Laminated glass noise reduction works because of the soft plastic interlayer bonded between the two panes. The interlayer damps the vibration that carries sound through glass, so laminated glass blocks more noise than ordinary float glass of the same thickness. It is not soundproof – no window is – but in a well-sealed frame it makes a noticeable difference to traffic, neighbours and wind noise. This guide explains how laminated glass reduces noise, what else makes a window quiet, and how it compares with acoustic glass and double glazing.
Every Coetz™ aluminium window and door is glazed with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass as standard, so you get laminated glass noise reduction without paying extra.
Contents
How sound gets through a window
Sound reaches you through a window in two ways:
- Through the glass. Sound waves make the pane vibrate, and the vibrating pane passes the sound into the room.
- Through gaps. Any air path – an open sash, a worn seal, a gap around the frame – lets sound straight through. Even a small gap can undo the benefit of better glass.
That is why the quietest windows combine better glass with good seals and a tight installation.
How laminated glass noise reduction works
Laminated glass is two panes bonded together with a plastic interlayer. In 6.38 mm laminated glass, two 3 mm panes are bonded with a 0.38 mm interlayer. That interlayer does three things for noise:
- It damps vibration. The soft layer absorbs some of the energy that would otherwise make the glass ring, especially in the mid and high frequencies of voices and traffic.
- It breaks up resonance. A single pane has frequencies at which it vibrates easily and lets more sound through. The bonded layers reduce that effect.
- It adds mass. Heavier glass is harder to set vibrating, and 6.38 mm laminated glass weighs more per square metre than a single 4 mm pane.
The result: laminated glass noise reduction is better than float glass of the same thickness, without changing the window.
Is laminated glass soundproof?
No. There are no truly soundproof windows, and “noise cancelling windows” do not exist in the sense of noise-cancelling headphones. Laminated glass reduces noise; it does not remove it. Low-frequency noise, such as a truck engine or a bass speaker, is the hardest to stop with any glass. If you need serious sound insulation – a recording room or a bedroom on a highway – speak to an acoustic engineer.
Beyond laminated glass noise reduction: what else makes a window quieter
Glass is only part of the answer. For the quietest result:
- Close it properly. Hinged windows such as top hung and side hung close onto their seals; check that every sash closes evenly along its whole length.
- Keep seals in good condition. Clean worn or loose seals, and replace damaged ones – see aluminium windows leaking for how seals work.
- Seal the frame to the wall. A continuous bead of sealant around the frame closes the most common sound path – see how to install aluminium windows.
- Choose the window type for the room. For a bedroom facing a busy road, a top hung window usually seals more tightly than a sliding window.
- Add soft furnishings. Heavy curtains, rugs and upholstered furniture absorb sound inside the room.
Laminated glass vs acoustic glass vs double glazing
| How it reduces noise | At Coetz™ | |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated glass (6.38 mm) | Interlayer damps vibration; better than float glass of the same thickness | Standard on every window and door |
| Acoustic laminated glass | A special, softer acoustic interlayer for extra damping | Not offered on aluminium windows and doors |
| Double glazing | Two panes with an air gap; best when the gap is wide | Not offered on aluminium windows and doors |
| Float glass (single pane) | Mass only | Not used – every unit has laminated safety glass |
Acoustic laminated glass and double glazing can go further than standard laminated glass, but they cost considerably more and need deeper frames. For most homes, laminated glass noise reduction in a well-sealed window is the best value. For shopfronts, MC Automations, our parent company, can quote performance and double glazing on its own projects.
6.38 mm or 8.38 mm: laminated glass noise reduction by thickness
Thicker laminated glass is heavier, which helps a little with noise. Coetz™ windows and doors use 6.38 mm laminated glass. For cut-to-size glass, both 6.38 mm and 8.38 mm clear laminated glass are available – see 6.38 mm vs 8.38 mm laminated glass and glass cut to size.
Safety comes first
Laminated glass was designed for safety; laminated glass noise reduction is a welcome side effect. If it breaks, the interlayer holds the pieces together, which is why it meets the safety-glazing rules in SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards. For the differences between glass types, see toughened vs laminated glass and safety glass vs float glass.
Get quieter windows
Coetz™ makes aluminium windows and doors to order in 1–2 days, all with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass, delivered nationwide. Price your whole project in the online estimator or browse aluminium windows.
Laminated glass noise reduction: frequently asked questions
Does laminated glass reduce noise?
Yes. Laminated glass noise reduction comes from the interlayer, which damps sound vibration, so laminated glass reduces noise better than ordinary float glass of the same thickness, especially voices and traffic.
Is laminated glass soundproof?
No. Laminated glass reduces noise but no window is soundproof. Low-frequency noise such as engines and bass is the hardest to block.
Is laminated glass better than double glazing for noise?
Double glazing with a wide air gap, or acoustic laminated glass, can block more noise, but both cost considerably more. For most homes, laminated glass in a well-sealed window is the best value.
What is the best window for noise reduction?
A hinged window, such as top hung, that closes firmly onto its seals, glazed with laminated glass and sealed properly to the wall.
Do Coetz windows have laminated glass?
Yes. Every Coetz™ aluminium window and door comes with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass as standard.
Can I make my existing windows quieter?
Yes. Clean or replace worn seals, reseal gaps around the frame, make sure every sash closes properly and add heavy curtains. Replacing old single-pane steel windows with laminated aluminium windows also helps.
