Stansted jets at 5 a.m.? Pub kick-out noise at midnight? Let’s bring back your sleep.
TL;DR (Key Points)
- Acoustic glass adds a PVB sound-dampening layer → up to 41 dB noise cut.
- Typical price uplift: +15–20 % over A-rated double glazing.
- Perfect for homes near the M11, A10, or under flight paths.
- Keeps planners happy in conservation areas when paired with timber-look sashes.
1 · How acoustic glass works
Two or more panes sandwich a polyvinyl-butyral (PVB) interlayer. That layer flexes microscopically, absorbing sound waves while keeping the window clear and secure.
2 · Noise-reduction numbers
| Glazing type | Typical Rw rating |
|---|---|
| Standard A-rated double | ~31 dB |
| Acoustic laminate double | 38–41 dB |
Every extra 10 dB halves perceived loudness.
3 · Where it pays off locally
| Area | Main noise source | Recommended spec |
|---|---|---|
| Sawbridgeworth CM21 | M11 motorway hum | 6.8/4/6.8 mm laminated double |
| Stansted / Takeley | Airbus A321-neo take-off | 10.8/16/6.8 mm triple acoustic |
| Ware town centre | Late-night pubs | Secondary frame + 6.8 mm laminate |
4 · Planning & conservation notes
Historic England approves acoustic laminated panes inside timber sashes if sight-lines match. East Herts planners signed off a Grade II terrace on Fishpool St, St Albans (2024) with 39 dB glass and no visual change.
5 · Cost vs benefit snapshot
| Item | Standard double | Acoustic upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Installed price (casement) | £325 | £380 |
| Extra noise cut | n/a | –7-10 dB |
| Added security (laminate) | Basic | PAS 24 break-in resistance |
6 · Quick FAQs
Will acoustic glass darken my rooms?
Light loss is 1–2 %—virtually invisible.
Can I retrofit just the panes?
Often yes; book a survey to confirm frame suitability.
Hear the silence for yourself
Sleep like it’s 1970 again—Andrews Glass has your quiet covered.
