[ Page 8 of 10 ]

Advertising supplement provided by Marvin Windows and Doors

Layering and Laminating Glass

Acoustical glazing products are increasingly being used to reduce noise caused by aircraft, highway traffic, rail transportation, industry and the increased density of buildings in high population or heavy business areas. Laminating the glass is an effective way to reduce this unwanted outside noise and improve a window’s STC rating.

Laminated glass is produced by bonding a plastic vinyl layer between two panes of glass into a single sheet. It looks like ordinary glass but offers superior sound damping compared to ordinary annealed glass. Inclusion of a sealed insulating glass (IG) unit increases the acoustical benefits. IG units can be fabricated with laminated glass, using annealed, heat-strengthened, or tempered glass.

Laminated glass provides better sound reduction than either non-laminated glass or regular glass of the same total thickness.

It also reduces sound transmission at high frequencies.

Sound waves can also be dampened by creating a non-uniform window design. This can be achieved by using glass layers of slightly different thicknesses. They will not vibrate at the same frequencies and therefore will disrupt the transmission of sound.

Because laminated glass can be made with one thicker and one thinner layer it supports the Limp Mass Law. Additionally, laminated glass offers passive security, storm resistance, shatter resistance, greater UV protection and reduced solar heat gain.

Acoustical Properties of Glass Types

Estimates in this chart show how acoustical performance can be improved using a base line unit construction of one 3.0 mm glass pane, a 6.5 mm air space, and a second 3.0 mm glass pane with an STC rating of 28.