To reduce unwanted noise indoors while maintaining an open feel, it's important to choose the right type of glass for your glass wall. But not all glass is the same. So how do you choose the right glass for the best sound insulation? And what role do profiles, fittings, seals and assembly play? You'll find the answer in this article.
What affects the sound insulation of glass?
Before we look at different types of glass, it may be useful to understand the factors that affect the ability of glass to absorb sound. The four most important are:
- The thickness of the glass – thicker glass generally absorbs better because it has more mass.
- Differences in the thickness of the glass – two glasses of different thicknesses refract sound waves more effectively than two of the same thickness.
- The distance between the glasses – in insulating glass, the air gap between the glasses is of great importance; the wider the gap, the better the sound insulation.
- Laminated layers – the middle layer in laminated glass (often PVB film) absorbs sound vibrations.
"However, it is important to remember that the sound insulation of glass does not only depend on the glass itself. How the glass is installed and sealed to frames, fittings, profiles and other components plays a decisive role", says Jimmy Berglund, who is one of ROCA Industry's sales representatives in the glass fittings segment.
Leaks, gaps or rigid fastenings can significantly reduce sound insulation, even if the glass itself is of high quality. A well-thought-out design and careful installation are therefore at least as important as the choice of glass type.
Common types of glass and their sound insulating properties
1. Float glass – the standard glass
Float glass is the most common type of glass in standard windows. It is a clear, flat glass without special sound-absorbing properties.Sound insulation: Limited. A standard 4 mm thick float glass pane has an Rw value of around 28–30 dB.
Suitable for: Quieter areas where noise is not a problem.
2. Laminated glass – effective sound absorption with an interlayer
Laminated glass consists of two or more glass sheets that are joined together with a plastic layer (usually PVB). This interlayer works as a sound absorber by reducing the transmission of vibrations.Sound insulation: Very good. Depending on the thickness and number of layers, the Rw value can be 35-40 dB or even higher.
Advantages: Excellent noise reduction and increased safety (the glass is held together in the event of breakage).
Suitable for: Windows facing busy streets, train tracks or airports. But also in glass walls indoors facing rooms that need a lot of sound reduction.
3. Insulating glass – double or triple glazing
Insulating glass consists of two or three panes of glass with air or gas between them. By varying the thickness of the glass and the width of the gap, sound reduction can be significantly improved.Sound insulation: Standard insulating glass provides around 32-36 dB, but special designs can reach up to 45 dB.
Advantages: Good balance between energy saving and sound insulation.
Suitable for: Most homes and offices where both heat and sound insulation are important.
4. Acoustic glass – special glass for noise-prone environments
Acoustic glass is specially developed for sound insulation and often consists of several laminated layers with special sound-absorbing foils.Sound insulation: Very high. Can achieve Rw 45-50 dB depending on the design.
Advantages: Optimal sound attenuation without compromising light transmission or safety.
Suitable for: Offices in urban environments, hotels, hospitals, schools and homes near motorways.
5. Asymmetrical glass – combines different thicknesses
By using glass with different thicknesses (for example 4 mm + 6 mm), sound waves are broken more effectively than if you were to use two that are the same thickness.Sound insulation: Approximately 2-3 dB better than the corresponding symmetrical glass.
Advantages: Simple method to improve sound insulation in existing window structures.
Suitable for: Windows where moderate sound improvement is desired without changing the entire structure.
A combination of the right glass and the right installation
Choosing the right glass is not just about aesthetics and energy saving. It is also a question of quality of life. With the right combination of glass, thickness and construction, you can significantly reduce noise and create a quieter, more comfortable indoor environment.
"However, remember that the sound insulation in a glass wall is always the result of the entire system, i.e. glass, profiles, glass fittings, seals and assembly. A well-sealed and correctly installed structure can often make a bigger difference than just the glass itself", concludes Jimmy Berglund.
Whether you are building a new building or renovating an existing property, it is worth consulting with a glazier or interior design expert. All with the overarching goal in mind - to block out external disturbing noise and achieve an open indoor environment where lovely, soothing silence prevails.
