Acoustic comfort is one of the major aspects of building design and architecture today. Acoustics is related to sound or hearing; acoustic comfort therefore refers to a pleasant audio environment, devoid of disruptive noise. This is important as it can impact the productivity, wellbeing, and satisfaction of the occupants of the building.
To understand acoustic comfort, we must be able to understand what sound is and how it differs from noise. Sound travels in waves through the air and is received by our ears. Some sounds are soothing and have a positive effect on the environment and our mood, while others can seem unwanted and disturbing.
For example, soft music can be calming; but sounds of construction, or traffic - humming engines, honking horns, and loud sounds of transportation, are all forms of noise, which can distract, disturb, and annoy. In fact, noise often raises stress levels and can reduce your hearing.
However, we can reduce external noise entering buildings with acoustic glass solutions.
Acoustic Glass is made by laminating two layers of glass with Polyvinyl Butyral or PVB film in between. This layer functions like an acoustic membrane, bonding both glass panes together to make it look as though there is only one pane.
The PVB film disrupts the pathways of sound waves, and significantly reduces the amount of external sound vibrations entering the building.
Laminated glass is available in several types of glazing and thickness, depending on how much soundproofing you require. To give you an example, architects recommend using extra thick laminated glass panes in recording studios as you need absolute silence; however, acoustic glass in urban homes and offices can be slightly thinner.
Laminated glass is primarily used for windows, but can also be used for patio doors, skylights, internal partitions and screens in offices, and in conservatories.
Saint-Gobain has single and double-glazed glass for windows, in a wide range of thickness depending on your requirement (6.8 mm to 12.8 mm for single glazed, and 26 mm to 40 mm in double-glazed windows).
It is important to note that factors like the shutters, frame type, assembly, and method of installation also have an impact on the acoustic insulation.
Laminated glass is effective in minimizing sounds like honking horns, loudspeakers, clattering rain, construction equipment, and so on, providing substantial sound insulation. It thus provides enhanced urban glass sound comfort in both residential and commercial buildings.
By reducing the decibel levels indoors, it contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, and in a commercial space, helps improve productivity and efficiency of employees. Clients visiting your workplace will also be more comfortable, and this bodes well for business.
Reduced noise levels also have a positive impact on the health of the building occupants; a pleasant acoustic ambience can help you relax, and be at ease. You can be assured that your hearing will not suffer because of noise pollution.
Architects recommend using laminated glass in place of ordinary glass to enjoy these additional benefits:
Sound insulation glass can also provide thermal insulation, helping you bring down your electricity consumption. They keep the hot air out and prevent the cooled air from your air conditioner from leaking out, thus keeping the ambient temperature comfortable.
This can have a positive effect on employee productivity and efficiency, the wellbeing of your family, and even the devices, appliances, and gadgets that you have inside. By reducing your dependence or use of cooling or heating appliances, you can also save significantly on your electricity bills.
Laminated glass is tougher and harder to break than regular glass, making it a safer choice for use in, especially in residential spaces. It does not break easily, and even if it does, the glass does not shatter and spread. In fact, laminated glass is also increasingly used in the automotive and appliance manufacturing industries.
We have already seen that laminated glass improves mental wellbeing and protects hearing by attenuating noise levels. It also keeps out harmful UV and infrared rays, which is good for your health, and helps prevent your upholstery, curtains, and furnishings from fading.
Glass sound control in urban areas is essential, as we have significant noise pollution in our cities, often going above 90 dbA. Laminated glass is one of the best ways to reduce this harmful noise from spoiling your hearing and health in general.
Saint-Gobain has a wide range of urban environments glass acoustics solutions to choose from. Protect your family and your employees with superior quality laminated glass that significantly reduces the noise permeating indoors.
How much noise reduction does acoustic glass achieve?
Windows with laminated glass are capable of reducing noise to bring it within acceptable decibel levels. This is a significant reduction in noise levels and can help maintain a pleasant ambience indoors.
Why is acoustic comfort important?
A pleasing environment helps bring down stress, improves listening, learning, and teaching, and enhances the feeling of wellness.
Is laminated glass expensive?
When compared to normal glass, laminated glass costs a little more. This is because this glass is made by sandwiching two layers of glass, with a layer of PVB in between. The special treatment helps to reduce the noise coming inside; this is the reason it is priced higher. However, it offers savings in electricity bills year after year thanks to its thermal insulation properties, and promotes overall wellness.
