Best Glass For Noise Reduction and Soundproofing?

Which glass is better for noise reduction and soundproofing?

The best glass for noise reduction and to soundproof your home will depend on the level of disruption you are experiencing. However, we strongly recommend acoustic glazing over triple glazing.

When looking at replacing your windows, it is very important that you understand the benefits of our glazing options especially if you are looking to reduce the noise that enters your home.

Surprisingly, triple glazing does not necessarily mean that you will benefit from a quieter home. To soundproof your home through your windows, the glass needs to be of a certain thickness and installed with the correct space between each pane.

What is noise pollution?

Noise pollution is defined as disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. With population growth and modern technology, noise is experienced more often and from more sources.

Noise pollution can have very real effects on us both physically and psychologically. Studies have shown that noise pollution can affect our health. They have demonstrated that it can cause stress and anxiety and raise blood pressure, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

How Can I Benefit From Soundproof Glass?

Reducing unwanted noise helps with concentration, aids better sleep and leads to increased relaxation and reduced stress. This becomes really important if you live near a busy road, railway line or airport, or even if you love peace and quiet. Your windows will be a big part of the solution to noise pollution in your home.

Glass conducts sound very well. A single pane of glass or untreated glazing will do little to prevent noise from entering your home.

If your home still has single glazed windows and you want to increase the value of your property and reduce the noise pollution, it may be time to upgrade.

How our Glass Windows Reduce Noise:

Soundproof glazing works by deflecting and dissipating sound waves. This is achieved in three ways:

• Thickness

The thicker the glass, the better its noise reduction properties. However, glass has a natural coincidence frequency (the pitch at which it will amplify the sound) which is why double glazing is a better option, with two differing thicknesses of glass. The different thicknesses change the sound wave as it travels through the unit to counteract the coincidence frequency.

• Spacing

The larger the gap between the panes of glass the better acoustic performance of soundproof glazing. But we understand that your space is at a premium and thick windows are not practical. Reductions in noise can be increased by filling the gap between the panes with argon and krypton, or by a vacuum being created in between the panes. Triple glazing works by adding yet another layer of air to deaden the sound from outside.

• Interlayers

Laminated glass has a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two panes of glass to form the outer pane. PVB provides excellent acoustic performance by dampening soundwaves. It also makes it much more difficult to break. The PVB prevents the glass from shattering, and the window stays in one piece, so security is also increased.

You will notice a significant difference with soundproof glass, especially if it means you can have a good nights rest.

What Do I Need To Know About Acoustic Glazing Before Purchasing?

One thing to consider, should you opt for acoustic glass is that the effect can be undone by installing standard trickle vents. Unique acoustic trickle vents are needed. These can be large and not aesthetically pleasing but are essential so as not to compromise the soundproofing of your acoustic glass.

If you’re interested in noise reduction glass, consider our Comfort and Comfort Plus ranges from Planitherm. We can offer a 20% better noise reduction than older style double glazing. They also come with a wealth of additional benefits such as furniture protection and enhanced security.

So Which Glass is Best For Noise Reduction?

Acoustic double glazed units would be best for noise reduction over your standard triple glazing. However, you could include a laminated outer pane of 6.4mm glass into a triple glazed unit which would more than likely outperform the acoustic double glazing.

We would say to try and stay away from triple glazing and go for a higher specification of double glazing such as acoustic glass for reliable and long-term performance.

One of the main reasons why we would advise against triple glazing as the best glass for noise reduction is that the additional weight puts more stress on window and door hinges. This could lead to a shorter product lifetime.

Soundproof Glazing in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

If you are looking for soundproof glazing and noise reduction glass in Warwickshire, we can offer you both acoustic glazing and triple glazing. We are happy to discuss your requirements and to come up with solutions that suit you and your property.

Get in touch with us today for more information or start your online quote for any of our products.

Categories: Fox Windows & Doors