Friday 21 August 2015
Thursday 13 August 2015
Keeping noise in or out of your home is easy!
Are you in a noisy neighbourhood or do you like to make noise in your home? Either way, you able to keep your home quiet or help your neighbours to avoid your noise.
Noise can cause a lot of disruption in your life. It can interfere with sleep, rest, conversation and can cause fatigue, irritability, headaches, stress and pressures on family life. Noise can cause issues and discomfort. To enjoy a healthy life, we need to prevent unnecessary noise entering your home. To help your neighbours, you need to contain the enjoyment of your music or other noise.
Neighbourhood noise
Noise could be acceptable to one person but unacceptable to another. It is important to work out the noise that you are trying to alleviate and the desired level that you would like to achieve.
When you are looking to keep noise in..... or out of your home, it is important that you select the right make up of glass for the noise you are trying to abate. Standard double glazed units such as 4mm/16mm/4mmm will be great for thermal insulation, however, they are not designed to insulate your home against sound. Having said that, the double glazed windows and doors will be a huge improvement on your 3 mm single piece of glass.
In addition to getting the right double glazed units in place, you will need to make sure that you have insulation around the window/door, in the ceiling and that there are no other weaknesses in the building where noise can enter or leave.
Using a different thickness of glass from the outside to the inside will provide a good outcome. Using argon gas in between the glass pieces will also improve the performance. Laminated glass is often used in this application. It is important that the two glass frequencies are not divisible by each other.
Which glass do we recommend?
Australian Glass Group is our main glass supplier and they have a product called Audio Shield. This product incorporates a sound insulating core interlayer which is sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass.
Noise can cause a lot of disruption in your life. It can interfere with sleep, rest, conversation and can cause fatigue, irritability, headaches, stress and pressures on family life. Noise can cause issues and discomfort. To enjoy a healthy life, we need to prevent unnecessary noise entering your home. To help your neighbours, you need to contain the enjoyment of your music or other noise.
Neighbourhood noise
Common sources of neighbourhood noise include:
- road, rail and aircraft traffic
- air conditioners, evaporative coolers and refrigeration units
- pool pumps
- TVs and sound systems
- burglar and car alarms
- household appliances
- dogs and other animals
- industrial premises and backyard workshops
- music from houses, commercial premises and concerts
- road and building maintenance and construction.
Noise is measured by sound pressure level which is expressed as a power ratio and calibrated in decibels (dB). The ear has a large dynamic range in audio perception with the ratio of the quietest to the most immediately dangerous sound level (capable of causing permanent damage to the ear) being in the order of 1:1 trillion.
Sound level (dB)
|
Approximate loudness relative to ordinary conversation
|
Perception example
|
|---|---|---|
Sources: NIDCD 2011 and Trace/University of Wisconsin
| ||
0
|
Don’t hear anything
|
Threshold of hearing
|
10
|
1/32 as loud
|
Very faint normal breathing
|
20
|
1/16 as loud
|
Quiet room
|
30
|
1/8 as loud
|
Quiet conversation/quiet office interior
|
40
|
1/4 as loud
|
Moderate quiet office/quiet rural area
|
50
|
1/2 as loud
|
Quiet suburban area/dishwasher in next room
|
60
|
Ordinary conversation
|
Average office/ordinary conversation
|
70
|
Twice as loud
|
Loud busy street/vacuum cleaner at 3m
|
80
|
4 times as loud
|
Noisy office/passing car at 3m
|
90
|
8 times as loud
|
Very loud heavy traffic/passing bus or truck at 3m
|
100
|
16 times as loud
|
Loud car horn/passing subway train at 3m
|
110
|
32 times as loud
|
Pop group/night club with band playing
|
120
|
64 times as loud
|
Extreme; jet take-off at 100m
|
Options to reduce noise
Recognising these subjective factors helps us determine when others are creating noise unfairly and how to respond. If neighbourhood noise is a genuine problem for you, or you believe that you might generate noise that could affect others there are some actions you can take:
- Choose a quiet neighbourhood.
- Reduce the noise by talking it over with whoever is causing the problem, or by lodging a complaint.
- Block the noise with barriers, sound absorbent materials and appropriate home design.
- Minimise your own contribution to neighbourhood noise.
- Carry out noisy activities during the day.
- Inform your neighbours whenever you need to generate noise, such as a party at home.
- Design your home to minimise noise transfer to your neighbours.
- Select a home that is well designed to limit noise transfer.
Traffic noise
For most Australians road noise is the most important neighbourhood noise issue as it affects a high proportion of the population, and the problem is growing as traffic levels increase. A 2003 study indicated that 20% of Sydney’s population were exposed to levels of road traffic noise that were well above those recommended by the World Health Organization for reducing annoyance and sleep disturbance. Many people complain that traffic noise has the greatest direct impact (see Transport).
Minimise the impact of traffic noise on your home — and your contribution to the problem:
- Cycle or walk, rather than drive.
- Buy a quiet car, and drive it less.
- Drive slowly and calmly and maintain your car.
- Shop locally and buy locally made products to reduce freight travel.
- Report noisy vehicles.
Take measures in the design of your home such as using suitable window glazing, managing air leakage, and designing shared walls and floors to limit noise transfer.
Queensland identifies designated transport corridors and New South Wales has a road noise policy. Check with your planning authority to see if your property is contained in a designated transport noise corridor (rail or road) or is otherwise recognised as being subject to higher than average transport noise levels. If so, measures need to be taken to ensure that your home includes appropriate design responses to the noise corridor.
Work with your neighbourhood, local council, community organisations and government to create more livable communities with reduced traffic noise. Central to this is the creation of urban villages based on public transport, walking, cycling, traffic calming and other traffic reduction initiatives.
Glass and noise
A 3mm single glazed window has a very low STC, and windows can let in a lot of noise, open or closed. The potential sound reduction from a highly insulating wall can be substantially reduced by poor window design.
Double glazing and laminated glass are both effective at reducing noise provided the windows are closed and the frames are well sealed.
The table below shows the percentage noise reduction compared to 3mm glass. Note that these percentage reductions are not the same as STC values.
Noise reduction for glazing compared to 3mm glass
Glazing type
|
Voice noise reduction (percentage)
|
Traffic noise reduction (percentage)
|
|---|---|---|
Source: Pilkingtons
| ||
6.38mm laminated
|
13
|
24
|
10mm glass
|
24
|
38
|
10.38mm laminated
|
29
|
43
|
Source: Pilkingtons
| ||
Glazing type
|
Voice noise reduction (percentage)
|
Traffic noise reduction (percentage)
|
|---|---|---|
4mm/12mm space /4mm
|
19
| |
10mm/12mm space/ 6.38mm laminated
|
46
| |
10mm/12mm space/6mm
|
34
| |
6mm/100mm space/4mm
|
57
| |
6.38mm laminated/ 8mm space/4mm
|
46
| |
NOTE: Thicker glass generally does not improve thermal insulation. For a combination of sound and thermal insulation use double glazing. Bear in mind that the acoustic insulation of any window is severely compromised when it is open.
To maintain effective ventilation with doors and windows closed, consider installing acoustic wall vents which are designed to provide ventilation while minimising noise transmission.
What is an STC Rating?
STC stands for Sound Transmission Class.
Basically, STC ratings are an established way to average how much sound is stopped by something. STC ratings are used for windows, doors, walls and most building materials. For windows, STC ratings range from 18 to 38.
STC ratings are the ONLY way to accurately compare various noise reduction products. An STC rating is an instrument measurement of how much noise is stopped. The STC ratings allow accurate ‘apple to apple’ comparisons.
The STC rating is the average amount of noise stopped at 18 different frequencies, measured in decibels. STC ratings are a logarithmic scale similar to the earthquake Richter Scale, which means each number is significantly higher than the one before.
What STC Ratings do Windows Have?
For single pane windows, the STC Rating is most likely between 26 and 28. The difference is the glass thickness and how air-tight the window is. Louvered windows can be less than STC rating 18 in many cases.
Solving a noise problem?
Noise could be acceptable to one person but unacceptable to another. It is important to work out the noise that you are trying to alleviate and the desired level that you would like to achieve.
When you are looking to keep noise in..... or out of your home, it is important that you select the right make up of glass for the noise you are trying to abate. Standard double glazed units such as 4mm/16mm/4mmm will be great for thermal insulation, however, they are not designed to insulate your home against sound. Having said that, the double glazed windows and doors will be a huge improvement on your 3 mm single piece of glass.
In addition to getting the right double glazed units in place, you will need to make sure that you have insulation around the window/door, in the ceiling and that there are no other weaknesses in the building where noise can enter or leave.
Using a different thickness of glass from the outside to the inside will provide a good outcome. Using argon gas in between the glass pieces will also improve the performance. Laminated glass is often used in this application. It is important that the two glass frequencies are not divisible by each other.
Which glass do we recommend?
Australian Glass Group is our main glass supplier and they have a product called Audio Shield. This product incorporates a sound insulating core interlayer which is sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass.
More Light, Less Noise
Audioshield quiets the hustle and bustle, incorporating a sound insulating core interlayer, Audioshield works with three-layer extrusion technology for a dramatic improvement in sound insulating performance. Audioshield looks and performs like a standard laminate offering improved safety, without the bulk or optical distortion. Audioshield has the flexibility of customisation to meet energy requirements, using tints and Low E glass – A complete solution to make your home a sanctuary!
A typical laminated makeup would be 3 mm glass / 0.38 mm interlayer / 3 mm glass. This gives a final product that would be referred to as 6.38 laminated glass.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). A comfortable sound level is around 35dB in daytime and 30dB at night.
A typical laminated makeup would be 3 mm glass / 0.38 mm interlayer / 3 mm glass. This gives a final product that would be referred to as 6.38 laminated glass.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). A comfortable sound level is around 35dB in daytime and 30dB at night.
Examples of noise and types of glass to help the noise
The performances will be even better when they are placed in a double glazed unit with argon.
The performances will be even better when they are placed in a double glazed unit with argon.
The brochure can be downloaded.
Source: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/housing/noise-control
Sunday 19 July 2015
Tuesday 14 July 2015
What types of glass should I use?
The standard glass that we use at Solace Creations Double Glazing is 4mm/16mm argon gas/4mm. For the majority of homes, this is enough. It gives a good air gap and the overall glass unit size is 24mm.
If you want additional security in your home then I highly recommend a laminated glass as part of the unit make up. 6.38 laminate/14mm argon /5mm does amazing things as a glass unit. 6.38 laminate is virtually impossible to break or will take a long time to break. If you have secure windows and doors then you also know that your glass is secure also. In addition the 6.38 unit will reduce your noise transfer.
If you are after glass that is hard to break then toughened will work and it will not shard if it is broken. We always use toughened glass if the window is less than 500 off the group, in a bathroom, next to a doorway or in an entry door.
The popular glass is low e. The only time that I would recommend low e is if you have a westerly window that doesn't get winter benefits. The double glazed units are already performing well, I am not convinced that the extra amount that you pay for low e provides sufficient benefit.
This video shows our team breaking a laminated glass unit and a toughened glass unit.
Glass Test Solace Creations
Come and see us at 17 Townsville Street Fyshwick to find out more about glass units.
Saturday 13 June 2015
Do I Need to Double Glaze my North Side?
My return answer to that is do you need to insulate your walls on the north side? The answer would always be yes.... but why is that? You are already thinking of putting a single piece of glass on that side why do you need your walls insulated?
Many people believe that double glazing stops the heat from entering your home in winter. This is not true, double glazing is simply two pieces of glass with an air gap. The air gap is your insulator. The double glazed unit lets your heat in from the sun and then traps it in your home. You may feel warm all day with single glazing but as soon as the sun moves away from the window, your house quickly cools down as the windows are uninsulated.
The key to a warm home is to insulate your home's building envelope. This means the ceiling, walls, floor and windows and doors. You also need to make sure that there are no possible means for a draught to enter your home. This could be through your heating vents, down lights, under and around entry doors, garage doors etc etc.
Having an insulated home means a comfortable home for you. When we replace the windows and doors in our client's homes, the first thing they say to me is how comfortable their home feels.
Another positive from insulating your home is that you will save money on heating and cooling. Your house acts like an esky. If it if warm inside, it keeps it warm inside, if it is cool inside, it keeps the cool inside.
There are some glasses that are designed to keep the heat out of your home and one form is low e. I don't sell a lot of low e by choice as the most important thing to do in Canberra is to keep our homes warm. Low e will prevent a lot of you winter warmth from entering your home.
What about the summer sun? The best way to keep the summer sun out is to orient it right for new homes and for existing homes, have some shading that is there for summer but not for winter. Such as slats that are at 30 degrees - allowing the winter sun to come in and the summer sun to stay out. A deciduous tree will lose it leaves in winter when you need the warmth. Pull down shading to keep the sun from hitting your glass will also help.
Solace Creations Double Glazing has been in the market of double glazing since 2006. We have a lot of experience in improving homes and helping new home owners to design their windows and doors to maximise their effectiveness. We have a new showroom at 17 Townsville St Fyshwick where you can see our varying levels of double glazing and chat to our experience team. We can be contacted on 6260 1621 and provide free in home consultations and in-showroom consultations for new homes.
Isn't it time you double glazed your home?
Karen
Many people believe that double glazing stops the heat from entering your home in winter. This is not true, double glazing is simply two pieces of glass with an air gap. The air gap is your insulator. The double glazed unit lets your heat in from the sun and then traps it in your home. You may feel warm all day with single glazing but as soon as the sun moves away from the window, your house quickly cools down as the windows are uninsulated.
The key to a warm home is to insulate your home's building envelope. This means the ceiling, walls, floor and windows and doors. You also need to make sure that there are no possible means for a draught to enter your home. This could be through your heating vents, down lights, under and around entry doors, garage doors etc etc.
Having an insulated home means a comfortable home for you. When we replace the windows and doors in our client's homes, the first thing they say to me is how comfortable their home feels.
Another positive from insulating your home is that you will save money on heating and cooling. Your house acts like an esky. If it if warm inside, it keeps it warm inside, if it is cool inside, it keeps the cool inside.
There are some glasses that are designed to keep the heat out of your home and one form is low e. I don't sell a lot of low e by choice as the most important thing to do in Canberra is to keep our homes warm. Low e will prevent a lot of you winter warmth from entering your home.
What about the summer sun? The best way to keep the summer sun out is to orient it right for new homes and for existing homes, have some shading that is there for summer but not for winter. Such as slats that are at 30 degrees - allowing the winter sun to come in and the summer sun to stay out. A deciduous tree will lose it leaves in winter when you need the warmth. Pull down shading to keep the sun from hitting your glass will also help.
Solace Creations Double Glazing has been in the market of double glazing since 2006. We have a lot of experience in improving homes and helping new home owners to design their windows and doors to maximise their effectiveness. We have a new showroom at 17 Townsville St Fyshwick where you can see our varying levels of double glazing and chat to our experience team. We can be contacted on 6260 1621 and provide free in home consultations and in-showroom consultations for new homes.
Isn't it time you double glazed your home?
Karen
Sunday 31 May 2015
Is the ACT double glazed yet? Why are we so resistant to warm homes?
All of Canberra Homes should be insulated through double glazing. It is odd that we are made to insulate the wall space next to a window or door yet we are able to put a single piece of glass into the space next to it.
It should be the choice of everyone that is building a home to have a properly insulated home and not just because Government Regulations insist on some insulation. Clients that have double glazing through Solace Creations Double Glazing in Canberra remark how comfortable their home is, how consistent their heat is and how cheap their home is to run. Wouldn't you make that choice over anything else? Your home is the place that you relax and seek haven from the world. Having a comfortable home should be the main priority in building.
Solace Creations Double Glazing offers free home consultations for new and existing homes to provide an assessment on the best way to insulate your windows and doors. Solace Creations Double Glazing has moved to it's new Super Showroom at 17 Townsville Street Fyshwick - check out our website for more information on our products and services. www.solacecreations.com.au.
It should be the choice of everyone that is building a home to have a properly insulated home and not just because Government Regulations insist on some insulation. Clients that have double glazing through Solace Creations Double Glazing in Canberra remark how comfortable their home is, how consistent their heat is and how cheap their home is to run. Wouldn't you make that choice over anything else? Your home is the place that you relax and seek haven from the world. Having a comfortable home should be the main priority in building.
Solace Creations Double Glazing offers free home consultations for new and existing homes to provide an assessment on the best way to insulate your windows and doors. Solace Creations Double Glazing has moved to it's new Super Showroom at 17 Townsville Street Fyshwick - check out our website for more information on our products and services. www.solacecreations.com.au.
New Solace Creations Double Glazing Showroom opens in Fyshwick
Solace Creations Double Glazing is proud to announce that we have a new joint showroom at 17 Townsville Street Fyshwick with Ultimate Windows. This provides us with the largest independent showroom in Canberra that specialises in double glazing.
We have on display double glazed aluminium and uPVC with a range of suppliers on display.
For the first time we have lift and slide doors on display along with some entry doors and many other windows.
Solace Creations Double Glazing offers complimentary - obligation free consultations for people that have purchased a block of land and would like to have a comfortable home that is insulated.
Solace Creations Double Glazing is an Award Winning Business that specialises in the field of energy efficient windows and doors. Call Solace Creations Double Glazing today to book your consultation or to request our free e-book. 6260 1621 17 Townsville Street FYSHWICK or send your plans to quotes@solacecreations.com.au. www.solacecreations.com.au
We have on display double glazed aluminium and uPVC with a range of suppliers on display.
For the first time we have lift and slide doors on display along with some entry doors and many other windows.
Solace Creations Double Glazing offers complimentary - obligation free consultations for people that have purchased a block of land and would like to have a comfortable home that is insulated.
Solace Creations Double Glazing is an Award Winning Business that specialises in the field of energy efficient windows and doors. Call Solace Creations Double Glazing today to book your consultation or to request our free e-book. 6260 1621 17 Townsville Street FYSHWICK or send your plans to quotes@solacecreations.com.au. www.solacecreations.com.au
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