Noise exposure is incredibly damaging to the human body. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, noise below an average of 70 decibels over 24 hours is “safe” and won’t cause hearing loss. In many areas of New York and other densely populated cities, the outdoor noise levels can go well above those safety standards. And the negative health consequences go well beyond just hearing damage. According to research at the University of Michigan, noise pollution and exposure have been linked to other health problems such as heart disease and mental illness.
Two key measurements are used to calculate the effectiveness of soundproofing and reducing sound transmission:
The higher the STC or OITC rating of a barrier, the better it is at preventing noise from coming into your building.
According to DWM™ Magazine, there are a few ways to improve an STC rating:
Laminated glass and interlayers can be used to absorb sound waves. Different thicknesses of glass produce different harmonic waves when sound hits the surface. By layering different thicknesses of glass, the different harmonic waves can cancel each other out.
At St. Cloud Window, we have made high-performance acoustic windows and doors a cornerstone of our product catalog. We have been designing and fabricating superior-performing acoustic windows for more than 25 years. From that experience, we are able to produce products with STC ratings as high as 60 – approximately equivalent to 10” of solid concrete. More importantly, all of our products are laboratory-tested for certified acoustic performance so you can be prepared for any condition, function, or application.
So when your design calls for specific acoustic attenuation — be it hospitality, education, medical, residential, or other — our experts can help you specify and detail the design components necessary to meet your most demanding STC/OITC performance requirements.