Soundproof & Acoustic Windows

Triple glazing can provide benefits including improved thermal performance, but three panes of glass do not automatically make a window the best choice for reducing external noise. Acoustic performance depends on the complete glazing specification, including the glass types, interlayers, cavity and window system.

For Finesse Windows' Shield Protection glass, testing has shown a further 20% reduction in decibel levels compared with a standard A-rated sealed unit.

Acoustic glazing is specialist glazing designed to reduce the transmission of external noise. Finesse Windows' Shield Protection glass is a complete sealed unit incorporating two panes of glass with a PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) interlayer.

Finesse Windows worked with GlassSolutions Saint-Gobain to develop Shield Protection glass, combining noise reduction with security and UV protection. Saint-Gobain also identifies acoustic PVB laminated glass as a specialist glazing solution for reducing noise.

An acoustic window is a complete window system fitted with specialist glazing designed to reduce external noise. The glass is only one part of the system: the frame, seals, installation and surrounding building fabric can all affect the final acoustic performance.

At Finesse Windows we worked with GlassSolutions Saint Gobain to develop Shield Protection glass, with the goal to give high performance for your home in noise reduction, security and UV resistance.

Yes. Finesse Windows' acoustic glazing has been tested to provide a further 20% reduction in decibel levels compared with a standard A-rated sealed unit. The result achieved in a particular home will depend on the complete window specification, installation and source of the external noise.

However, even with the adding of noise reducing glass it is vital to ensure that the window in its entirety is also fitted correctly by MTC accredited fitters who are regularly inspected by FENSA.

Not necessarily. Acoustic and triple glazing solve different problems, and the best option depends on the specification of the complete window. Triple glazing adds another pane and can improve thermal performance, while specialist laminated acoustic glass uses a PVB interlayer to help reduce sound transmission.

For customers primarily concerned about external noise, the relevant evidence is the acoustic performance of the proposed glazing and complete window rather than simply the number of panes. Finesse Windows' Shield Protection glass provides a further 20% reduction in decibel levels compared with a standard A-rated sealed unit.

For homes affected by persistent external noise, acoustic glass can be a worthwhile upgrade because it is designed specifically to reduce sound transmission. Shield Protection glass also combines noise reduction with security and UV protection.

Acoustic glass, unlike traditional glass, is not only suitable for noise reduction, but also improves the safety of your home. In controlled tests, when comparing our ‘Shield Protection’ A Rated Acoustic glass sealed unit against a Standard A Rated glass sealed unit, it took an intruder 18x longer to gain access with the Shield Protection sealed units. Shield Protection glass also reflects up to 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays.

Acoustic glass comes in a variety of specifications. Finesse Windows' Shield Protection glass uses 2 x 3mm Planiclear panes laminated with a 0.8mm PVB interlayer, with Planitherm Total+ coating, an 18mm Swiss spacer with argon gas fill and a 4mm Diamant toughened safety glass outer pane.

This specification was developed with GlassSolutions Saint-Gobain as a complete sealed unit rather than an additional layer applied to an existing pane.