Enhancing window functionality: sound reduction and thermal insulation

Explore the multifunctional capabilities of windows beyond aesthetics. From sound reduction to thermal insulation and security, discover how window features can enhance comfort and safety in your space.

MODERN GLAZING

The right glazing protect your home and regulate light and temperature

Windows can do so much more than look good and let light in. Based on the location of the window including its orientation to the sun, what floor it is on and the room it is in, the following features should be considered:

  • Sound reduction – Sometimes called soundproofing, special glazing can reduce the decibel level of outside noise
  • Thermal insulation — Insulation prevents energy loss whether warm air in the winter or cool air in the summer
  • Security – Options like laminated safety glass and impact resistant glazing can make glass very tough to break.
double-glazing

Double Glazing

triple-glazing

Triple Glazing

laminated-safety-glass-inside

Laminated Safety
Glass from the Inside

laminated-safety-glass-inside

Laminated Safety
Glass from the Outside

sound-insulation-laminated-safety-glass

Safety Glass

sound-insulation-glass

Sound Insulation Glass

Glazing Quality Components

Glass

Glass Thickness Matter

All of our Standard glass is NO LESS than 4 mm ( 5/32″) thick. ARKA’s Standard Double pane IG has Outside Glass thickness 1/4′ ( 6mm) and 5/32 ( 4mm) for Inside Glass. Our Standard – ALL-Glass TEMPERED.

Spacer

Warm Edge Spacer

Chromatech Ultra, the new thermal break spacer bar, was inspired by the idea of guaranteeing utmost energy savings by exploiting Rolltech’s extensive experience in “warm edge” technology.

Seal

Double Layered Seals

The secondary sealant functions as the
adhesive that unites the glass panes and spacer bar and prevents excessive movement under different
environmental stresses.

Thermal and Solar Insulation

U-Value

One of the most important ratings to pay attention to when looking for new windows is the glasses U-Value. A window’s U-Value, also described as U-Factor, measures the rate the window transfers non-solar heat. In short, it provides a measurable indication of the quality of insulation the window provides. The window U-rating is reflected as a number between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-Value means the glass will transfer less heat, meaning your home will be better insulated. In general, finding glass with the lowest U-rating is optimal in that it will help homeowners better utilize

Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient (SHGC)

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (or SHGC) rating is another incredibly important rating to pay attention to. The SHGC rating reflects how much solar heat gets inside the home once it has reached the glass. The SHGC rating is measured between 0 and 1, with lower SHGC ratings meaning the glass allows less solar heat from entering the home.

What Ratings Are
Right For Me?

To make the most informed decision when shopping for new windows, one must take their area’s climate and personal preferences into account. For example the greater Bay Area features several unique microclimates, with coastal communities like San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley being cooler on average compared to cites inland like Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton, and Livermore. For premier energy performance in a majority of Bay Area communities, looking for a window with a U-Factor of 0.25 or less is crucial. Those living in the Bay Area’s cooler, foggier areas, like San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, and have seen high heating bills the past should look for the lowest U-Factor rating possible to help lower those costs.

Noise Reducing Glazing

Noise pollution in larger cities is an important aspect that can even cause health damage. Effective noise absorption properties depend on several factors:

  • The thicker the pane, the better the absorption value (6 mm is recommended).
  • Cast resin PCB foil or gas fillings in the space between individual panes.
  • The lower the stiffness of the pane, the better its noise insulation properties.
  • The greater the space between panes, the better the noise reduction

Proper installation of the frame is also critical and just as important as the glazing itself. The highest level of soundproofing can stop noise from coming through gaps between the window frame and masonry.

Privacy Glass

Everyone is familiar with frosted glass, the most common form of privacy glass. It can be seen in doctors’ offices, meeting rooms and public buildings everywhere. In fact, if you have a bathroom window, it likely has some form of ornamental glazing that prevents people from seeing in. Privacy glass is translucent and comes in a variety of patterns from simple frosted to rain like patterns.

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