General Transmission Loss of Windows The ability of window assemblies to reduce noise is dependent on several factors.

Single Glazed Windows The ability of a single pane of glass to resist sound transfer is primarily a function of its thickness. An approximate 3dB increase in the STC rating can be accomplished by doubling the thickness of the glass. Glass is not equally resistant to sound transmission at all frequencies. It is less effective at reducing low frequency sound transmission and more effective at high frequencies. Through the middle frequency bands glass experiences an approximate 6dB increase in transmission loss (TL) per octave until the coincidence frequency is reached. The coincidence frequency, also called the coincidence dip, is a frequency where a resonance is established in the glass and the TL is greatly reduced. This phenomenon can be seen in Figure 5. The coincidence frequency of a 1/8 pane of glass is 4400Hz. It can be seen that at this frequency over a 10dB reduction in TL occurs. Increasing the thickness of the glass will lower the frequency of the coincidence dip. Double Glazed Windows The ability of double glazed windows to resist sound transfer is a function of the thickness of the glass and the air gap between the panes of glass. An approximate 3dB increase in the STC rating can be accomplished by doubling the air space between the layers of glass. Double glazed windows are subject to the coincidence frequency and also the mass-airmass frequency. The mass-air-mass frequency is a resonance frequency that is dependent on the mass of the glass panes and the air space between the glass panes as well as the type of gas in the air space. For two 1/8 panes of glass with 1/4 of air between them the mass-air-mass frequency is 400Hz. This phenomenon can be seen in Figure 5. It can be seen that at this frequency over a 5dB reduction in TL occurs. Increasing the air space between the panes or increasing the thickness of the glass will lower the mass-air-mass frequency. Lamination Laminated glass has a thin plastic layer adhered on or in the glass. The layer acts as a vibration damper. The primary acoustical benefit of lamination is an improvement in the transmission loss at the coincidence frequency. Laminated windows are temperature sensitive. An increase in transmission loss will be observed as temperature increases. Operable vs. Non-Operable Windows Making widows operable decreases the transmission loss of the system especially at higher frequencies. Figure 5 shows the difference between the TL of an operable vs. non operable window. As a general rule, making windows operable decreases the STC by approximately 3- 5 points assuming good seals. It should be noted that as gaskets age they tend to become less flexible and air leaks occur. When this happens sound leaks though the cracks and the transmission loss is compromised. Transmission through Frames Transmission of sound through the frame or mullions of a window assembly can significantly decrease the transmission loss. Windows with lightweight metal frames tend to have lower transmission loss. Table 2: Window Configuration Single glaze fixed - 1/4 Glass Double glaze fixed - 1/8 glass, 1/4 air space, 1/8 glass Double glaze operable - 1/8 glass, 1/4 air space, 1/8 glass Double glaze fixed - 1/4 glass, 1/2 air space, 1/4 glass Double glaze fixed - 1/4 glass, 1 air space, 1/4 glass Double glaze fixed - 1/4 laminated glass, 1/2 air space, 1/4 glass Triple glaze fixed - 1/4 glass, 1/2 air space, 1/4 glass, 1/2 air space, 1/4 glass Double glaze fixed - 1/4 laminated glass, 1 air space, 3/16 glass Double glaze fixed - 1/4 laminated glass, 2 air space, 3/16 glass Double glaze fixed - 1/4 laminated glass, 4 air space, 3/16 glass Quad slider St. Cloud Windows Model 940 - 1/8 glass, 2.531 air space, 1/8 glass Quad slider St. Cloud Windows Model 940-A7 - 1/4 glass, 4.357 air space, 1/4 glass

STC 31 28 24 35 37 39 39 42 45 48 38 47