Do Roller Shutters Reduce Noise?
Roller shutters are a great way to reduce light, improve home security, and save money on your energy bills by improving insulation.
But what about when it comes to cutting down on street noise or noise from your neighbours, are roller shutters really helpful?
In this article, we’ll explore whether roller shutters help to reduce noise, how effective they are at blocking out unwanted sound, and other noise-reduction options worth considering for keeping outside noise at bay in your home.
Do roller shutters reduce noise?
Yes, roller shutters do help to reduce outside noise and improve sound insulation for your home.
If you live on a busy road or have noisy neighbours, then roller shutters can slightly reduce unwanted noise from entering your home.
With that said, it’s important to note that noise insulation has never been the primary application of roller shutters.
Roller shutters are primarily intended to improve home security, increase thermal insulation, reduce energy bills, and keep light out of your home.
How much do roller shutters reduce noise?
Research suggests that roller shutters can reduce noise transmission by anywhere from 5 – 30 decibels (dB).
The amount of noise reduction provided by roller shutters depends on the type, fitment, and quality of roller shutters.
On the lower end of the scale, a noise reduction of 5 decibels would be barely perceptible given that a “normal” room would sit at somewhere between 40-50 dB during the day with a normal conversation considered to be around the 50-60 dB range.
At the top end of the scale, an outside noise reduction of 20-30dB would be significant and make a noticeable difference to the general noise and “calm” inside a property.
If you live on a noise road or deal with noisy neighbours, then a noise reduction of 20-30dB is a very appealing proposition.
Factors that impact noise transmission from roller shutters
Not all roller shutters are the same. As such, not all roller shutters are going to provide the same level of thermal insulation or noise reduction for your home. Some of the factors that will impact how much noise is transmitted into your home, include:
Fitment of roller shutters: roller shutters that are made to suit the exact dimensions of your windows and provide a “close” fitment provide a much greater level of noise reduction. Conversely, “off the shelf” or DIY shutters are not going to provide the same level of thermal protection or noise reduction.
Material: Not all roller shutters are made from the same material. “Thicker” shutters are naturally going to provide greater protection from the elements and reduce the amount of noise transmission into your home.
Overall quality: Just like anything, the quality of roller shutters varies dramatically. High-quality, made to order shutters will generally provide better sound insulation and reduce the amount of noise and light that is transmitted into your home.
Condition and maintenance: Poorly kept or faulty shutters will naturally fall short of the mark and let more noise into your home. It’s important to maintain and service your roller shutters to ensure you’re making the most of your investment.
How do roller shutters compare to double glazed windows for noise reduction?
Depending on the quality and type of double-glazed windows that you opt for, noise reduction is typically around 25-70% of total outside noise.
In terms of decibels, double glazing can reduce outside noise transmission by more than 40 dB and make just about any room feel like a quiet library.
Compared to window shutters, double glazing is typically more effective at reducing noise transmission by anywhere from 30-50% depending on the type of roller blinds and the type of double glazing.
Should I choose double glazing or window shutters?
If you’re just looking to reduce noise and you’re not concerned about light transmission or your energy bills, then double glazing may be the better option.
Conversely, if you’re looking to improve security, deter burglars, reduce your energy bills, and cut down on some of the outside noise, then roller shutters are going to be a better choice.
Ultimately, there is no “right” answer when it comes to choosing between double glazing and window shutters – it depends on your goals and priorities.
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