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With rapid urbanization, problems such as traffic noise, construction noise, and neighborly disturbances are becoming increasingly prominent, making soundproof windows a pressing need for many. So how do you judge a high-quality soundproof window? We'll explain from the following four perspectives .
1. Glass: Thicker isn't always better; "the right structure is what makes it effective."
Glass is the core noise reduction component of soundproof windows, but the sound insulation effect of a "single thick pane of glass" is far inferior to that of "composite structure glass." Good soundproof window glass typically has the following characteristics:
1. Prioritize "laminated insulated glass": This is one of the best combinations for overall sound insulation currently available. The inner layer uses "laminated glass" (PVB film can effectively reduce low- and mid-frequency noise, such as car tire noise and track vibration), and the outer layer is double-glazed (to improve high-frequency sound insulation, such as human voices and horns). Laminated insulated glass is a sound insulation solution with excellent overall performance. Its structural design achieves effective control of noise across the entire frequency band through the synergistic effect of different materials.
2. Reject "ordinary double-glazed windows": Many merchants advertise "double-glazed windows" as "soundproof windows," but this structure has a certain blocking effect on high-frequency noise, but its ability to reduce low-frequency noise is extremely weak. Moreover, if the two panes of glass are of the same thickness, they are prone to the "coincidence effect" (when the frequency of the sound wave is the same as the frequency of the glass vibration, the noise will penetrate the glass). It is suitable for areas with low noise levels, rather than for true "sound insulation needs."
3. Differentiated glass thickness : If double or multi-layer glass is used, it is recommended that adjacent glass layers have different thicknesses (such as 5mm + 6mm) to avoid the coincidence effect and further improve the sound insulation effect.
II. Window Frame: A two-pronged approach of "sealing + material" to avoid creating a "sound leakage weakness".
Many people only focus on the glass, neglecting the window frame. If the window frame has poor sealing or is made of thin material, even the best glass will allow noise to penetrate through gaps or the frame itself. A good soundproof window frame should meet the following requirements:
1. Choose "thermal break aluminum" or "PVC" materials , and avoid ordinary aluminum alloy: Ordinary aluminum alloy conducts heat quickly and is thin, making it easy to conduct noise when vibrating; while thermal break aluminum (with PA66 thermal break strip in the middle, which can block sound transmission) and PVC (high material density and good sound insulation) have better sound insulation performance. Among them, thermal break aluminum is more suitable for long-term use due to its strength and durability.
2. Window frame thickness "not less than 60mm" : The thickness of the window frame directly affects the sealing performance and structural stability. It is recommended to choose products with a profile width of ≥60mm. The more complex the cavity structure (multi-cavity design), the better the sound insulation effect - the cavity can divide the sound wave propagation path and weaken the noise energy.
3. Three or more sealing strips, choose EPDM material : Sealing strips are the key to blocking sound leakage from gaps. Good soundproof windows will have three or more sealing strips between the window frame and the glass, between the window frame and the wall, and between the window sash and the window frame. The material of the sealing strips should be EPDM, rather than ordinary rubber. EPDM is resistant to aging and has good elasticity. It will not cause sealing failure due to deformation after long-term use, while ordinary rubber is easy to harden and crack, and sound leakage problems will appear after 3-5 years.
III. Hardware Components: "Precision + Durability" to prevent "sealing failure" after long-term use.
Hardware components may seem small, but they directly affect the sealing performance of window sashes. If the hardware is not precise enough, gaps will appear between the window sash and the frame after closing, allowing noise to seep in. Good soundproof window hardware requires attention to the following:
1. Choose "multi-point locking" and reject single-point locking : When a single-point lock (with a locking point on only one side of the window sash) is closed, the fit between the window sash and the window frame is uneven, which can easily create gaps on the other side; while a multi-point lock (with multiple locking points around the window sash) allows the window sash to be evenly stressed and fit tightly against the window frame, improving the sealing effect.
2. Prioritize "imported brands or top domestic brands" : such as HOPO and SIEGENIA from Germany, and Kinlong from China. These brands have high precision and strong wear resistance in their hardware parts. They will not loosen or deform even after long-term use (more than 10 years), avoiding sealing failure caused by aging of hardware parts.
IV. Installation: "The product accounts for 30%, installation for 70%"-details determine the final result.
Even if the glass, window frame, and hardware meet the standards, improper installation can compromise sound insulation. Good soundproof window installation must achieve the following:
1. Fill wall gaps with sound-insulating mortar or sealant : The gap between the window frame and the wall cannot be filled with ordinary cement (cement is prone to cracking and creating gaps). It must first be filled with sound-insulating mortar, and then weather-resistant sealant should be applied to the outside (and indoor special sealant should be applied to the inside) to form a "double seal".
2. Use neutral silicone sealant, not glass glue, to fix the glass to the window frame: Neutral silicone sealant (strong adhesion, good sealing performance, and can buffer glass vibration) should be used to fix the glass to the window frame, instead of ordinary glass glue (weak adhesion, easy to fall off after long-term use, resulting in sound leakage from the gaps).
3. "On-site sound insulation test" after installation : Professional vendors will use a decibel meter to test the indoor noise level on-site after installation and compare it with the value before installation to ensure that the sound insulation effect meets the promised standard (generally, it is recommended that the noise reduction be ≥25 decibels, that is, when the outdoor noise level is 65 decibels, the indoor noise level is ≤40 decibels).