Living in the “Queen City” has its perks, but if your home is tucked along Albert Street, Victoria Avenue, or under the flight path of the Regina International Airport, “peace and quiet” might feel like a luxury you don’t have.
Constant traffic rumbles and sirens don’t just interrupt your sleep; they increase stress levels and lower your quality of life. At Glacier Glass, we specialize in helping homeowners turn down the volume of the outside world. If you’re considering window replacement in Regina, SK, here is the science behind how the right glass can create a silent sanctuary
Understanding the STC Rating
When shopping for a window replacement, the most important acronym you need to know is STC (Sound Transmission Class).
- The Scale: STC ratings typically range from 18 to 65. The higher the number, the better the window is at blocking sound.
The Comparison: A standard single-pane window usually has an STC of around 25. High-performance acoustic windows can reach ratings of 45 or higher, which can reduce perceived noise by up to 90%.
The Secret Sauce: Laminated Glass
Most people think triple-pane windows are the only answer for noise. While they help, the real champion of soundproofing is Laminated Glass.
Laminated glass consists of two layers of glass bonded together with a transparent plastic interlayer (PVB). This interlayer acts like a “shock absorber” for sound waves. When a sound wave from a truck on Ring Road hits the glass, the plastic layer dampens the vibration, swallowing the noise before it enters your bedroom.
Asymmetrical Glazing: Breaking the Wave
Sound travels in waves. If all the panes in your window are the same thickness, they will all vibrate at the same frequency, allowing certain noises to “leak” through.
At Glacier Glass, we often recommend asymmetrical glazing for homeowners near busy Regina intersections. By using panes of different thicknesses (for example, a 3mm pane paired with a 5mm pane), we disrupt the sound waves more effectively. Each pane blocks a different frequency, creating a much more comprehensive barrier against everything from low-pitched engine rumbles to high-pitched sirens.
Why the Installation Matters (Regina’s Windy Reality)
In Regina, we don’t just deal with noise; we deal with wind. Sound travels through air. If your windows have even the tiniest gap or a poor seal, noise will pour into your home like water through a leak.
When you choose Glacier Glass for your window replacement in Regina, we focus on:
- Airtight Seals: Using high-grade weatherstripping and acoustic caulking to ensure no “air paths” exist for sound to travel through.
Compression Seals: We often recommend casement or awning windows for high-noise areas. Because these windows pull tightly against the frame when cranked shut, they create a superior airtight seal compared to sliding windows.
Stop by, give us a call, or shoot us a message. We’ll take a look, give you transparent advice, and help you get back to enjoying the view – crack-free.
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