What is acoustic glass

What is Acoustic Glass - Acoustic glass is a specialist glass that considerably reduces noise levels. All glass has some acoustic ability in terms of blocking outside noise - a 4mm single pane of glass has a sound reduction level of approximately 25db and for a 4mm IGU with 2 panes of glass - this increases to around 28 db. 
Sound levels may be reduced further in a number of ways including simply increasing the thickness of the glass being used or increasing the number of panes / distance between them in an IGU

The Benefits of acoustic glass

The main benefits of acoustic glass is the reduction in noise level - generally a comfortable sound level is around 35db (day) 30 bd (night)

All acoustic glass comes with a sound level particularly useful in reducing some of the higher frequency sounds such as traffic, people and even the sound of rain failing on glass (where the glass is used in roof glazing). Due to its inner bonded layer, acoustic glass will hold in place in the event of breaking; meaning it has an impact Safety rating and can be used in critical locations. It can also improve energy efficiency. 

typical acoustic glass usage

This glass has many applications and it must be used in certain circumstances to comply with Building Regulation requirements around resistance to sound. 
Acoustic Glass does not itself have any fire resistance ability, but there are certain types of Fire Rated Glass that do have acoustic ability and reduce sound levels. 

what is toughened glass?

Toughened glass is made from standard float glass but is up to five times stronger (whilst being the same thickness) making it an impact resistant safety glass. This glass will break 'safely' into small blunt pieces that are unlikely to cause serious injury. It therefore poses less of a threat to passers-by and is safer to pick up and dispose of. 

the benefits of toughened glass?

Its increased resistance to impact and temperature variations make toughened glass suited for use in structural glazing systems where the benefits of ordinary glass need to be combined with extra strength, safety and resistance. 

typical toughened glass usage

Toughened glass also has a number of applications and in building projects it is often used as glass facades, partitions, sliding doors, glass doors and windows. It is used in furniture such as tables and counter tops

what is laminated glass?

Laminated glass is harder to break than ordinary glass and does not shatter in the same way due to either the specific processing  the glass has been through (toughened) or the bonded interlayer between the glass itself. 

The Benefits of laminated glass

Typically made up of one or more panes of glass with bonded interlayers of PVB (polyvinyl butyral). It is no stronger than ordinary float glass but will remain intact on impact and prevents the glass breaking into large pieces. This glass can have different impact ratings depending on the thickness of the glass used and the number of interlayers. It can also provide sound insulation (energy efficiency) 

typical laminated usage

Laminated glass is frequently used in exterior shop-fronts, curtain walling and windows, overhead glazing, full height barriers, doors and low-level glazing. It has many commercial, public and residential applications.