Noise Reduction Glass with optional solar controls from Viridian

Viridian's noise resistant glass range - a sound solution to effective noise reduction

Whether it's caused by barking dogs, aircraft or noisy neighbours, unwanted noise can have a huge impact on the enjoyment of our indoor environments. As glass is only one part of a room, all other components must be assessed as well, including walls, floor, roof and any other potential noise entry points such as vents. Blocking unwanted noise often requires a multi-faceted solution, of which glass plays a vital part.

When approaching a noise problem there are three components that need to be considered: the external noise itself, the noise reduction of the wall (windows and glazing) and the resulting noise in the room. Following measurement of the external noise level, the ideal internal noise level is decided upon. Determining the glass type that will help achieve this involves subtracting the Rw value of the external noise level from the internal noise level. The frequency of the noise should also be considered; for example, traffic noise is low frequency while aircraft create high frequency noise. A detailed solution would involve selection of a glass product that reduces the intensity sufficiently at all frequencies.

Simply choosing a thicker glass can reduce the audibility of low frequency sounds, but may not be ideal for higher frequency noises. Laminated glass, such as Viridian VLam Hush™, features an interlayer that is particularly effective at dampening, which provides superior sound reduction over the same thickness monolithic glass, and is suitable for both low and high frequency noise. For insulating glass units to provide effective noise reduction, an air gap of 100mm to 200mm needs is required. However, the incorporation of one or two panels of laminated glass, a glass of differing thickness or VLam Hush™ into the unit provides excellent results.

Viridian's VLam Hush™ range of laminated glass has been specifically developed to help block external noise and provide superior sound insulation to maximise enjoyment of indoor surroundings. A laminated Grade A safety glass, Viridian VLam Hush™ is available in 6.5 to 12.5mm thicknesses. VLam Hush™ can be used in conjunction with other solar control options and can be incorporated in a ThermoTech insulating glass unit. Compared to 6mm float glass, 6.5mm VLam Hush™ reduces noise by over 40%