Laminated glass is often cited in discussions on how to soundproof windows. Just what is it about this particular glass that makes it so special? How does the soundproofing performance of laminated glass compare to that of other options, such as acoustic grade or just thicker glazing? Do laminated glass panes have to be used for effective noise reduction?
If you ask the professionals or your new next-door neighbours about this sort of glass, they will tell you that it has many advantages that have helped it earn a reputation as one of the greatest solutions for significant best windows for soundproofing.
1. Sound Absorption Is Laminated Glass’ Original Purpose
Okay, not strictly speaking. Edouard Benedictus, a French scientist, accidentally developed laminated glass. In testing his plastic cellulose nitrate coating, he dropped a glass flask and discovered that it shattered rather than broke.
Laminated glass is well recognised as a safety and security glass due to its ‘indestructible’ features (no glass is completely unbreakable, but laminated gets amazingly close). However, the manufacturing process also makes it an efficient soundproofing material. Laminate glass may reduce the ear-piercing volume of squealing tyres and the nervous barking of the neighbour’s dog.
Laminated glass has an interlayer in between two pieces of glass. This building design presents a more complicated barrier to the propagation of sound waves. The interlayer also contributes to a notable improvement in noise suppression.
Polyvinyl butyral, or PVB, is the material of choice because of its exceptional ability to attenuate vibrations.
2. Laminate Glass Has A Surprising Amount Of Noise Reduction Potential
Does the laminated glass have a decent soundproofing effect? The thickness of your laminated glass and the interlayer dictate its efficiency; more bulk equals better soundproofing. Success will also depend on how well the laminated glass works with the rest of the components of the insulated glass unit (IGU).
Two pieces of glass with a gap in between them make up an IGU. The thickness and kind of glass used in each pane will vary, from standard to laminated to acoustic. The amount of available airspace also has some bearing on how much noise is dampened; generally speaking, the more available airspace, the less noise there is.
There is no universal truth about how much noise is reduced by using laminates since this depends on a variety of other elements. To give you an idea of how effective laminated glass is in reducing noise and vibrations, consider that a single 6.5 mm sheet may result in a 32-decibel reduction at a typical frequency level of 400 Hz. There will be a decrease of roughly 27 decibels with a fully assembled IGU consisting of two 4 mm thick panes of conventional glass separated by a 12 mm air gap (for a total thickness of 20 mm).
3. In Comparison To Acoustic Grade Glass, Laminated Glass Has More Efficiency
There are several distinctions between laminated glass and acoustic glass. Acoustic glass, in contrast to standard glass, has a resin interlayer between its panes. There is no visual indication of the sandwich’ structure, therefore it passes for regular glass much like laminated glass. Moreover, by adjusting the ratio between the resin interlayer and the glass, a wide range of acoustic glass qualities is achievable. While acoustic glass is a great option for serious soundproofing, it doesn’t provide noticeably better performance than laminated glass.
It’s possible that you won’t even hear a change. A shift of 3 dB or less is imperceptible to the human ear. To save money, many homeowners choose laminated glass instead of acoustic glazing quality when installing double-pane windows. Normal laminated glass is often less costly than acoustic-grade glass. Laminated windows are another widely sought-after option because of their increased security and resistance against breakage.
4. Laminated Glass With Two Panes Isn’t Always Preferable
Considering the efficacy of a single sheet of laminated glass, wouldn’t the use of two sheets be much more effective? To get the optimum effects, you don’t need to use two thick sheets of laminated glass. By using panes of varying thicknesses, your double glazing will be more effective at reducing outside noise. Most noise pollution problems may be mitigated by installing two panes of glass, one of which is laminated glass and the other of which is a regular glass of a variable thickness.
5. Secondary Glazing Using Laminated Glass Might Have Certain Unintended Consequences
There are some businesses and homeowners who think they may save costs by installing secondary glazing made of laminated glass. After all, installing only one piece of laminated glass would significantly reduce the noise level in your home. An easy and inexpensive option seems to be mounting it on the inside of your existing window.
The reality is that secondary glazing costs are roughly comparable to glazing and double-glazed windows if you have your existing windows updated rather than installing a whole new system. The price of secondary or retrofit double glazing is far lower than that of brand-new double glazing.
Use of Laminated Glass: Necessary or Not?
When it comes to soundproofing a house or other building, laminated glass is increasingly being used. There are several benefits, including reduced noise levels and increased safety. Depending on the thickness, the price might be much more than that of regular glass.
If you’re wondering about the best window glass to reduce noise, laminated glass is certainly a top contender. Its ability to block out unwanted sounds makes it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy peace and quiet within their homes.
The kind of noise disturbances in your area will determine whether or not you require it, and if so, on which windows. Experts in soundproofing will inspect your home or business and provide an honest appraisal of what is necessary to achieve your desired outcomes at the most cost-effective price.
