WHAT IS ACOUSTIC GLAZING?

Acoustic glazing is certified noise reduction glass, aiming to create a healthy sound environment in your home. Acoustic glass consist of two panes which have been laminated together using an acoustic membrane. This works to absorb the sound energy vibration travelling through the glass.

With heat and pressure, the glass is created, for much-improved acoustic performance. In a double-glazed unit the acoustic glass will be on one side of the cavity between the panes which is then filled with argon gas, just like in our other double-glazed units. The sound reducing glass is completely transparent like our standard glass. It doesn’t only keep out noise, but also keep in heat, creating insulation and security all in one.

Do I need acoustic glazing?

Noise pollution is a serious health risk, and since noise enters our homes through the weakest point which is typically the windows, it’s important to pick the right windows. Single glazed windows rarely keep out enough noise to maintain a healthy level of sound. 35 dB is the recommended noise level in our homes.

If you have single glazing at the moment getting new windows with double glazing may be more than enough. With low emission glass and argon gas in between the panes, it doesn’t only keep out noise, but also keep in heat, creating insulation and security all in one.

But if you live on a particularly busy road or feel that the noise is bothering you, you may very well need acoustic glazing, as in our homes being able to relax and block out street noises is important. For comparison, our standard double glazed windows have an acoustic rating of 32 dB while our acoustic glazing has an acoustic rating of 39 db.

If you are living in a Victorian terraced house which is subject to road noise of 68dB, a 42dB window will take this down to 31dB which is the equivalent of a quiet library and 12% better than the level the World Health Organisation recommends to for a healthy living space (35dB).

Acoustic glazing or triple glazing?

Sound proofing windows is essential in busy areas or roads. The thicker the better, so single glazed windows don’t really stand a chance in keeping out harmful levels of noise. With sash windows, timber in particular, they can’t be too thick and heavy, so two 4 mm panes with a 16mm gap in-between filled with argon gas are ideal, and that’s why we normally do double-glazing.

The interest for acoustic glazing has grown as more people aim to achieve a quieter home environment.

Whether it’s a busy road, noisy neighbours or even aeroplanes going by, noise pollution can be very frustrating.

It is often thought that triple glazing would make for a good acoustic solution. In fact, a third layer of glass is another piece of material that can vibrate, and more vibration means more noise. Which is why acoustic glazing would be a better option.