If you live on a very busy street or just across a school or kindergarten, you may think that gritting your teeth and living with constant high outside noise is the only thing to do. Noise pollution can be very problematic, especially in the long run if it affects your daily life.
The good news is there are multiple soundproofing options for your windows, which can not just effectively reduce noise, but also soundproof your home. You can install acoustic glass fitted to your glass windows. You can also go with heritage double and triple-glazed skylights windows and doors to help reduce noise.
If you are someone who is troubled by the amount of noise from outside, whether it be cars, trains, planes or just people, you should definitely look into soundproof window options. Acoustic windows and secondary glazing can help with noise intrusion big time. You need to familiarise yourself with the options and go with the one that best benefits your noise level reduction goals.
Everything you should know about acoustic glass
In general, acoustic glass windows are made of two panes of laminated glass. It is usually two glass sheets bonded together. They have an internal layer that helps with the absorption of vibrations and sounds. Thanks to this design there is a significant reduction of the noise in your home. This type of noise reduction glass can often feature more sheets of glass/bonded internal layers. The thicker the glass is, the less unwanted noise can come through it. It works great with frames and seals that further reinforce the blockage of external noise.
Acoustic properties can be attached to different thickness of glass, though it is usually in the range of 6.5 - 12mm. It is possible to get even thicker glass than this, but that will add to its weight. Very thick acoustic glass is more expensive but it can greatly reduce outside noise. You can also consider the thickness of the glass windows to reduce not just the noise from the outside, but also the amount of light penetrating them.
You may want to use acoustic glass if your home is near an airport, next to a main road or if there is a school just across the street. Many areas have strict regulations on soundproofing, so acoustic glass tends to be a good option. However, acoustic glass is available to every homeowner who wants to reduce noise and is not limited to buildings in loud areas.
Acoustic glazing for noise reduction
The major benefit of an acoustic glazing unit is that it works as an effective noise reduction window. If you struggle with a lot of noise coming from outside, you can use acoustic types of glass to remedy that. It can really make a difference and help you sleep better. Studies show that loud unwanted noise can negatively impact your health, especially if it is on a daily basis. According to researchers, it increases the risk of many conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and memory impairment.
Reduction in noise is the standout feature of windows with acoustic glass. Of course, there are other benefits to it as well. Its thermal properties are much better compared to single-glazed windows. It is better at reducing noise and keeping energy bills down for your home. Acoustic glass also improves the strength and durability of the window area, making it harder to crack or break in. It may be more expensive than triple glazing, but all of the described benefits make acoustic glass worth the investment.
Does triple glazing reduce noise?
Yes, triple glazing can reduce noise as it adds an extra layer of insulation. However, the degree of noise reduction depends on various factors such as the thickness of the glass panes, width of air gap, and the noise frequency and intensity.
Can double glazed windows reduce noise as well?
Standard double glazing is essentially a window with 2 panes of glass. The central component of that window is the double glazed unit, which is sealed and sits in the window frame. Another name for it is the insulated glass unit, comprised of 2 sheets of glass with an air gap between that is full of insulation gas (usually Argon). Double glazing options are primarily geared towards thermal insulation, although they can also contribute to reducing noise pollution.
Because double glazed windows are so efficient at keeping warm air inside and stopping the cold air outside from entering the building, regulation has made it mandatory to have at least double glazed C rated windows, except in the case of listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas.
In terms of reducing the level of noise, two panes of glass always do a better job than one. A single pane of glass doesn't prevent the energy of sound waves to cause the glass to vibrate and transfer the sounds on the inside. The acoustic performance is poor, but it gets better with new double glazing. Some of the energy is absorbed on its way through the Argon gas and the sound wave diminishes as it gets to the other side of the panel. It comes out a little quieter.
There are ways to really reduce the noise better with glass by improving its acoustic properties. Combining different thicknesses of glass can help, or straight up upgrading to acoustic glass and triple glazing. Double or triple glazed glass can also reduce the effects of noise pollution, much like acoustic glass. But while double glazing and acoustic glass both serve as noise reduction glazing, it is clear that acoustic glass is best for this purpose. Acoustic glass is made of laminated glass and bonded layers that work perfectly for noise cancellation.
What is the difference between double vs triple glazing options?
When getting new windows, you might be wondering between three layers of glass or just double glazing - which one is better? As the name suggests, there are three panes of glass in triple glazed windows. Standard triple glazing features two gaps between the three pieces of glass filled with gas. This type of glazing does wonders in regards to insulation, as the extra gap and glass piece further prevent air from escaping or entering through.
In regards to levels of noise reduction, triple glazing is much better than single glazed and double glazed windows, with both varieties trumping standard glass options. Having extra layers between the outside and the inside can reduce noise levels to a good degree. With double glazing, the sound passes through a single layer of gas, whereas triple glazing features two of those layers and thus contributes to better noise cancellation.
Feel free to check out our triple glazed skylights for flat roofs.We've also written a detailed article explaining what is triple glazed glass.
Acoustic glass vs triple glazing to block outside noise
You may be wondering whether acoustic glass or triple glazing is the better option if you want some peace and quiet in your home, free from outside noise. In regards to noise, acoustic glass is better. However, there are some additional factors that you may want to consider. Installation of acoustic glass should be viewed as an investment. The price of acoustic windows is not small, especially compared to the thermal insulation benefits of triple glazing. It is best to consult experts on acoustic glass vs triple glazing so that you know you are making the best decision for your home.
Is acoustic glass more expensive than double glazing?
The short answer is yes. Double glazing does not necessarily have any special treatment, whereas, in the case of acoustic glass, it has a laminate treatment that has been designed to improve the acoustic levels inside a home. This makes it a more expensive option, but also one that is better if you want a quiet home.
How much does acoustic glass reduce noise?
All glass has some acoustic properties, even single glazed. Acoustic glass design can toughen the glass with laminate treatment that further reinforces these properties. It can easily reduce the noise from outside by about 50 dB
How much does acoustic glass & triple lamination cost?
Price mainly consists of two parts, transportation and raw materials, we quote according to your specific volume and product requirements of the specifications, there are related project information consulting can also contact us via enquiry@wallkingdonglass.com
Who can supply acoustic glass & triple lamination glass?
Wallkingdon Glass is a leading glass supplier in China for architectural and interior glass.
We have acoustic glass & triple lamination certification who is capable to produce the glass for safety, security, visual and functional applications.
If you have any question for Low-e glass , pls kindly contact us via enquiry@wallkingdonglass.com