NFRC - Sound Control

Using glazing to regulate sound transmission through windows

pdf For a printable version of the NFRC Window Performance Sheet, Click Here

summer solar control
 Sound Control
 UV Protection window

In noisy environments, Gilkey's glass offerings can insulate against unwanted sound transmission better than ordinary double pane windows. As building technology becomes more sophisticated, improved performance requirements are being placed on building components. The need for acoustical glazing solutions is increasing due to environmental noise caused by aircraft, highway traffic, rail transportation, and the congestion of buildings around areas of high noise levels.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed a Sound Transmission Class or STC rating , in which a single number is used for describing the sound isolation performance of a material. The higher the STC the better the system is at isolating airborne noise. A STC rating of 45 means that the element reduces the sound passing through it by 45 dB.

Note: Just like the Richter scale, STC ratings are logarithmic not linear so an increase by 1 point is 10 times better at reducing sound transmission through a material.

You should choose a high sound control window if:

  • You live in a noisy environment (busy street, airport, police, fire station).
  • You are concerned with noise through bedroom windows or sleeping areas.
 sound control windows