Window acoustic test — hear the difference

For a typical home in a quiet area, 38 dB Rw is more than enough — it brings the sound of a conversation down to the level of a whisper in a library. If you live on a busy road, 42–45 dB Rw is worth considering, and for especially loud sources (an airport or motorway) we recommend acoustic windows rated 45 dB Rw or higher.

We recommend windows with acoustic insulation of at least 42 dB Rw. At BUDVAR these are the T-Comfort, T-Classic Plus and the aluminium Ecofutural. For homes beside a motorway or railway line, opt for windows rated 45–46 dB Rw (T-Energy, Ecofutural OC) fitted with a laminated outer pane.

The price difference between a standard and an acoustic window is typically 15–25%. The most cost-effective approach is to choose the right glazing unit — simply switching from 4/16/4 to an asymmetric 6/16/4 pane improves sound reduction by 3–5 dB Rw at relatively little extra cost.

This test is designed to demonstrate the perceived difference in sound reduction — it applies a low-pass filter and lowers the volume in proportion to each product's Rw rating. Real-world performance depends on the glazing unit, the installation and the nature of the noise source. The Rw figures for BUDVAR products come from laboratory testing in accordance with EN ISO 717-1.