Imagine if your windows were made from soundproof glass.
Would you turn the volume down on noisy neighbours, busy roads, and barking dogs… or better yet, blast Taylor Swift full volume without being crowned Noisy Neighbour of the Year… again… third year in a row!
Take control over the soundtrack of your home and join us as we immerse ourselves in the world of acoustic glazing and learn how choosing the right type of glass for your circumstances can help control the noisy chaos.
Book a Showroom Appointment
As always, this article is provided as general advice, and we recommend booking a showroom appointment with one of our Jason Windows product specialists to help pick the right glass for your windows and doors.
What is Acoustic Glazing?
Acoustic glass, sometimes called soundproof glass or noise reduction glass, is a type of specialised glass used to reduce the amount of noise transmitted through the glass on your windows or doors.
Myth buster: While acoustic glass can provide substantial noise reduction, it is not completely soundproof or 100% noise cancelling.
For optimal results, consider combining acoustic glass with additional soundproofing measures, such as insulating walls and ceilings. This holistic approach helps create a quieter and more comfortable environment.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Acoustic Glass
It’s important to note the noise reducing performance of your acoustic glass can depend on several factors, including:
- Glazing Type: The noise reducing performance of acoustic glass depends on the type of glazing you select
- Building Materials: Consider the insulation properties of other building materials surrounding your doors and windows
- Sound Penetration: Gaps around windows and doors can allow noise to penetrate. Proper fitting and effective sealing will enhance sound insulation
- Sound Propagation: When sound waves hit the outer glass surface, it vibrates, creating sound waves inside. Different thicknesses of glass can help block different frequencies of noise—a Jason Windows product specialist can offer you glass selection assistance when you book a consultation in one of our showrooms
-
Holistic Approach: Adopting a comprehensive soundproofing strategy will enhance the overall comfort of your home. Consider the following when planning your new home or renovation:
- Construction such as double brick may help provide better sound proofing
- Insulating walls and ceilings can help to further dampen sound penetration around doors and windows (if your window is installed all the way up to the eaves the sound can easily travel up and over the window)
- Soft furnishings, rugs, carpets with quality underlay, and curtains can help dampen internal noise
- Plants and screening panels may help with soundproofing your outdoor areas
What is a Coincidence Dip?
In acoustics, a coincidence dip refers to a phenomenon where glass vibrates in unison with an external sound source. When this happens, the glass allows more sound waves to pass through it.
However, this effect occurs only at a specific frequency, known as the natural coincidence frequency. At this frequency, the glass panel resonates with the sound, reducing its sound insulation properties. It’s an interesting interaction between material properties and sound waves!
Double Glazing vs Laminated Glass
When considering soundproof windows and doors, you’ll likely encounter two options: Double Glazing and Laminated Glass. Let’s explore the specifics of each:
Double Glazing
- Jason Double Glazing consists of two panels of glass separated by a layer of argon gas and then sealed as an insulated glazing unit (IGU)
- Minimises noise when the right glass combinations are chosen. TIP: Pair panes of differing thicknesses to disrupt sound waves and enhance noise cancellation by addressing the natural coincidence frequency of glass [See What is a Coincidence Dip]
- Best suited for medium to high-frequency noises (e.g. human voices, dogs barking)
- For low-frequency noises (like busy roads and noisy planes), consider laminated glass—either standalone or within a double-glazed unit
Laminated Glass
- Laminated glass comprises two glass sheets permanently bonded with an interlayer
- Think of it like a sandwich, but instead of bread and cheese, it’s made of glass and a special layer in the middle, known as an interlayer. The interlayer helps to dampen sound vibrations through the glass, acting as a barrier to hinder sound waves
- Effective for low-frequency noises (e.g. aeroplanes, road traffic)
- Maximise performance with acoustic-rated laminated glass brands (e.g. VLAM Hush, Genuine Hush™)
- For medium to high-frequency noises (like human voices and dogs barking), double glazing may be more effective at reducing noise transmission
Combined Approach (Laminated Glass within Double Glazing Unit)
A combination of laminated glass within a double glazing unit is a smart choice when prioritising soundproofing because it effectively reduces external noise infiltration.
Laminated glass, composed of two or more layers with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, dampens sound vibrations and minimises transmission through the window. When paired with Jason Double Glazing—a configuration of two glass panes separated by an insulating layer of argon gas—the acoustic benefits are further enhanced. The air gap in double glazing acts as an additional sound barrier, preventing noise from penetrating into the interior space.
“Why not both?” … when it comes to Double Glazing vs Laminated Glass, you can always do as the little taco girl suggests and combine both!
Noise Reduction Ratings
The Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw) is a useful metric that will help you evaluate the acoustic properties of glass. Generally speaking, the higher the Rw value, the better the sound insulation achieved.
Keep in mind that selecting the appropriate glass for your needs likely also depends on the type of noise you are trying to block out.
For specific noise problems, consider consulting an acoustic engineer for the right solution. An acoustic engineer will assess the levels and types of noises causing concern and specify the acoustic performance requirements to suit your needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Soundproof a House?
Soundproof glazing for your doors and windows can be a significant investment, depending on factors such as window size, the amount of glass required, and the thickness and type of glazing selected. While the initial cost can seem high, the long-term benefits may justify the expense.
Benefits of Investing in Soundproof Glazing:
- Reduction of external noise infiltration: This can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing. For many people, excessive noise can lead to stress and disrupted sleep. By reducing external sounds, you can create a more serene living environment, promoting relaxation and better sleep quality.
- Investment in your comfort: The initial cost pays off in the long run by improving your quality of life. You’ll appreciate the tranquillity, privacy, and improved acoustics that soundproof glazing provides.
Budget Friendly Soundproofing
Apply weather stripping to your windows and install a door seal at the bottom of your front door as an acoustic seal to help reduce noise.
Available now from the Jason Windows Spare Parts shop.
Soundproof your Home on a Budget
If the cost of acoustic-rated glazing seems steep, there are a few budget-friendly ways to soundproof your home — that are generally good advice.
- Apply weather stripping to your windows as an acoustic seal to reduce noise
- Install a door seal at the bottom of your front door
- Different glass thicknesses perform differently at different frequencies, so depending on the type of noise you are trying to block out, opting for a thicker single-pane glass may be a budget-friendly option to improve soundproofing in a room, albeit not as effectively as acoustic-rated glazing.
- A Jason Windows product specialist can offer you glass selection assistance when you book a consultation in one of our showrooms.
Helpful Resources
For specific noise problems, consider consulting an acoustic engineer for the right solution. An acoustic engineer will assess the levels and types of noises causing concern and specify the acoustic performance requirements to suit your needs.
Glass Guide
Glazing Options
Showroom Bookings
Plan Ahead for Soundproofing
If you would like to prioritise soundproofing in your new home or renovation, it’s important to discuss this with your builder early on. Here’s why:
- Pre-Contract Considerations: Waiting until pre-start before you discuss soundproofing can lead to additional expenses and delays. Plan ahead and discuss soundproofing before you sign the contract to avoid potentially costly changes later.
- Double Glazing Frames: If soundproofing includes double glazing, it’s essential to account for the differences in frame design. Double glazing requires thicker frames to accommodate the extra pane of glass. Updating the contract to reflect this cost ensures transparency and avoids surprises during construction.
- Holistic Approach: Beyond windows, consider other soundproofing measures like insulation, solid doors, and double brick construction. These choices impact both comfort and resale value.
In summary, proactive planning saves time, money, and stress. So, discuss soundproofing early in the process to create a peaceful haven!
Jason Windows Glass Guide
If you’re interested in learning more about choosing the right glass for your home, download the Jason Windows Glass Guide.
The guide covers the role of glass in your home, types of performance glass, energy efficiency, and more. It also lists the pros and cons of different types of glass offered by Jason Windows.