A new realm of sound insulation: revealing the four core elements of high-quality soundproof windows

With the acceleration of urbanization, problems such as traffic noise, construction site noise, and neighborhood disturbances are becoming increasingly prominent, and soundproof windows have become an urgent need for many people. So how do you identify high-quality soundproof windows? This article will explain this from the following four perspectives .

1. Glass: Thicker is not better, but "the right structure is effective"

Glass is the core noise reduction component of soundproof windows, but the sound insulation effect of "single thick glass" is far inferior to "composite structural glass". Good soundproof window glass usually has the following characteristics:

1. Prioritize laminated insulating glass: This is one of the most effective sound insulation combinations available today. Laminated glass uses a PVB film on the inner layer to effectively attenuate low- and mid-frequency noise, such as tire noise and track vibration, while a hollow outer layer improves high-frequency sound insulation, such as voices and horns. Laminated insulating glass offers excellent overall sound insulation performance. Its structural design effectively controls noise across the entire frequency range through the synergistic effect of different materials.

2. Avoid "ordinary double-layer insulating glass": Many businesses promote "double-layer insulating glass" as "soundproof windows." However, this structure has a certain blocking effect on high-frequency noise, but its ability to attenuate low-frequency noise is very weak. Moreover, if the two panes of glass are of the same thickness, it is easy to produce a "matching effect" (when the sound wave frequency matches the glass vibration frequency, the noise will penetrate the glass). This is suitable for areas with less severe noise, but not for true "soundproofing needs."

3. "Differentiated matching" of glass thickness : If double or multi-layer glass is used, it is recommended that the thickness of adjacent glass be different (such as 5mm+6mm) to avoid the matching effect and further improve the sound insulation effect.

2. Window Frame: A two-pronged approach of "sealing + material" to avoid "short board of sound leakage"

Many people only focus on the glass but ignore the window frame. If the window frame is poorly sealed or made of thin material, even if the glass is good, noise will penetrate through the gaps or the window frame itself. A good soundproof window frame must meet the following requirements:

1. Choose thermally insulated aluminum or plastic-steel materials over ordinary aluminum alloys. These materials conduct heat quickly, are thin, and easily transmit noise when vibrating. Thermally insulated aluminum (with a PA66 insulation strip in the middle to block sound transmission) and plastic-steel (with a high density and excellent sound insulation) offer superior sound insulation. Thermally insulated aluminum, with its strength and durability, is more suitable for long-term use.

2. Window frame thickness "not less than 60mm" : Window frame thickness directly affects sealing and structural stability. It is recommended to choose products with a profile width ≥ 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, the window frame and the wall, and the window sash and the window frame. The material of the strips should preferably be EPDM rather than ordinary rubber - EPDM is resistant to aging and has good elasticity. Long-term use will not cause sealing failure due to deformation, while ordinary rubber is easy to harden and crack, and sound leakage problems will occur after 3-5 years.

3. Hardware: "Precision + Durability" to avoid "seal failure" after long-term use

Hardware may seem small, but it directly affects the sealing of the window sash. If the hardware is not precise enough, a gap will appear between the window sash and the window frame after closing, causing noise to penetrate. Good soundproof window hardware should pay attention to:

1. Choose "multi-point locking" instead of single-point locking : When a single-point lock (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 a gap on the other side; while a multi-point lock (multiple locking points around the window sash) can make the window sash evenly stressed, fit tightly with the window frame, and improve the sealing effect;

2. Give priority to "imported brands or domestic first-line brands" : such as Germany's HOPO, SIEGENIA, and domestic Jianlang, etc. The hardware of these brands is of high precision and strong wear resistance. It will not loosen or deform after long-term use (more than 10 years), avoiding sealing failure due to aging of hardware.

4. Installation: "30% product, 70% installation", details determine the final effect

Even if the glass, window frames and hardware meet the standards, the sound insulation effect may be compromised if it is not installed properly. A good soundproof window installation must be done as follows:

1. Fill wall gaps with soundproof mortar or sealant : The gap between the window frame and the wall cannot be filled with ordinary cement (cement easily cracks and creates gaps). It must first be filled with soundproof mortar, and then weather-resistant sealant is applied on the outside (special indoor sealant is applied on the inside) to form a "double seal";

2. Use neutral silicone sealant, not glass glue, to secure the glass to the window frame: Neutral silicone sealant (which has strong adhesion, good sealing, and can buffer glass vibration) should be used to secure the glass to the window frame, rather than ordinary glass glue (which has weak adhesion, easily falls off after long-term use, and causes sound leakage through the gaps).

3. "On-site sound insulation test" after installation : After the installation is completed, professional merchants will use a decibel meter to test the indoor noise value on-site, and compare it with the value before installation to ensure that the sound insulation effect meets the promised standard (it is generally recommended that the noise reduction amount is ≥25 decibels, that is, when the outdoor noise level is 65 decibels, the indoor noise level is ≤40 decibels).