Why is effective noise protection important?

12 June 2024

Noise is caused by vibrations in solid objects that travel through the air as sound waves. Airborne sound also penetrates solid components depending on their density and structure, allowing different noise levels through, for example through a window. Whether outside noise bothers us is partly subjective and depends on volume and ambient temperature. Generally, the stronger and louder the noise, the more likely it is to be perceived as a disturbance. This creates stress, which can lead to numerous health problems and even serious illnesses. Federal Environment Agency research identifies road traffic noise as the greatest disturbance. SAPLAST sound-insulating windows reliably keep this noise outside, ensuring a relaxed, quiet indoor atmosphere.

For new construction and renovation, good window noise protection must not be overlooked, depending on the situation. The human ear is among our most sensitive sensory organs and can hear frequencies from 16 to 16.000 Hz. Human hearing remains active and sensitive even during sleep.

Scientific research puts the maximum noise level for peaceful sleep at 25 dB. In today’s modern world, however, this is difficult to achieve without adequate sound insulation, and much of the population finds outside noise unpleasant and tiring.

The adverse effects of environmental noise exposure are a frequent topic of public discussion.

Noise levels in different residential and construction situations.
Living areas	40 dB(A)
Office noise / Restaurant	60 dB(A)
Street noise	80 dB(A)
City	>70 dB(A)
Village or mixed-use areas	60 dB(A)
Construction site (e.g. pneumatic drill, grinder)	100 dB(A)
Jet engine	120 dB(A)

Recommended noise levels in residential areas:
Sleeping	20 - 25 dB(A)
Living areas	30 - 35 dB(A)
Working	35 - 50 dB(A)

A window’s sound insulation depends on the design of its components:

The sound insulation quality of the frame, roller shutters and sash
Sealing between frame and sash
The glass sound insulation value, increased by greater glass weight, asymmetric thicknesses in multiple panes and wider gaps between panes
Sealing between the frame and wall, achieved through professional installation

SAPLAST windows offer excellent sound insulation. With suitable equipment, they achieve sound insulation values of up to 37 dB.

Windows and balcony doors are divided into five sound insulation classes according to Rw.

Window and door sound insulation is determined by the insulation value R, plotted against frequency from 100 to 3150 Hz in one-third-octave steps. Weighted sound insulation Rw expresses a window’s or door’s sound insulation as a single number.

Windows and balcony doors are divided into five sound insulation classes according to Rw:

special class Rw ≥ 40 dB
class I Rw = 35 to 39 dB
class II Rw = 30 to 34 dB
class III Rw = 25 to 29 dB
class IV Rw = 20 to 24 dB

The values above apply to windows, windows with balcony doors and windows with solar protection.

Doors are divided into four sound insulation classes according to Rw:

special class Rw ≥ 35 dB
class I Rw = 30 to 34 dB
class II Rw = 25 to 29 dB
class III Rw = 20 to 24 dB
In all residential and commercial buildings, apartment entrance doors must meet sound insulation class I.