Sound control glazing is a growing trend in the construction industry and is used in structures around airports, highways,and in loud urban neighborhoods to improve occupant comfort – in fact, the number one issue New Yorkers claim is affecting their quality-of-life is excessive noise. Since monolithic and dual pane windows block less sound than the average exterior wall, window upgrades to acoustic glazing are an effective way to increase the acoustic performance of the outside envelope and improve sound control.
The installation of RetroWAL’s™ sound control window system can reduce perceptible sound levels by over 50%.
Our sound proofing results are not just in theory – there is an immediate obvious improvement in noise levels. RetroWAL™ interior curtain wall retrofit system with sound proofing low-e glazing has measured at an STC of 47 and an OITC of 40, which exceeds any Arch Tests previous results. In comparison, an average baseline curtain wall has been measured to have an STC rating of 26 and an OITC of 31.
Listen to a Before and After audio sample to hear the difference our sound control windows can make:
This is a significant increase in sound improvement with a nearly 50% reduction in perceptible noise levels. According to the AAMA, a 4 point increase is enough for a perceptible reduction in noise, while a 10 point increase is about 50% lower levels of sound.
Sound Control Ratings: STC vs. OITC
STC: This system has grown to be the most used and recognized method of comparing acoustic performance of building products in the industry. STC was developed to measure the extent of sound control between interior walls and the higher the number the better. In the past, acoustic windows have been very expensive to install. Since our product is placed on the inside of the existing glass, the sound control value is multiplied and takes advantage of the existing system without replacement and at a much lower cost.
OITC: This system is similar to STC, but is measured for exterior areas across a lower frequency range and is therefore more applicable for low frequency noises coming from urban environments, such as traffic or airport noise.
Learn more about how sound proofing windows are rated for noise control ability.
Common Sound Control Ratings:
Walls: A typical 2×4 wall with insulation in a stick-built home has an STC rating of around 36.
Single-pane windows: Existing single-pane windows often have an STC rating between around 20.
Dual-pane windows: New dual-pane windows with standard glass fall in the STC below 30.
RetroWAL™: Our product has been tested to STC rating of 49.
