74 Exterior Noise Intrusion

Key contribution

Saint-Gobain Glass offers various glazing solutions, composed of sustainable materials, to reduce sound transmission from adjacent spaces. Depending on its thickness, our acoustic glazing can reduce external noise by up to 50 dB, to protect speech privacy and increase acoustic comfort. The origin of these products can be found in our drive for promoting green building and optimizing energy efficiency.

Aim

To reduce acoustic disruptions by limiting external noise intrusion.

Detailed requirement

Part 1: Sound Pressure Level

Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level as measured when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied, but within 1 hour of normal business hours:

Average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion does not exceed 50 dBA.

Part 2: Sound Pressure Level in Residences

Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied:

The sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 40 dBA based on the peak hour Leq.

Part 3: Acoustical Narrative

The project team provides a narrative describing:

The sources of external and internal noise considered in design.
The strategies undertaken to manage these sources.

Part 4: Sound Pressure Level in Schools

Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied:

Spaces equal to or less than 6,000 m² [20,000 ft²]: average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 35 dBA.
Spaces greater than 6,000 m³ [20,000 ft³]: average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 40 dBA.

See detailed requirement for Exterior noise intrusion

Our contribution

The acoustic performance of glazing is defined by the Rw value, meaning weighted noise reduction. Saint-Gobain’s acoustically insulating glazing can reduce noise by up to 50 dB (Rw) so that occupants can enjoy their living space in peace and quiet.

There are several options to optimize glazing acoustic performance, namely by having:

A single pane and a special laminated glass made of two sheets of glass bonded together with a plastic sheet specifically designed to enhance sound insulation;
Thicker glass to increase acoustic performance; and
Different thicknesses for the two panels of a double glazing unit.

Below please find our selection of glazing to reduce surrounding noise:

Acoustic performance