recently had a customer living close to a football stadium where matches are played regularly. They couldn’t believe the difference after we installed acoustic glass, the noise levels have been dramatically reduced and now they have no idea who’s scored.” said Jim.
Trust the experts to transform your home. Find out more at Fairco.ie
