Noise pollution is a problem that, especially in large cities or near large industrial plants, goes hand in hand with atmospheric pollution. Today, however, thanks to continuous technical progress, it is possible to choose architectural solutions capable of limiting both problems at a contained cost. Installing double glazing on domestic fixtures, as well as for shop or bank windows, allows for increased levels of thermal and acoustic insulation, improving habitability and reducing consumption.
The Right Compromise Between Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
While on one hand installing double glazing on doors and windows helps to muffle external noise, contributing to improved indoor acoustic insulation and consequently increasing domestic comfort and tranquility, on the other hand, double glazing also enhances thermal insulation. This reduces the need for air conditioning or heating systems, thereby limiting the emission of polluting particles into the atmosphere.
Double Glazing and Acoustic Insulation Noise pollution is an increasingly dominant factor in public and private construction, as its invasiveness can cause significant human health problems. To curb the annoyance caused by noise, it is important to pair fixtures capable of guaranteeing high acoustic insulation with the right glass for windows and French doors. The use of double glazing, which acts as a true noise barrier, is particularly recommended for buildings on high-traffic roads or near tram tracks, railway stations, or airports. It is also ideal for bedrooms that face busy arteries, where acoustic silence is essential for rest and the prevention of stress. The double glazing applied by Vetreria Re ensures an impeccable finish for windows and full-height glazings that significantly reduce noise levels.
Double Glazing and Thermal Insulation A secondary but vital function of double glazing is increasing the thermal insulation of buildings. While replacing old frames with latest-generation fixtures is important to limit consumption, one must not forget that the greatest thermal dispersion is often caused not by “drafts” but by the glass itself. Applying double glazing is one of the architectural improvements that can benefit from tax breaks aimed at reducing atmospheric pollution. Heat transmission through traditional glass can account for up to 30% of a building’s energy consumption. Therefore, when choosing double glazing, the thickness of the glass is fundamental to preventing heat loss.
Conduction and Radiation
Heat dispersion through glass occurs mainly via conduction or radiation. When deciding which type of glass to install, one must consider its thermal transmittance, light transmission, and solar factor to understand the level of insulation provided.
In choosing the double glazing to mount on fixtures, several parameters must be considered:
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Thermal Transmittance (TT): indicates the amount of heat passing through 1 sqm of glass with a 1° temperature difference between inside and outside. Lower values correspond to higher insulating capacity.
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Light Transmission (LT): expressed as a percentage, it represents the glass’s ability to let light through. An optimal value is around 80%.
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Solar Factor (SF): indicates the amount of solar energy passing through the glass. An optimal value is around 40%.
Low SF and high LT values allow for energy savings on heating and cooling while maintaining the natural brightness of the rooms. When installing double glazing, it is advisable to choose low-emissivity models. Vetreria Re has been designing and creating double glazing solutions for over twenty years to maximize thermal and acoustic performance.