Acoustic glass is an enhanced type of laminated glass, which is not only tough enough to withstand breakage, but also insulates against noise pollution.
As trusted suppliers of acoustic glass panels, the Express Glass Warehouse team can provide soundproof glass for a variety of applications.
Our acoustic glass typically features a noise reduction interlayer between two layers of Pilkington Optifloat™ toughened glass, which can range from 6.4mm to 12.8mm in thickness.
Whichever size or thickness of acoustic glass you may be looking for, you can get in touch with EGW to arrange a bespoke solution.
For more details, call us on 020 8500 1188, or submit your information online to receive a quote.
What does acoustic glass do?
Acoustic glass for soundproofing is specifically designed to reduce noise pollution, providing a sound barrier between an inside area and external noise sources. Acoustic glass is typically used in airports, recording studios, and meeting rooms.
The acoustic glass works in two ways: reflecting some of the noise back, and absorbing most of it within the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. Increasing the thickness of the acoustic glass can further reduce sound pollution.
Why not try the Pilkington Sound Simulator to test the noise levels for yourself?
What are the benefits of acoustic laminated glass?
- Acoustic glass from EGW provides security, sound reduction, and thermal efficiency
- Dramatically reduces noise pollution whilst also being very difficult to break, holding together after impact
- Ideal for use in busy urban areas with increased road and foot traffic, including nearby railways, airports, factories, or pubs and clubs
- Helps to soundproof indoor spaces like recording studios, private meeting rooms, and play areas, or reduce sound transfer with office partitions
- Can decrease the sound of weather such as rain on skylights
- Increased thermal insulation means it’s also more energy efficient, reducing energy bills
We can produce glass for soundproofing in many sizes, ensuring satisfactory noise insulation.
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Acoustic Glass FAQs
Thin panes of glass can only absorb a small amount of sound vibrations before allowing the rest to travel through, so acoustic grade glass has to be laminated with an insulating interlayer to absorb and dampen much more of the noise. This means that all acoustic glass is a type of laminated glass.
The difference is that not all laminated glass is acoustic, just as it’s a form of toughened glass, but not all toughened glass is laminated. For laminated glass to achieve acoustic grading, it needs thicker layers of glass or asymmetrical thicknesses, and an insulating material for the interlayer.
Consider acoustic glass to be an upgrade from standard laminated glass. The ‘sandwich’ method of construction is more or less the same, and both types visually look like any standard pane of glass, but laminated glass isn’t as effective at reducing noise unless the sound insulation is optimised.
Laminated acoustic glass is usually implemented as a noise reduction solution in high-traffic areas. Many of us live and/or work in urban environments where noise pollution is a growing concern – the constant disturbance from nearby loud sounds can cause distraction, stress, and sleep disruption.
Whether your building is close to a main road, shopping centre, train station, or airport, or you just have especially loud and anti-social neighbours, acoustic glass can provide relief from nuisance noises in situations like these. This type of glass can significantly reduce levels of unwanted noise.
Since it’s often used for exterior applications to block out external sounds – such as windows, doors, and walls – acoustic glass must also be laminated for security purposes. This makes it thicker and stronger, keeping noise to an acceptable ambient level while preventing it from shattering.
The noise reducing capabilities of acoustic glass depend on the thickness of both the interlayer and the glass panes themselves. Modern PVB interlayer technology is better than traditional resin at insulating against sound transfer, and the thicker the glass, the more it can dampen sound vibration.
However, it’s important to note that soundproofing glass is only as effective as its frame. If there are unsealed gaps around windows or doors, or the building envelope is too thin, then sound can find a way through anyway. When installed correctly, laminated acoustic glass can be extremely effective.
Acoustic glass is given an ‘Rw’ value according to the Weighted Sound Reduction Index, which rates its noise insulation effectiveness in decibels. The higher the Rw value, the better. When it’s at least 12mm thick, soundproof glass can reduce noise up to 50dB. At EGW, we use Pilkington Optiphon™ glass (formerly known as Pilkington Optilam™ Phon), which has an average Rw value of 45dB.