Urban environments can be noisy, and even family homes in rural areas can experience noise pollution from machinery, traffic, and even the wind. This is why many people are now moving towards acoustic window protection. The idea is to create a perfect sanctuary within their homes, even if the noise outside is extensive. This helps create a relaxing environment where each family member, parents, children, grandparents and so on can relax and not have to shout at each other.
A lot of homeowners don’t realise the degree to which noise affects them until they try soundproofing their property. All of a sudden, they discover that their stress levels drop significantly and that they’re able to enjoy their lives so much more (ever tried to get a new born baby to sleep in a noisy house!?)
Which are the best soundproofing companies out there? Who should you use? Let’s take a look:
Best for complete acoustic performance – The Soundproof Windows
Soundproofing a property goes beyond simply installing acoustic glass alone. Instead, it requires the complete performance chain, which is something The Soundproof Windows understands. This company focuses on things like:
- Compression seals
- Locking points
- Glazing
- Frame construction
- Airtightness
- Insulation
- Other elements of the surrounding structure to ensure a proper acoustic barrier
What’s interesting is that the company uses timber windows that are designed for heritage residential and architectural projects. It can offer:
- sash windows
- imitation sash windows
- casement windows
- various other varieties
Even though it uses wood technology, it also includes acoustic isolation elements that prevent incoming noise from reverberating around properties. Clients receive clear and realistic advice about how sound cancellation will work and the degree to which it will lower volume levels. In some cases, The Soundproof Windows will also provide acousticians who can take on-site noise readings.
Best for science-led noise reduction – Hugo Carter
If you’re somebody who really enjoys the science of acoustics and wants to learn more about how it’s achieved, then an installation firm like Hugo Carter could be a good option.
This company invests heavily in the research that determines how much noise can be physically blocked from entering a home using precise techniques and measuring tools. The company calculates internal decibel levels before and after applying acoustic windows, and then provides customers with metrics that support their investment.
Interestingly, Hugo Carter engineers bespoke solutions by manipulating glass thickness across the pane. They can also add an acoustic PVB interlayer and frame design. Silent windows, they say, can lead to incredible noise reductions of up to 51 dB, which, to put it in context, is about twice the decibel reduction that occurs with standard ear muffs used on building sites.
Ultimately, this option is a good idea if you are prepared to make a significant investment to achieve noise reduction.
Best for secondary glazing – Selectaglaze
Let’s say that replacing your primary windows isn’t an option because they’re part of your Grade 2 listing, or there’s some other rule preventing you from changing them. In that case, one of the best ways to keep noise out is to use secondary glazing.
Selectaglaze is a company that is an industry leader in this area. It installs discrete internal windows on the inside of rooms with existing glazing, providing an additional way to combat noise. The air cavity between the panes breaks the path of sound transmission in an effective manner without the need for high technology. Furthermore, it covers inner and outer panes with a type of acoustic laminated glass.
The idea is to improve acoustic insulation without affecting the appearance of the windows. Ultimately, it is a good choice for people that need soundproofing solutions on properties where it is not easy or possible to modify the windows. It can be a cost-effective solution.
Best for eco-friendly acoustic insulation – Bereco
If you’re looking for more eco-friendly acoustic insulation, Bereco could be a good option. This company manufactures sustainable windows from ethically sourced and engineered timber. Interestingly, the quality of the product isn’t diminished by its eco-friendliness.
Bereco uses engineered timber that doesn’t warp or change shape like traditional wood. They also have Blue Sky certification, which means they have achieved a high standard for environmental protection. They’re not as specialised as some of the other options on this list, but their windows have been reported to reduce noise by up to 42 dB, which is significant. This is particularly important for homes near motorways, as it makes the sound of passing traffic almost inaudible in most cases.
You should choose this option if you’re a homeowner who’s interested in operating a more sustainable property. This company builds long-lasting, beautifully crafted wooden windows, so it’s well worth exploring.
Best for mainstream acoustic upgrades – Everest
Let’s say you’re on a budget, but you still really need acoustic upgrades for your windows. In this case, you might want to consider a company like Everest. This firm is well known and can offer budget options to homeowners looking to reduce volume levels inside their properties. Everest stands out because it’s one of the best-known and largest glazing firms in the country. It’s been providing people with uPVC windows for many decades and has a strong business model with internal contractors based across the country for quick upgrades. Usually, there is a short waiting list.
The performance of their standard double- or triple-glazing will always provide a significant leap in performance over old or poorly fitting windows. Simply getting the fitting right in many cases can lead to a significant noise reduction. The downside, of course, is that it’s not a noise reduction or acoustic specialist. While it does market its windows as providing noise reduction, it operates a standard, not a bespoke process, so the costs are lower, but the level of noise reduction may also be lower. Because of this, it may be more suitable for people already living in residential areas who want additional noise reduction to reduce the impact of dogs barking or wind howling.
Final verdict
What’s the final verdict here? Who do we think is the best company to soundproof your home? Our choice has to go to the soundproof windows because of its all-round holistic approach to acoustic insulation. It goes beyond just glass thickness and considers every aspect of the window, including the frame and the surrounding structure.
