What Is Acoustic Glass Windshield: Benefits and Features Explained

In our busy, modern world, it can be difficult to find a moment of quiet time, especially when we’re on the road. Drivers face many noisy distractions: honking commuters, children in the backseat, and active construction sites. Fortunately, modern automotive technology, such as the acoustic laminated windshield, employs constructions that alleviate the distraction of roadside rackets.

Acoustic windshields are glass used in automobiles that reduce noise levels inside a car. A layer of acoustic vinyl that is sandwiched between two layers of glass absorbs sound from outside the car, reducing the amount of noise that makes it to the interior. This technology helps keep rides peaceful, and drivers focused, improving road safety for us all. 

Before searching for an “auto glass service near me”’ for an upgrade, our detailed guide will help you discover if acoustic glass suits your vehicle.

How Are Acoustic Windshields Made?

Acoustic windshields, commonly found in luxury vehicles, are created by bonding two pieces of ordinary glass with a plastic layer, the PVB (Polyvinyl membrane). Acoustic windshields may also be laminated and are used for various reasons, including automobile safety, UV protection, and architectural projects.

The Many Benefits of Acoustic Windshields

Noise Reduction

A significant purpose of an acoustic windshield is to improve a vehicle’s acoustics, hence the name. The PVB membrane between layers of windshield glass absorbs sound waves from the outside world, reducing the amount of sound that enters a car. For this reason, acoustic glass is also used in many buildings, such as schools and hospitals, where quiet environments are necessary. 

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that highway traffic noise is around 70 – 80 decibels loud, which can cause ear damage over a prolonged period. Noise reduction is a vital feature of acoustic windshields, making car rides safer and more pleasant for passengers and drivers. However, the effectiveness of this feature is dependent on the glass’ thickness.

Crash Safety

In mitigating noise, windshields reduce the pervasiveness of distracting sounds from the road, such as horns, collisions, and general disturbances. According to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, auditory distractions are “any noise that takes away our attention from driving” that, when combined with other factors, can increase the likelihood of car accidents. Reducing distractions keeps drivers more focused on the road, improving road safety.

Health

The National Geographic Society as “any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms,” noise pollution is especially present on the road, where hundreds of millions of vehicles drive daily, leaving sound in their wake. While seemingly harmless, all of this noise has effects on human health, with the potential to cause stress, high blood pressure, sleeping problems, and even heart disease.

Ultraviolet Ray Blockage

UV rays from the sun can harm human health, like cancer, premature aging, and blindness. According to the Health Physics Society, regular types of glass block some forms of ultraviolet rays but not UV-A rays, a type associated with sunburns and immune system suppression. Thus, drivers are often exposed to UV rays from the comfort of their cars. Acoustic glass, however, reflects UV rays, protecting human health and the inside of a vehicle.

Improved Car Security

Although not the primary intention of acoustic glass, their PVB layer inadvertently fortifies a windshield’s strength, providing additional structural support. The extra layer of acoustic laminated windshields makes the glass more challenging to break than other types, like tempered glass. Moreover, when these windshields crack, they shatter into a spider web pattern rather than divide into large, sharp pieces. As such, acoustic laminated glass protects drives from intruders and environmental factors like hail or natural disasters.

So, Should You Go Acoustic?

While acoustic windshields are more expensive than their basic counterparts, the cost may be worth it. Compared to other windshields, acoustic laminated windshields offer noise reduction, improved durability, and increased protection from ultraviolet rays.

Are you thinking of upgrading? Call us at Kryger glass! From sideview and rear view mirror replacement to windshield repair and replacement company in Kansas, we’ve got you covered!