When it comes to managing noise and reducing unwanted sound, clear acrylic Perspex is a material that holds great promise. We will explore the sound reduction properties of this material, providing you with a comprehensive guide that will not only help you understand its benefits, but also how you can optimise its use in various settings.
Acrylic Perspex, often known for its transparency and impact resistance, can also be a surprisingly effective sound barrier. Its natural properties allow it to decrease noise levels in various applications – ranging from windows in busy urban settings to partitions in bustling office environments.
Sound Reduction Index of Acrylic Perspex
To understand the sound reduction capabilities of clear acrylic Perspex, let’s look at some data points in the form of a Sound Reduction Index (SRI). The SRI is a measurement that tells us how much sound a material can reduce when sound waves encounter it. Higher numbers indicate better sound insulation. Here, we have measured SRIs for Perspex of different thicknesses:
- 1 x 3 mm Perspex: SRI of 26 dB
- 1 x 6 mm Perspex: SRI of 32 dB
- 1 x 8 mm Perspex: SRI of 34 dB
- 1 x 12 mm Perspex: SRI of 35 dB
To give some context, 26 dB is around the level of soft whispers or rustling leaves.
As we increase the thickness to 6mm, the SRI increases to 32 dB. This is still considered relatively quiet – equivalent to a quiet rural area at night or a silent library. At this level, most ambient noise is significantly reduced, providing a peaceful environment.
With 8mm Perspex, the SRI further improves to 34 dB, almost reaching the sound level of a quiet bedroom at night or a whisper from one meter distance.
Finally, the 12mm Perspex achieves a Sound Reduction Index (SRI) of 35 dB. To put that into context, this level of noise reduction can reduce the sound of a busy cafe environment, which typically averages around 70 dB, to a level quieter than a typical library or a soft whisper, which is around 30-40 dB. In other words, it can significantly transform a noisy atmosphere into a serene and peaceful one.
Maximising Efficiency of Double Glazing
While these figures already seem impressive, there’s a way to enhance the noise-cancelling potential of Perspex – by using double glazing. This technique involves using two panes of Perspex with a space between them, which greatly improves sound insulation.
To maximise the efficiency of double glazing, it’s important to minimise sound leakage within the glazing profile. This means ensuring that the seals between the two panes of Perspex are as airtight as possible, eliminating potential “paths” for sound to penetrate. This can involve the use of high-quality sealing materials and ensuring a professional installation.
In conclusion, clear acrylic Perspex is more than just a material that delivers aesthetic appeal and robustness – it also offers substantial sound reduction properties. With the correct installation and maximising techniques such as double glazing, it can help create peaceful environments in a noise-saturated world.
Whether you’re seeking to reduce street noise in your home or create quieter, more focused working environments, Perspex can be your ally in managing and mitigating noise. Its flexibility and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of applications, bringing tranquillity to any setting.
