It’s well-documented that noise pollution causes a range of health conditions in those who are exposed to high levels of noise from roads, railways or airports, for instance, on a regular basis.
Last year, research from the European Environment Agency highlighted the scale of the problem, noting that almost seven million people on the continent are thought to be highly sleep deprived as a result of noise caused by vehicles or other modes of transport.
What’s more, the agency estimated that more than 20 million people in Europe are “highly annoyed” by transport noise.
This isn’t just an issue on continental Europe either. Research in the UK has revealed that 40 per cent of adults in the country are exposed to road traffic noise over the long term that exceeds 50 decibels.
It is believed that consistently being exposed to noise at 50 decibels or higher causes long-term health problems. These can range from sleep disturbance to stroke, diabetes and depression.
Bearing all of this in mind, could it be time for more housing developers to consider how they can reduce the noise in people’s homes? In practice, this means thinking about how to better soundproof properties.
One way in which to reduce the level of noise that enters people’s homes is through the use of acoustic glass.
What is acoustic glass?
Acoustic glass is specially designed glazing that has an advanced acoustic interlayer. This serves the purpose of reducing the amount of noise that enters a property from outside. Otherwise it looks exactly the same as regular glazing.
In highly built-up areas, or in locations where there is considerable transport noise, such as close to a railway line, an airport or a busy main road, this can make a significant difference to people’s quality of life.
Is acoustic glass suitable for residential developments?
Yes! Acoustic glass can be used in any kind of building where it’s necessary to reduce the amount of noise that enters from the outdoor environment.
Although it is often used in settings like hospitals or even offices, acoustic glass can be installed during any construction project as an alternative to regular glazing.
Given that the UK government has announced its intention to build 1.5 million new homes during this parliament, if more developers started using acoustic glass on their projects, this could impact millions of people for the better.
If acoustic glass was also incorporated into projects that converted buildings from commercial to residential use, the impact could be amplified still further and deliver even more homes that help people live healthier lives.
How is acoustic glass different from double glazing?
While both types of glazing involve two panes of glass, there are important differences in how they are produced. Double glazing has a pocket of air between the two panes of glass. This provides thermal insulation as well as some reduction in noise.
Certainly double glazing provides better noise insulation than single glazed windows do. Acoustic glass, however, is produced slightly differently.
Acoustic glass typically uses a thicker pane of glazing to help reduce noise and it is commonly made from two panes stuck together with an advanced interlayer between them designed specifically to reduce noise.
This interlayer is crucial because it is designed to dampen the sound waves that hit the glass, making any noise that does get into the building much quieter.