Maine Glass Projected STC Ratings by Projects

The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of acoustic windows indicates how well they reduce sound. STC ratings range from 25–65, with higher ratings meaning less noise penetration. For example, a rating of 25 means no soundproofing, while 65 means complete insulated soundproofing. It becomes increasingly more difficult to achieve a 65 rating or complete soundproofing.

The higher the STC rating, the less noise can pass through the window system. For example, a window system with an STC rating of 41–45 can block most loud speech and music. Window systems with an STC rating of 46 and up can make even loud music barely noticeable and are considered acoustic windows.

Maine Glass Interior Insulating Windows were first used for acoustic purposes in 1998 by partnering with Kimpton in the renovation of the Allegro Hotel formerly the Bismark Hotel. These windows were 3/16" monolithic glass and were lab tested to have a combined 49 STC rating. Since then, Maine Glass has been contracted to install many different types of glass with its secondary glazing system with 1/4" laminated glass being the most widely used today for its acoustic performance (Combined STC rating 52), relative light weight and affordable price point.

Weight Glass Projected Combined Percentage Glass Type Pounds/SqFt STC rating STC Rating Maine Glass Work Example 3/16" Monolithic Glass 2.61 30 49 1% Allegro Hotel, Chicago, IL (Kimpton) Non-Laminated 1/4" Monolithic Glass 3.36 31 50 3% JW Marriott, Chicago, IL Non-Laminated 1/4 Laminated Glass 3.42 35 52 95% Hotel Monaco, Washington, DC 1/8" - 030 - 1/8" Rand Tower, Minneapolis, MN 1/2" Laminated Glass 7.12 38 53 1% Hilton, Austin, TX 1/4" - 030 - 1/4"