Today, cities have become the epicentre of a type of pollution: Noise. Although invisible, noise is severely damaging to human beings. Atmospheric pollution is not the only type of contamination harming living beings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution (defined as noise above 65 decibels [dB]) is one of the most dangerous environmental threats to health.
In fact, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA), noise is responsible for 12,000 premature deaths and 48,000 new cases of ischaemic heart disease every year. Everything from drivers honking the horn to groups of workers drilling the road surface, aircraft flying over us in the sky, animals barking, construction, traffic noise, and more causes noise, noise, and more noise.
So, what is the solution? While construction is a necessity in a growing economy like India, and there are no concrete ways to ensure lower land and air traffic, animal, or construction sounds outside, other than government regulations, soundproof glass windows are leading the charge in the home, commercial office, and specialised spaces like hospitals and recording studios. In fact, the global soundproof glass windows market is expected to grow from $17.89 billion in 2023 to $32.1 billion in 2032. But what is it needed, what is it, how does it work, and what are some future trends? Keep reading to find out.
Menu list
Why do you need noise isolating windows?
Noise pollution can be caused by various sources, including land and air noise, construction sites, catering and nightlife, and animals. Prolonged exposure to noise pollution from any source can have harmful effects, including hampered hearing, such as tinnitus and deafness, especially in young and older adults.
In addition to the above, it can cause several physiological and psychological ailments such as:
- Respiratory agitation
- Racing pulse
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hysteria
- Sleeping and behavioural issues causing aggressive behaviours and/or irritability
- Poor concentration and low performance
And other than this, in case of extremely loud, constant noise, gastritis, colitis, and even heart attacks can be a potential impact of noise pollution
What is a soundproof window, and how does it work?
A soundproof or acoustic glass window is a special type of glass pane designed with multiple layers of laminated glass to reduce noise transmission. As sound travels by vibration, noise-isolating windows act on sound absorption and dampening principles.
These acoustic panels do this by decoupling vibrations by adding an interlayer between the glass sheets that absorbs and dissipates sound energy. This also increases the mass of the glass panels and creates a barrier to sound waves, as it becomes more challenging to vibrate a heavier material. The middle layer also prevents vibrations from transferring through the glass, and the space between these multiple layers can disrupt and weaken sound waves.
What are some future trends in noise insulating windows & smart soundproofing systems?
The following are some of the key trends one can expect in the noise insulating windows sphere:
- As noise pollution from various sources permeates urban environments, soundproofing has become much more prevalent in homes, offices, and specialised environments like education, healthcare, and hospitality. The use of soundproofing is expected to increase by over 6.71% CAGR from 2025 to 2032.
- Windows are also expected to undergo an aesthetic makeover in opening styles, moving from traditional fixed, casement, sliding, and double-hung windows to something more visually appealing.
- Windows are also expected to change materials to use more sustainable and eco-friendly materials, which are more durable and perform better.
- In certain countries, some premium soundproof glass windows have been integrated with IoT (Internet of Things) technology to provide automated tinting and glare control at various times of the day, sensor-based ventilation for air quality optimisation, such as carbon monoxide and smoke sensors, and app-based window controls, including opening and closing.
- Other than this, some modern techniques, such as electrochromic glass for adjustable transparency, energy-generating solar glass, and AI-powered controls, are potential ways forward for this fast-growing industry.
Note: Check out Duranium from Eternia by Hindalco. It is a specialised, eternally recyclable aluminium alloy developed by the company for longer-lasting, better-performing, and more sustainable materials. Look for soundproof windows near me and select Eternia to soundproof your home.
Conclusion
To conclude, while there are many potential upgrades one can expect to soundproof glass windows in the coming years, these are a very valuable investment to consider getting today for the ultimate peace of mind, whether for yourself or your loved ones, whether during work-from-home, online study, or your loved one’s sleep a good night’s rest.
