Noise Reduction
Polycarbonate Sound Barrier for Window Noise Reduction
DefenseLite System Provides Window Noise Reduction
Street noise and other forms of sound pollution are highly distracting for employees and students. Fortunately, DefenseLite’s additional layer of protection from criminals and vandals also provides window noise reduction. This highly-effective polycarbonate noise barrier is installed over the existing window or door glass creating air space and an added panel of protection from street noise.
Polycarbonate Sound Barriers vs. Noise Cancelling Windows
Noise cancelling windows or sound reducing window inserts can be installed in your office building, school, or retail storefront but they won’t have the added benefits of security and insulation as DefenseLite does. The multi-layer films of DefenseLite form a polycarbonate sound barrier that keeps both noise pollution and criminals out while still preserving views.
Polycarbonate Traffic Noise Reduction Windows
In cities, traffic noise accounts for a significant portion of noise pollution. You can keep your employees or students safe and minimize distractions from street noise with DefenseLite’s polycarbonate sound barrier capabilities, the best alternative to conventional noise reduction windows. DefenseLite is retrofitted onto existing windows and doors providing a nearly invisible layer of protection that also reduces traffic noise by up to 40%.
Noise Reduction FAQs
How to soundproof a window from traffic noise?
There are several options available to help you soundproof your windows to prevent noise problems like traffic and street noise and other noise pollution issues that vary in affordability.
Seal Gaps: Gaps between the window frame and wall can allow noise to enter your home. One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to mitigate traffic noise is to seal any gaps around your windows. There are acoustic caulks available which are designed for this purpose to help reduce traffic and other street noise.
Window Inserts: These glass inserts are installed in the window frame in front of the existing glass of the window. This creates an air gap between the window and the insert to stop sound vibrations from making their way in. Window inserts are best used to increase the noise prevention of single-pane windows rather than double-pane, since double-pane windows are already designed to reduce noise.
Soundproof Windows: These windows are manufactured with very thick glass which prevents sound waves from penetrating them. They also employ the use of air space in between window panes and are typically made of several sheets of glass which has a layer of plastic or acoustic interlayers in the middle to minimize sound transmission.
Replacing your existing windows with soundproof windows is one of the most effective solutions to reduce noise, but it is much more expensive and can be a major inconvenience.
Polycarbonate Panels: DefenseLite polycarbonate noise-reducing panels can reduce traffic noise by up to 40% because they are much thicker than glass windows. These panels are a retrofit solution, so you don’t need to replace all of your windows. DefenseLite is applied on the exterior of the existing window and door glass, creating an air gap that reduces noise. However, unlike competitors, DefenseLite utilizes an engineered ventilation system to eliminate condensation and moisture buildup, ensuring the glazing stays clear.
Not only does DefenseLite create a sound barrier, but it also can slow and prevent criminals from gaining entry and improve energy efficiency. These polycarbonate panels can be installed over both single and double pane window options, and don’t require routine maintenance like traditional, more expensive laminated glass.
How much does soundproof glass cost?
Soundproof glass, also called acoustic glass or soundproof glazing, isn’t cheap and varies in cost depending on the specifications. However, you can expect to spend around $950 for a double-pane laminated glass window, plus the labor needed to install it.
In contrast, soundproof polycarbonate panels like DefenseLite typically cost about $30-$75 per square foot to install. All DefenseLite panels are installed by trained and certified dealers and are covered under manufacturer warranty. Depending on the system, warranties range from a minimum of 2 years to up to 15 years.
Which windows are best for noise reduction?
While many people believe that they need double or triple pane, laminated glass to make their windows soundproof, the best way to reduce noise in your home is with polycarbonate panels. Polycarbonate is much thicker and stronger than glass, but still retains the same amount of visibility, so it offers a great option for noise reduction in your home, retail space, or office building.
Noise-canceling windows and sound reduction inserts may work in many scenarios, but the best solution, DefenseLite, also offers security and insulation. It provides a nearly invisible layer of protection that can reduce noise by up to 40%.
How thick is noise proof glass?
Generally, the thicker the glass, the more noise reduction. Since soundproof windows typically have two layers of glass in them, each one can vary in thickness depending on your needs and the source of the noise. Additionally, the air gap between the two panes of glass can also vary in thickness, increasing the window’s overall noise reduction. Typically each pane of glass will fall between ⅛” and ¼” thickness.
DefenseLite polycarbonate is ⅜” thick, but it is applied on the exterior of existing windows and is nearly invisible upon installation. Since our polycarbonate is so thick, in many cases it offers superior noise reduction over thinner glass solutions.
Customer Testimonials
“As a security and protective design and engineering consultant for 45 years, and after having participated in reviewing, analyzing, testing and subsequently specifying many different force protection products for clients with extreme security concerns, I would strongly advise those in similar positions to consider the products sold under the “DefenseLite” brand name, and fabricated, furnished and installed by Impact Security. We have submitted their products to personal attacks by our security specialists and been engaged in having their products tested under live firing range conditions by elite law enforcement agencies for ballistic resistance and forced entry and can attest to their efficacy and value.”.
Robert Ducibella Founding & Senior Principal
RAPCS LLC & Emeritus DVS
"While there are numerous aspects to any comprehensive security program, if you are able to make the windows of a facility difficult or impossible to breach, you can significantly enhance the overall security of the site. Many institutions take actions to secure their facilities without considering the “why” behind those actions. The best security plans are rooted in security principles that allow you to gain time during an emergency situation, and keep a threatening person at a distance. This is exactly why we utilized DefenseLite and BulletShield for our more vulnerable clientele, worldwide. Having worked on numerous and complicated security projects all over the world we have also experienced the value of having a high quality partner to properly install these items. Jeff Franson and his team have always done a stellar job, going above and beyond, and have ensured that the windows at our sites have the highest level of security features."
Ariel Siegelman President
DRACO Group
"I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that we recently had an attempted break in, the key word here is (attempted). Around 5:30 AM 3 individuals pulled up to the store, got out of a car, wearing masks and carrying bats and bricks. One started throwing a landscaping brick (~10 pounds) at the glass door protected by DefenseLite and the rock just bounced off, the other two went to work on one of the windows with the bats. The bats had little effect on the DefenseLite. After about 5 minutes of repeatedly throwing the brick at the door the glass behind the DefenseLite broke, but the DefenseLite stayed intact. The three spent a total of 8 and a half minutes beating on the Defense with rock and bats and still did not get in. I am 100% confident had I not chosen to put the DefenseLite they would have gotten it and gotten away with countless guns and I would have been dealing with the ATF and State Police for weeks if not longer and there would be a lot of illegal guns on the street. DefenseLite is hands down the best means of keeping bad people out of your store."
Mark Glavin President
Fox Valley Shooting Range
"Recently we had a torch attack on the side door at our Patagonia Portland Store (there have been two now). And last week we had a cinderblock attack on the same set of doors. There are no broken door glass, the doors were not damaged, and no intrusions into our store. Without DefenseLite, the damage to the door glass and doors would have been in the 10K range minimum. Then you have the amount of product that could have been taken out of our store. And then (a harder matrix to measure) store moral and store appearances would have most likely have suffered. Bottom line, DefenseLite works again! "
Joe Tayag Loss Prevention
Patagonia
"DefenseLite recently completed a very complex lobby project for us which entailed a specialized design with multiple pieces and required a challenging installation. We could not be happier. The project was a grand success and the DefenseLite management as well as installers, were the utmost professionals demonstrating genuine care and customer service. Their technical knowledge is superb. We felt very taken care of as updates and good communication with us were continually provided. Thanks!"
Doug Feliciano, J.D. Director of Facilities Security
Office of the County Executive, County of Santa Clara