FAQ – How can I improve my glazing acoustics?
Noise protection is rapidly becoming a top priority for many. With so much time spent indoors, reducing external noise can be a vital need.
Unwanted noise can cause stress, effect your concentration as well as your sleep. Plus have negative consequences on your health in many other ways.
Noises effecting the home can range from loud voices of passers by to low flying aircraft’s or passing traffic.
Noise pollution can be any combination of low, medium or high frequency sounds. With some types of frequencies being easier to block or reduce than others. There are a range of solutions available to match the level of acoustic insulation glazing needed. Therefore it is important to select the correct acoustic insulation properties for the frequency or pitch of the noise you are looking to reduce.
Glazing acoustics can be improved by:
- Having the widest possible cavity between panes of glass
- Using thicker glass
- Differing the thicknesses of the two glass panes used in the double glazing
- Using an efficient insulating window frame
- Using specially laminated acoustic glass
Acoustic glass works by reducing the energy of the sound wave. The acoustic insulation properties of a window or glazed door are measured with the ‘R’ Sound Reduction Index. Effective sound insulation will provide a lower decibel rating, therefore resulting in reduced noise levels. As an example, a window with an R value of 20 dB should reduce a 60 dB noise level of outside traffic to 40 dB within the room.
Acoustic glass has two or more sheets of glass, bonded together with a transparent plastic interlayer. The interlayer acts as a noise damper, absorbing the sound waves and therefore reducing the level of sound which is transmitted through the glass.
The correct installation of good quality, well made acoustic glazing is also important in achieving a noticeable reduction in noise levels.
Noise control glazing such Saint-Gobain’s SGG Stadip Silence uses a patented acoustic film, which acts as a dampener, providing excellent levels of sound insulation without the need for thick heavy glass, across the entire frequency range.
Acoustic glass can be incorporated within double glazing ranging in thickness from 26mm – 40mm, within windows, sliding doors and bi-folding doors.
Saint-Gobain Acoustic Glazing
Learn more about Saint-Gobain acoustic insulation glazing