top of page

TIP #10 - Is a privacy smart glass allows better acoustic insulation?

Absolutely! Privacy Glass is made of many layers; therefore, it provides excellent acoustic isolation. The Privacy Film itself is made of 3 layers, there are two PET/ITO substrates and the Emulsion in between. This 3-layer structure is laminated with two glasses and 2-4 EVA inter-layers so altogether you are looking at a complete structure of 7 to 9 layers. In terms of the level of insulation, the numbers speak for themselves.


privacy smart glass


Double Glazing

Double glazing window, especially when acoustic glass is used, helps to insulate against the nuisance caused by outside noise. Laminated acoustic double glazing window can reduce noise levels by up to 35 decibels. Privacy glass has several layers hence contributes to better acoustic.

The actual level or intensity of noise is measured in decibels (dB). The scale is logarithmic, so 50 dB + 50 dB is not 100 dB, but 53 dB. Thus, halving or doubling the effect of the sound corresponds to 3 dB. The human ear recognizes sound as halved or doubled each time the level is changed by approximately 8-10 dB. (source Alpha Akustik). 


Improving acoustic insulation

Acoustic glass works by reducing a sound wave’s energy. The acoustic insulation properties of a window are measured with the ‘R’ sound reduction index. For example, a window with an R of 20 decibels should reduce a 60 dB outside traffic noise level to 40 dB within the room.


Improving the sound insulation of a double glazing window can be achieved by: - Having the widest possible cavity between panes of glass - Using thicker glass - Differing the thicknesses of the two glass panes used - Using an efficient insulating window frame - Using specially laminated acoustic glass Acoustic glass is a sandwich of two or more sheets of glass, heat or pressure bonded together with one or more acoustic EVA inter-layers. The inter-layers act as a noise damper, weakening the energy of the sound waves as they travel through the glass.

Privacy glass is a perfect solution for insuring exceptional levels of sound insulation. It not only provides insulation for impact and airborne noise but also maintains the safety and security properties of laminated glass.


Privacy glass can be functional to both commercial and domestic buildings when applied to products such as windows, patio doors, skylights, conservatories and internal screens and partitions.


Below is a table representing the noise isolation values for the different glass thickness and lamination configuration:






You may have more information about acoustics glass searching the web. One reference is Glass Education Center.

bottom of page