Acoustic Glass

Noise Control Solutions 

At Glasscraft, we understand the importance of creating a peaceful environment, whether at home or in the workplace. Acoustic glass is a highly effective solution for noise control, designed to significantly reduce unwanted sound and improve the comfort of any space. Whether you’re dealing with traffic noise, noisy neighbours, or office distractions, acoustic glass can provide the peace and quiet you need. 

What is Acoustic Glass? 

Acoustic glass is specially designed to reduce sound transmission between spaces. It works by altering the frequency of noise that travels through the glass, achieved by varying the thickness of the glass panes and the air gaps between them. This helps minimise the noise that passes through, whether it’s external sounds like traffic or internal noise such as conversations. 

Unlike standard glass, which allows sound to pass through relatively easily, acoustic glass uses a combination of thicker panes and special interlayers to block sound more effectively. The result is a quieter, more comfortable environment. It’s commonly used in locations where noise reduction is a priority, like homes, offices, and commercial spaces. 

Benefits of Acoustic Glass 

Effective Noise Reduction: Acoustic glass helps reduce sound levels significantly, improving comfort and privacy. Whether you’re looking to block out road noise, minimise conversation echoes in offices, or create a peaceful living space, acoustic glass offers superior sound insulation. 

Improved Focus and Productivity: In office settings, noise can be a major distraction. By installing acoustic glass in meeting rooms, offices, or common areas, businesses can improve concentration, productivity, and overall employee wellbeing. 

Better Sleep and Comfort: For residential applications, especially in noisy urban environments, acoustic glass can help create a more serene and quiet space, leading to better rest and relaxation. 

Energy Efficiency: In addition to its soundproofing benefits, many acoustic glass units also offer excellent thermal insulation. This means that you can enjoy quieter spaces while maintaining energy efficiency in your building. 

Applications of Acoustic Glass 

Residential Windows: Whether you live near a busy road or in a noisy neighborhood, acoustic glass can help reduce external noise intrusion and create a more peaceful home environment. 

Offices and Workspaces: Acoustic glass is ideal for office partitions, meeting rooms, and open plan spaces where noise levels can interfere with work. It ensures a quieter environment, making it easier for employees to focus. 

Schools and Hospitals: In institutions where concentration and calm are important, such as schools, libraries, or hospitals, acoustic glass can provide a quieter environment for learning or recovery. 

Hotels and Restaurants: In commercial establishments like hotels or restaurants, noise control is vital for guest comfort. Installing acoustic glass helps create tranquil spaces, enhancing the customer experience. 

Public Spaces: Airports, train stations, and shopping centers can benefit from acoustic glass to manage the noise from high traffic areas, making these spaces more comfortable for visitors. 

How Does Acoustic Glass Work? 

Noise control glass works by using multiple layers of different thicknesses of glass and interlayers, which are specifically designed to absorb and deflect sound waves. The materials and thicknesses of these layers can be adjusted depending on the required sound reduction. It’s important to note that factors like the frame and installation quality also impact the effectiveness of acoustic glass. Gaps, poor seals, or inadequate frames can allow sound to pass through, reducing the overall effectiveness of the glass. 

When specifying the right acoustic glass for your project, we consider several factors, including the level of sound reduction required (usually measured in decibels, or dB), the type of noise (traffic, voices, etc.), and other factors like energy efficiency. 

Choosing the Right Acoustic Glass 

Different projects require different levels of sound insulation. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to match the acoustic glass configuration to your specific needs. We can help you choose the right glass thickness and composition based on your sound reduction goals. Whether you’re targeting a certain Rw (weighted sound reduction) or Ctr (road traffic noise reduction), we’ll ensure that the glazing system fits your specific acoustic requirements. 

We’ve Got You Covered 

If you’re looking to specify noise control glass then Hytherm Silence is for you. A pre specified sealed unit with a specialist acoustic laminate achieves increased noise reduction of 5dB campared to a stanadard unit. 

Decibel reduction figures

When looking at a 28mm overall thickness with standard glass types, useful decibel reduction figures to note are:

A = acoustic laminate

Other dgu make ups:

Consideration needs to be given to the required U-value for regulation purposes. Some good db reduction units such as the 6/12/10 make up, will have a poor U-value due to the 12mm cavity.

Triple glazing doesn’t always mean better sound performance

In some cases it can actually be worse than a double glazed equivalent. Some examples can be seen below where the db rating does not offer much, if any, improvement over DGU performance. The other key issue is the glass unit thickness that may not be able to be glazed due to glazing bead availability.

Often customers will be looking to achieve a sound reduction in their standard unit width configuration: 28mm overall. If they want a high sound reduction, it is not always possible within this 28mm available space and often there may be a compromise in the U-values.

Need Something More? 

Our expert team can guide you through the selection process, ensuring that your project benefits from the best noise control glass available. 

Contact us today to learn more about our acoustic glass solutions and how they can transform your space into a quieter, more peaceful environment.