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Noise-control glazing

Quieter spaces start with the right glass build

Tell us the noise source, glazing arrangement and opening size. Compare what matters and send a clear acoustic brief to suppliers.

Product guide

Quieter spaces start with the right glass build

Tell us the noise source, glazing arrangement and opening size. Compare what matters and send a clear acoustic brief to suppliers.

A home study beside a closed window overlooking an urban street.
AI-generated illustration. Appearance varies by specification; this is not an exact product sample.

Acoustic glass, noise-reduction glazing and sound-insulating windows

Acoustic glazing is selected around the noise problem and the complete installed assembly. Traffic, voices and other sources have different characteristics. Describe the room, the external noise and the existing glazing so the supplier can propose a relevant construction.

Acoustic laminated glass, different pane thicknesses and sealed-unit arrangements can be considered as part of the brief. Published sound-reduction figures belong to a tested build. A figure for a different pane, cavity or framing system should not be presented as the result for your selection.

Frames, perimeter seals, vents and installation gaps also affect sound entering a room. Replacement glass alone may not address every noise path. Include any specified acoustic test rating and correction terms so proposed quotes can be compared on the same basis.

Quieter spaces start with the right glass build for your project

Common enquiry briefs include road-facing bedroom, office or partition, rail / aircraft noise, studio or music room. Describe the intended use and the supporting construction so the supplier can assess the complete specification. Different applications can need different glass processing, fixings and installation details.

The type of noise matters

Rw is a weighted laboratory rating. Spectrum corrections C and Ctr help describe performance for different noise characteristics.

A complete opening

Glass is one part of noise control. Ask the supplier about frames, ventilation paths and installation as well.

Compare like with like

Request evidence for the actual make-up. A published rating for a different construction is only a reference.

What to include in a made-to-measure quote

Compare quotes using the same dimensions, quantities, finish, glass construction and installation scope. If you have a drawing or an existing specification, include its reference and identify which details still need advice.

  • What noise are you reducing?: Different sound spectra need different performance evidence.
  • How will it be glazed?: The complete assembly determines the performance.
  • Acoustic requirement: Ratings belong to an exact glass assembly. Ask for Rw with C and Ctr; glass performance is not a predicted room noise reduction.
  • Acoustic laminate request: A product-specific acoustic interlayer is required; ordinary laminated glass is not equivalent.

Cut-to-size dimensions, edges and fabrication

Measure the finished glass only when the fitting allowances and support details are known. Otherwise identify the opening or existing panel you measured and request a survey. Give each different size its own basket line, with its quantity and drawing reference.

Holes, cut-outs, shaped edges and interfaces with hardware should be settled before manufacture. The finished glass construction and any coatings must suit the intended environment. A screen preview or concept photograph cannot replace a sample, survey or product-specific installation drawing.

Supplier checks before manufacture

  • Confirm ratings for the exact pane order, cavities, glass thicknesses and interlayer.
  • Frames, seals, ventilators and installation can limit the performance of the complete opening.

Requesting comparable glass quotes

Save the choices you know and ask for help with the rest. The quote basket records a specification request rather than placing a manufacturing order. A firm quote needs an agreed final build, dimensions, delivery arrangements and any installation or design work.

When comparing proposals, check that glass-only supply and supply with fitting cover the same scope. Ask who provides measurement, drawings, supports, compatible hardware, lifting access and finishing work. Keep the final approved specification with the order.

Sources and further reading

Configure your glass ↓Help me chooseSee the research

Guided specification · Save multiple sizes · Supplier-confirmed quotes

Your glass, step by step

Build your specification

Choose what you know. Leave the rest for a supplier to advise. Add different sizes as separate basket lines.

No account needed to configure
1. Your project

1What are you making?

2. Glass and performance

2Choose the details

Examples and guidanceAcoustic glazing and the complete tested build-up

Different sound spectra need different performance evidence.

Sound paths through an openingConcept sound paths through glazing and around gaps; the diagram makes no claim about internal glass layers or sound reduction.What noise are you reducing?Illustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Sound performance depends on the complete glazing construction and the installed opening. Acoustic laminated glass uses an appropriate interlayer; an insulating unit can also combine panes and sealed cavities. These are distinct specifications.

State the noise source and request Rw with relevant spectrum terms for the exact build-up. Frame seals, ventilation paths and installation affect the result; a glass-only rating is not an installed-room guarantee.

Examples you may seeRoad noise: describe traffic and request relevant spectrum information.Quote the test report or named build-up rather than requesting an unsupported decibel reduction.Available choices: Help me choose; Urban road traffic; Rail or aircraft; Speech / office noise; Music / low-frequency noise.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: Optiphon acoustic glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

Different sound spectra need different performance evidence.

Examples and guidanceAcoustic glazing and the complete tested build-up

The complete assembly determines the performance.

Sound paths through an openingConcept sound paths through glazing and around gaps; the diagram makes no claim about internal glass layers or sound reduction.How will it be glazed?Illustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Sound performance depends on the complete glazing construction and the installed opening. Acoustic laminated glass uses an appropriate interlayer; an insulating unit can also combine panes and sealed cavities. These are distinct specifications.

State the noise source and request Rw with relevant spectrum terms for the exact build-up. Frame seals, ventilation paths and installation affect the result; a glass-only rating is not an installed-room guarantee.

Examples you may seeRoad noise: describe traffic and request relevant spectrum information.Quote the test report or named build-up rather than requesting an unsupported decibel reduction.Available choices: Help me choose; Single pane; Double-glazed unit; Triple-glazed unit; Secondary glazing.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: Optiphon acoustic glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

The complete assembly determines the performance.

Examples and guidanceAcoustic glazing and the complete tested build-up

Ratings belong to an exact glass assembly. Ask for Rw with C and Ctr; glass performance is not a predicted room noise reduction.

Sound paths through an openingConcept sound paths through glazing and around gaps; the diagram makes no claim about internal glass layers or sound reduction.Acoustic requirementIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Sound performance depends on the complete glazing construction and the installed opening. Acoustic laminated glass uses an appropriate interlayer; an insulating unit can also combine panes and sealed cavities. These are distinct specifications.

State the noise source and request Rw with relevant spectrum terms for the exact build-up. Frame seals, ventilation paths and installation affect the result; a glass-only rating is not an installed-room guarantee.

Examples you may seeRoad noise: describe traffic and request relevant spectrum information.Quote the test report or named build-up rather than requesting an unsupported decibel reduction.Available choices: Help me choose; No target — please advise; Rw requirement in notes; Rw + Ctr requirement in notes; Acoustic consultant specification to follow.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: Optiphon acoustic glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

Ratings belong to an exact glass assembly. Ask for Rw with C and Ctr; glass performance is not a predicted room noise reduction.

Examples and guidanceAcoustic glazing and the complete tested build-up

A product-specific acoustic interlayer is required; ordinary laminated glass is not equivalent.

Sound paths through an openingConcept sound paths through glazing and around gaps; the diagram makes no claim about internal glass layers or sound reduction.Acoustic laminate requestIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Sound performance depends on the complete glazing construction and the installed opening. Acoustic laminated glass uses an appropriate interlayer; an insulating unit can also combine panes and sealed cavities. These are distinct specifications.

State the noise source and request Rw with relevant spectrum terms for the exact build-up. Frame seals, ventilation paths and installation affect the result; a glass-only rating is not an installed-room guarantee.

Examples you may seeRoad noise: describe traffic and request relevant spectrum information.Quote the test report or named build-up rather than requesting an unsupported decibel reduction.Available choices: Help me choose; 6.8 mm nominal; 8.8 mm nominal; 10.8 mm nominal; 12.8 mm nominal; Other specified build.Current choice: Help me choose. This is your request for the supplier to confirm.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Pilkington: Optiphon acoustic glass (opens in a new tab) ↗

A product-specific acoustic interlayer is required; ordinary laminated glass is not equivalent.

3. Sizes and fabrication notes

3Size and quantity

Enter finished glass sizes. If you only have opening sizes, ask for a survey or fitting allowance before ordering.

Examples and guidancePanel outline and drawing

Choose the finished outline. A rectangle needs width and height; a circle needs diameter. Bespoke shapes need enough dimensions, radii and datum references to define the outline.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.ShapeIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

A preview is an illustration; ask the supplier to confirm the manufacturing drawing or template.

Examples you may seeRectangle or square: finished width and height.Circle: diameter, with hole or cut-out positions separately documented.Available choices: Rectangle; Circle; Shaped / drawing to follow.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceMeasurement units

1 cm equals 10 mm. Choose the units before entering sizes; keep drawing annotations in the same units.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.Measurement unitsIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

The form converts entered measurements to the existing millimetre specification fields.

Examples you may see120 cm = 1,200 mm.60 cm = 600 mm.Available choices: Millimetres (mm); Centimetres (cm).Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceFinished panel dimensions

Record the finished width and height of each distinct panel. For a circle use its diameter; shaped work needs a dimensioned drawing or agreed template.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.Width ( mm )Illustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

An opening, frame and finished glass are different references. Request a survey when the finished manufacturing dimensions remain unknown.

Examples you may seeOne size per basket line; quantity records identical pieces.Check units and the dimension reference before confirming manufacture.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceFinished panel dimensions

Record the finished width and height of each distinct panel. For a circle use its diameter; shaped work needs a dimensioned drawing or agreed template.

Panel dimension referenceFinished rectangular panel width and height. Opening dimensions are a different reference.Height ( mm )Illustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

An opening, frame and finished glass are different references. Request a survey when the finished manufacturing dimensions remain unknown.

Examples you may seeOne size per basket line; quantity records identical pieces.Check units and the dimension reference before confirming manufacture.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceQuantity of identical pieces

Quantity counts pieces with the same size and specification. Enter different sizes or constructions as separate basket lines so each requirement is retained.

Numbered specification scheduleA numbered schedule separates panel specification, hardware, delivery, fitting and approvals.QuantityIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Examples you may seeThree identical panels: quantity 3.Two distinct sizes: separate lines.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗
Examples and guidanceDrawing references and unresolved details

Record drawing references, site conditions and requirements not captured in the choices. Identify anything that needs a survey or supplier confirmation before manufacture.

Numbered specification scheduleA numbered schedule separates panel specification, hardware, delivery, fitting and approvals.Project and fabrication notesIllustrative schematic, not to scale or a fabrication / fixing specification.

What your choice means

Examples you may seeNumber drawings and panel positions consistently.State access constraints and the requested work scope.Quieter spaces start with the right glass build: original Flow application conceptAI-generated product illustration from Google Flow; not an exact product sample, completed installation or proof of performance.Guardian: glass types (opens in a new tab) ↗

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Before you choose

The decisions that matter

01

The type of noise matters

Rw is a weighted laboratory rating. Spectrum corrections C and Ctr help describe performance for different noise characteristics.

02

A complete opening

Glass is one part of noise control. Ask the supplier about frames, ventilation paths and installation as well.

03

Compare like with like

Request evidence for the actual make-up. A published rating for a different construction is only a reference.

Ready for a useful supplier quote

  • Confirm ratings for the exact pane order, cavities, glass thicknesses and interlayer.
  • Frames, seals, ventilators and installation can limit the performance of the complete opening.
Explore the acoustic comparison tool →

Research behind these choices

Reviewed 23 October 2026. Manufacturer guidance and supplier ordering pages inform these design questions. Agree the final construction and project requirements with your supplier.

Reference performance data

Existing Pilkington Spectrum reference data for named builds. Values apply only to the listed construction; these rows are not results for your selection above. NPD means no declared value in this dataset.

Optiphon acoustic laminate — certified values per thickness

Optiphon acoustic laminate — certified values per thickness
Reference build / glassU / Ug (W/m²K)Light (%)g-value
Optiphon · 6.8 mm5.6900.81
Optiphon · 8.8 mm5.5890.8
Optiphon · 10.8 mm5.4890.79
Optiphon · 12.8 mm5.4880.76
Optiphon · 14.8 mm5.3870.75
Optiphon · 16.8 mm5.3860.73

Certified acoustic double-glazed units — one build per Rw rating, highest first

Certified acoustic double-glazed units — one build per Rw rating, highest first
Reference build / glassU / Ug (W/m²K)Light (%)g-valueRw (C; Ctr), dB
Activ Suncool Optiphon Blue 50/27 Laminated 10.8mm / 17krypton / Texture Matrix T 6mm1440.2542 (-3; -7)
Suncool Optiphon Q 70 Laminated 8.8mm / 27krypton / Texture Strata T 6mm1.1660.3341 (-2; -6)
Optifloat Blue Green T 10mm / 16krypton / Texture Stippolyte T 6mm2.6570.3940 (-2; -5)
Optilam Bronze Laminated 9.5mm / 14krypton / Optifloat Clear T 6mm2.5540.5139 (-2; -6)
Optilam K Glass S Laminated 8.8mm / 6krypton / Optiphon OW Laminated 8.8mm1.5790.638 (-1; -5)
Optifloat Clear 4mm / 16argon / OptiView Ultra 8mm2.6860.7937 (-2; -5)
Optifloat Clear 4mm / 16argon / Optiphon OW Laminated 6.8mm2.6830.7836 (-2; -6)
Optifloat Clear 4mm / 16argon / Optilam OW Laminated 6.4mm2.6830.7935 (-1; -5)

Useful questions

Can I get a quote before I know every detail?

Yes. Choose Help me choose where you need advice, or request a site measurement. Suppliers can review the brief; a firm manufacturing price needs an agreed final specification.

Does adding a panel place an order?

No. It saves a specification in your quote basket. Review the basket and provide your delivery details to request supplier quotes. Your configuration does not approve the product for installation.

What should I confirm for acoustic (soundproof) glass?

Confirm ratings for the exact pane order, cavities, glass thicknesses and interlayer. Frames, seals, ventilators and installation can limit the performance of the complete opening.

Compare related glass

Laminated glass →Insulating glass units (IGU / DGU / TGU) →