Noise Reduction: How to Create a Quiet Haven in a Busy City with thermoglaze

Living in the bustling city of Dublin provides incomparable opportunities for culture, commerce, and community. But the “city that never sleeps” has a soundtrack, the roar of traffic, honking horns, and the ever-present hum of the subway beneath sidewalks – many residents consider impossible to block out. 

From the constant Luas rumble to the late-night banter in Rathmines to the all-day, every-day drone of the M50, urban sounds are more than a nuisance; they are an environmental factor that affects our health, work ethic, and overall life satisfaction.

Making the home a “quiet refuge” is about more than just indulgence; it’s about reclaiming your living quarters as a place for sleep. In this all-inclusive guide, we delve into the science behind city noise, the transformative potential of high-performance glazing, and the reasons why Thermoglaze is the preferred solution for Dubliners in pursuit of a quiet, sustainable home.

The Impact of City Noise: More Than Just a Nuisance

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). To give you an idea of how loud living in the city really is, a quiet library has a decibel level of 30dB, whilst a normal conversation is around 60dB. In busy Dublin neighborhoods such as Rathgar or Stoneybatter, the noise from the streets often reaches between 70 and 85 dB.

The Health Implications of “Noise Pollution”

Prolonged exposure to high-decibel noise triggers the body’s “fight or flight” protective mechanism reaction. That bus route outside your window that you have “become used” to the sound of, your body is still responding to it. Studies have associated long-term city noise with:

• Increased Stress Hormones: The noise perpetuity caused by the noise can induce higher cortisol levels.

• Sleep Disruption: You may never wake from noise, but it may be preventing you from reaching deep, restorative REM sleep. 

• Raised Stress Hormones: There is an increase in cortisol as a result of continuous noise.

• Sleep Fragmentation: Noise keeps you from reaching deep levels of REM sleep, even if you don’t awaken.

• Distracted Working: Apparently, external distractions in your house can cause cognitive capacity to plummet, particularly if you work in Citywest.

• Cardiovascular Strain: Prolonged exposure has been associated with high blood pressure.

With the issue of noise reduction addressed, you’re not just buying windows; you’re investing in your long-term health.

The Science of Soundproofing: Why Windows Matter

In the majority of Dublin houses, the windows are by far the weakest point in the acoustic envelope. Conventional single-pane glazing acts like a drum skin, shaking with every truck that rumbles past, and carrying those vibrations straight into your family room. Even older double glazing can fail if the seals are broken or the distance between panes is too small.

How Noise Reduction Windows Work

• Double and triple glazing: Two or three panes of glass are combined, with an insulating gas such as argon sandwiched in between, to form a barrier. This type of “sandwich” compels the sound waves to move through varying media, resulting in diminished energy levels in each phase. 

• Asymmetric Glazing: This is a secret weapon for soundproofing. Using two different glass thicknesses (for example, a 6mm outer pane and a 4mm inner pane) will break different sound waves and prevent the “resonance” that lets noise escape.

• Laminated Glass: Elite noise reduction windows typically incorporate a proprietary acoustic interlayer (PVB). It’s this plastic interlayer that absorbs the vibrations and prevents them from traveling through the layers of glass.

• Airtight Seals: Sound spreads in the air. Where air can enter, noise can too. The modern uPVC frames from Thermoglaze are designed with multi-chambered profiles and compression seals that create a tight seal.

In places like Milltown or Bayside, where the traffic hummed constantly, switching to acoustic-rated windows can reduce perceivable noise by as much as 90%.”

Why Choose Thermoglaze for Your Dublin Home?

In terms of the Irish weather and the particular building requirements of Dublin houses, Thermoglaze is the perfect choice. Living in a traditional redbrick in Marino or a contemporary apartment in the Docklands, the right installation makes all the difference.

Thermoglaze Advantage

The Swords Showroom: Seeing is believing. Homeowners are invited to come and see our products in the largest showroom in Swords, where you can witness the quality of our builds and speak with our experts about decibel ratings.

Higher Security: Noise reduction is good for security, too. Their windows also have high-security multi-point locks to give you peace of mind, along with the quiet.

Current Special Offer

At the moment, Thermoglaze is letting the people of Dublin get their peace and saving them some money while they are at it. You can now get 35% off premium windows and doors, so there’s never been a better time to invest in your home’s infrastructure.

Thermoglaze vs. Standard Windows

Other Quick Tips to Enhance Your Quiet Haven

While you can lay the foundation for a quiet home with high-performance windows, adopting a “layered” strategy for your acoustics can really make a difference. Here are some additional methods to quiet the city’s noise:

1. Close the Gaps

There are also all the other things to consider, such as windows, which are pointless without double glazing, and masonry gaps. Seal all the mincracks where air and sound might be leaking in with a superior grade of acoustic caulk.

2. Heavy Textiles

A soft material absorbs sound, a hard one bounces it.

• Soundproof  Drapes: Hang heavy, floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains that include a thick lining. This adds an additional layer of “fuzz” that will trap sound waves from getting out. 

• Rugs and Carpets: If your floors are hardwood, layering with a thick rug and a felt pad underneath can go a long way in muffling the “echo” effect in a room.

3. Natural Barriers

If you have a front garden in a busy street such as Rathgar, think about your landscaping. No hedge can stop a bus engine, but a thick line of evergreens can dissipate the high-frequency sounds and create a psychological barrier between you and the street. 

4. Interior Design

Move your bed or desk away from the wall that you share with the street. A big, full bookshelf situated on an external wall can provide “mass,” which helps to block structural vibration.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Q: How much do soundproof windows cost in Dublin?

–  Prices usually start at around €300 per unit (size of the window, glass spec [laminated vs standard], and frame selection will determine final price). Thanks to the current 35% discount at Thermoglaze, top-grade acoustic glazing has never been easier to obtain.

Q: Will double glazing stop all noise? 

–  No window can literally create a vacuum of sound around your home, but superior double glazing can achieve upwards of 31 dB noise reduction. This is why it’s often the difference between hearing a car engine in your room and enjoying complete silence.

Q: Is it worth upgrading if I live in an apartment? 

– Yes indeed. Living in an apartment usually means you’re closer to the street or public transit. Contemporary retrofits are designed to meet most management company aesthetic requirements and are easy to install.

Ready to transform your home?

Visit the Thermoglaze Showroom.

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