Solutia announced today
that their Saflex SilentGlass Technology advanced acoustic interlayer is now
approved for use in Dade County Florida. Saflex SilentGlass Technology has
passed the weathering and flammability requirements that have been set and
mandated by Dade County Florida to allow the lawful sale of the product in the
windborne debris zone. This acceptance allows the Saflex SilentGlass Technology
interlayer to be used for both large and small missile impact resistant glazing
for Hurricane protection. As a result, architects now have the option of using
an advanced acoustical glazing system in hurricane applications or other areas,
interior or exterior that needs state-of-the-art acoustical damping and sound
control. The Notice of Acceptance (NOA) approval was received in April 2009.
While all polyvinyl butyral (PVB) based interlayers provide some acoustical
benefit, Saflex SilentGlass Technology is the first interlayer designed
specifically for high performance sound dampening that has also received the
approval of Miami Dade County. "What we are seeing is truly a convergence of
market trends - impact resistant glazing for the hurricane market and acoustical
products for dense urban areas," said Doug Marren, architectural market manager
for Saflex. "In hurricane regions, it is easy to add a single layer of Saflex
SilentGlass Technology as part of an overall 60 or 90 gauge impact product to
reduce the perceived level of noise by up to 50 percent."
Hurricane markets are typically denser in population compared to other
metropolitan areas because of the desire to be on a coastline. As a result,
residents are more exposed to sound pollution because the shear influx of people
yields more cars, lawnmowers, nightclubs and airplanes. Coastal regions have
also experienced a higher than average level of construction activity plus the
irritating sounds of some water-based activities such as speed boats and
personal watercraft. Keeping these irritating sounds at bay is becoming a higher
priority for residents and tourists alike.
Glazing fabricators and systems manufacturers will find that the acoustical
benefit of Saflex SilentGlass Technology can be either a primary message for the
hurricane market or a herculean secondary benefit. As hurricane glazing products
routinely exhibit the capability to comply with mandated minimal performance
levels, glazing companies are continuously challenged to find ways to
differentiate their product offerings. Impact glazing with high performance
acoustical benefits is one way to help keep products fresh and relevant.
Coastal structures that would benefit with a combined impact / acoustical
glazing product include condominiums, residences, schools, health care
facilities and especially hotels. In a 2007 JD Power report, the number one
complaint by hotel guests was noise.