Soundproof glass, types and where to use

In contexts particularly exposed to loud or continuous noise it is recommended to use some types of soundproof glass for noise reduction.

Noise pollution has a great impact on environmental well-being. Today several studies prove how noise affects psychophysical wellbeing. While you seem to be used to noise, your mind still reaches stress levels that are sometimes important, which alter your concentration, attention, sleep and wake rhythms and emotions in general, with repercussions also on physical health.

Therefore, if in the past little importance was given to the issue of sound insulation, today more and more attention is paid to this aspect, looking for soundproof solutions through types of windows designed for this purpose.

The technical characteristics of the soundproof glass also favor an optimal insulation of the interiors, allowing a perfect livability of the rooms.

Although the legislation is still largely incomplete with regard to noise pollution, highly technical materials, advanced production systems and modern installation procedures allow to obtain windows that are able to reduce noise efficiently. They give a central role to the qualities of glass.

In fact, glass is a sound insulator capable of reflecting part of the sound waves that impact it.

Let’s find out which types of soundproof glass to choose, its characteristics and in what contexts to use it.

Window characteristics

To make a careful choice you need to know the characteristics of the soundproof window.

Let’s assume that the effect of external noise inside a building depends strictly on the characteristics of the window opening, the materials and technologies used for the production and the installation techniques.

Having said this, we can give due attention to the specific characteristics of the windows:

• stainless steel or wood frame;
• soundproof glass;
• hermetic closure.

Particularly, let’s focus on the characteristics of glass. Occupying the largest surface of the window it has an essential role on sound insulation.

The soundproof windows are equipped with glass at least 6 mm thick or even between 8 and 12 mm, to better ensure the sound absorption.

Two or more glass sheets are separated from each other by gasses such as argon or krypton which improve insulation. This allows the creation of soundproof double glazing and at the same time thermal insulation.

The glass sheets are joined together by a stainless steel or polymer spacer frame. They are separated by the air which is inserted during assembly and which is sealed in the frame by a highly precise robotic system.

The best result in terms of noise reduction is given by the laminated glass with sound-absorbing, shatterproof and security PVB (polyvinyl butyl) material.

They offer several advantages:

• noise reduction;
• energy saving;
• eco-sustainability.

The soundproof double glazing not only creates the optimal acoustic conditions inside buildings for comfortable living. It also reduces heat loss and consequently the costs for heating and cooling of the interior. In this way, the benefit is doubled by offering the opportunity for quiet spaces even in the heart of city traffic or near railway stations and airports, while the costs for energy consumption are reduced.

Furthermore, the strong support given in recent years for every initiative connected to energy saving sees the periodic renewal of various solutions for tax deductions.

Types of soundproof glasses

Specific types of soundproof glass are needed to obtain good noise reduction.

We have already talked about double glazing and its benefits in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation and we have specified how these results are improved by the use of laminated glass.

The gasses that separate the glasses and the PVB films act as shock absorbers of sound vibrations. They greatly or even completely reduce the impact of external noise in the place where these types of glass are installed.

In addition to offering good noise reduction, these glasses also guarantee excellent levels of safety and protection inside.

Given the soundproof characteristics, these types of glass are also used to cover external noises like the sounds produced by rain.

But there is a wide choice of solutions based on the level of noise reduction required.

Alternatively, monolithic thickened glass can also be used. While offering good results in terms of insulation, it does not provide any protection in the event of breakage, being rather heavy and dangerous. It also does not bring any advantages in terms of energy saving and sustainability.

Although the characteristics of the glass are fundamental, its quality defines an excellent yield only if mounted in a suitable frame and if the window is professionally installed.

Where to install this window

Knowing where to apply this type of window is essential to ensure tranquility in any environment, even the noisiest.

Let’s think of houses located on motorway junctions or near the airport or the many contexts in which sounds cause noise pollution. Overcrowded and organized workplaces in open spaces, homes or offices located close to area congestion, but also bedrooms facing the sea. They are not always and only artificial sounds that disturb our peace. In many circumstances, nature can also interfere with our brain rest.

To prevent these factors from being a cause of stress, we can install windows equipped with soundproof glass, chosen according to the intensity of the surrounding sound.

Soundproof glass is not intended exclusively for facades, but also for interiors. Workplaces organized in joined spaces separated only by glass walls are increasingly common. In this case, for example, it is important to use glass capable of muffling or reducing sounds, guaranteeing each room its own privacy.

Once again we must focus on the collateral needs of a window or door. Soundproofing is essential, but in most cases it must match with safety, well represented by laminated glass.