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Advertising supplement provided Solutia Inc. and Arch Aluminum & Glass Co.

In addition to standard PVB formulations, an improved acoustical performing PVB layer is available for use in applications which require sound control properties beyond those attained with standard PVB. This PVB interlayer is particularly effective where installation dimension constraints do not allow for an increased glazing thickness that would otherwise be produced to achieve the necessary level of acoustical performance.

PVB interlayer damping is a very effective means for increasing sound isolation performance with a negligible increase in surface weight and total glass thickness. As with monolithic glass, the sound isolation performance of insulating glass can be increased significantly through the use of laminated glass.

Acoustical retrofitting

Often, acoustically deficient windows of an existing building are replaced with those that provide the necessary sound isolation performance. Other times, it is desirable to maintain the existing windows and improve their sound isolation performance by installing an acoustical sash.

In cases where additional window sound isolation is required and window replacement is not feasible, an acoustical sash can be a practical, cost-effective solution. An acoustical sash requires laminated glass. It must be well sealed and must be generously spaced away from the prime window glass. These installation requirements are usually more easily satisfied inside the prime window. For example, when the frame is glazed with 1/4-inch (6mm) laminated glass with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, increases in the sound transmission class (STC) rating up to 15 points can be obtained. This is a remarkable increase resulting in up to a quartering in perceived loudness.

Conclusion

There are many demands put on those responsible for architectural design and structural performance of buildings. Protecting tenants and users from the increasing noise levels of today’s environment is a critical factor in the specification of glazing materials for new and/or renovated buildings. This is especially true today at a time when modern design trends emphasize generous use of glazing, and building owners require the highest level of comfort.

Laminated glass made with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer can reduce perceived noise by as much as 50 percent over monolithic glazing systems, and laminated glass with a PVB interlayer can be used in any project where structural performance and a high level of sound reduction are required. Airports and surrounding structures, hotels, sports stadiums, recording studios, train stations, educational facilities and high rises are just some of the projects where use of laminated glass with a PVB interlayer can be specified.