Metro Acoustic Laminated Glass is suitable for residential, commercial, multi-residential, institutional and architectural projects requiring improved control of external or internal noise.

Typical applications include:

• Residential windows and doors
• Apartments and multi residential buildings
• Buildings near roads, railways and transport hubs
• Buildings affected by aircraft or machinery noise
• Schools and educational facilities
• Healthcare and aged-care facilities
• Hotels and accommodation
• Offices and meeting rooms
• Interior glass partitions
• Acoustic interior doors
• Commercial shopfronts
• Building façades
• Recording, broadcast and performance spaces
• Framed rooflights and overhead glazing
• Insulating glass units

The required sound reduction should be established before the glass is selected. The glass thickness, acoustic interlayer, cavity width, second glass pane and framing system can then be developed to suit the noise source and project requirements.

Metro’s website provides the example that where external street noise is 70 dB and the required bedroom level is 35 dB, the complete window and wall construction would need to provide approximately 35 dB of sound reduction.

• Acoustic laminated glass alone does not determine the acoustic performance of the room, façade or building.
• Overall performance depends on the complete system, including the glass, framing, seals, wall construction, doors, ventilation openings and installation.
• Noise can pass through gaps, vents, frames, walls, ceilings and other building elements even where high performance acoustic glass is installed.
• Glass configurations that perform well against traffic noise may not provide the same performance against aircraft, machinery, music or low frequency noise.
• A project specific acoustic assessment may be required where a defined internal noise level or façade performance rating must be achieved.
• The framing and seals must provide acoustic performance compatible with the selected glass.
• Standard gaps around frameless doors and operable windows can limit the performance of acoustic glazing.
• Acoustic performance should be assessed using verified laboratory data for the proposed glass make up.
• Laminated glass edges must be protected from prolonged moisture exposure and incompatible sealants or chemicals.
• Glass thickness and make up must suit the panel dimensions, wind pressure, human impact requirements and intended application.
• Safety glazing, fall protection, structural performance and external-moisture requirements must be assessed separately.
• The glass must be installed in accordance with Metro Performance Glass requirements, the framing-system supplier’s instructions and the current New Zealand Building Code

When correctly selected, designed, manufactured and installed as part of an appropriate glazing system, Metro Acoustic Laminated Glass complies with or can contribute to compliance with relevant provisions of the New Zealand Building Code, including:

• B1 Structure
• B2 Durability
• E2 External Moisture, as part of a complete external window, door or façade system
• F2 Hazardous Building Materials
• F4 Safety from Falling, where incorporated into a separately designed and compliant barrier system
• G6 Airborne and Impact Sound, where the complete building system is designed to meet the applicable acoustic requirements
• G7 Natural Light
• H1 Energy Efficiency
• Compliance must be assessed for the complete installed system, including the acoustic glass, frame, seals, fixings, surrounding wall construction and building interfaces

G6 compliance cannot be attributed to the glass alone. The complete separating element or building envelope must be designed and assessed for the required acoustic performance.

• Acoustic laminated glass reduces sound transmission through the vibration-dampening effect of the interlayer.
• Special acoustic grade interlayers provide greater sound dampening than standard laminated glass.
• SoundStop PVB uses a specialised acoustic grade PVB interlayer.
• SoundStop EVA uses an EVA interlayer.
• Laminated construction helps hold broken glass fragments in place following impact.
• Metro laminated safety glass can meet Grade A safety-glass requirements when manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 2208.
• Single and laminated glass processing is undertaken with reference to AS/NZS 4667.
• Glass selection and installation are undertaken with reference to NZS 4223.
• Acoustic performance depends on glass thickness, pane asymmetry, interlayer type, cavity width and the complete glazing system.
• Incorporating acoustic laminated glass into a suitably designed insulating glass unit can provide combined acoustic and thermal performance.
• Final acoustic ratings should be confirmed using Metro’s technical data for the specific proposed glass makeup.

Warranty & Maintenance

• Warranty coverage is subject to Metro’s applicable laminated glass or insulating glass unit warranty terms.
• A 10 year double glazing warranty applies only where Acoustic Laminated Glass is incorporated into a qualifying Metro insulating glass unit.
• Refer to the attached Metro Performance Glass warranty documentation for applicable coverage, exclusions and claim requirements.
• Maintain in accordance with the attached Metro Performance Glass glass-care and maintenance guide.
• Keep laminated-glass edges protected from standing water, incompatible sealants and harsh chemicals.
• Maintain window and door seals to preserve the intended acoustic performance.
• Regularly inspect frames, glazing seals, gaskets and opening hardware for gaps or deterioration.
• Replace damaged or compressed seals that may allow sound or air leakage.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, metal scrapers or tools that may scratch the glass.
• Do not cut, drill, notch or otherwise modify the glass after manufacture.
• Acoustic performance may be reduced by changes to frames, seals, ventilation openings or surrounding construction.