Adequate sound level in a building is an extremely important criterion for comfortable use of the facility.
Analyzing the sources of noise and selecting appropriate acoustic insulation makes it possible to achieve satisfactory sound levels inside the building. Consideration of acoustic parameters in the design of a building through the selection of appropriate materials and construction has become a standard of today’s architecture.
If you want to find out how acoustic testing is done take a look at the article Acoustic Testing.
What is sound insulation of building partitions?
The term sound insulation is used to describe the reduction of sound that passes through building structures. The measure indicates how well a building structure insulates a room from the ingress of ambient noise.
They can spread through the air and come from both inside the house and its surroundings. These are sounds created from rtv equipment, means of communication, installations – elevator, air conditioning, ventilation, as well as conversations. Impact acoustics is associated with the generation of noises when walking, moving furniture, appliances and the loud falling of various types of objects on the floor.
Why does sound insulation matter?
The ability to dampen sound is of great importance. Sound insulation of walls, ceilings, windows and doors is important because it affects the comfort of the home. Using the right materials to soundproof rooms reduces the passage of sound. Noise affects the daily well-being of building residents and occupants. It can contribute to decreased concentration, disorders and mental and physical health problems.
Being in a place where you are exposed to noise for long periods of time causes irritability, contributes to impaired performance. Such conditions raise cortisol levels in the blood, which can lead to pressure sickness, ulcers and neurosis. According to the World Health Organization, 50 dB is an acceptable limit, exceeding this standard is dangerous to health. The insulation of living quarters should make the incoming noises no higher than 30 dB at night and 40 dB during the day.
Want to know more?
Call 530 105 398 or email kontakt@termocent.com
Sound insulation of partition walls
The use of acoustic insulation includes a number of elements entering the structure of the building. In the case of partition walls, the value of the aforementioned parameter is 35dB. This applies to walls that do not contain doors and openings. An effective way to soundproof partition walls is to place rock wool panels or rock wool alone (if the wall structure allows it). Effective soundproofing of partition walls avoids exposure to sound coming from neighboring rooms or apartments.
Sources of noise can be acoustic waves associated with conversation, vibrations transmitted directly through the wall or joints and structural partitions, as well as improperly executed installations. By examining the acoustic insulation of partitions, you can apply solutions that will reduce the level of emitted sounds. Sound-insulating films will be useful, on masonry walls traditional plaster. For frame structures, a good option will be to install two layers of boards. Large rooms will be quieted by appropriate finishes such as textured paint, cork lining, wallpaper, as well as arranging the room using soft materials – curtains, carpets.
Sound insulation of external walls
Living next to a busy street, traffic noise can be a big problem. To avoid this type of problem, it is necessary to ensure that the exterior walls are properly soundproofed. This can be achieved by using heavy building materials. These materials attenuate and disperse noise well. In addition, the use of silicate blocks allows for better sound attenuation compared to ceramic blocks.
Houses built of brick or stone with thick walls have good sound insulation. Cellular concrete, hollow blocks and frame structures should be reinforced with a solid layer of mineral wool. Acoustic spacers made of mineral wool or rubber tapes are installed between frame walls and ceilings. Modern materials with a higher degree of sound absorption also work well.
Sound insulation of ceilings
Having an apartment in a multifamily building, acoustic problems can often be experienced. Noises coming from neighboring floors can cause great discomfort and greatly impede daily functioning. In order to avoid such problems, ceilings separating individual apartments should be characterized by adequate acoustic insulation, which will effectively dampen noises coming from upper floors.
The way to achieve satisfactory acoustic parament of the ceiling, among other things, is to use about 5 centimeter layer of flexible polystyrene or mineral wool. In addition, at the stage of designing the ceiling, it is necessary to reduce as much as possible the number of air voids present, which act as resonance boxes, amplifying sounds.
Adequate insulation of the building envelope
The desire to save on materials and project time, as well as the low requirements for the construction of single-family houses, influence designers and contractors not always to pay due attention to the sound insulation of the building envelope. Although massive ceilings and walls are effective at damping sound, lighter products with the right structure do just as well at trapping noise. Materials with a porous or fibrous structure, ducted construction, or those that are specially shaped or perforated, as well as flexible, will help quiet rooms.
Acoustic insulation of walls, ceilings and building partitions such as windows and doors should be tested at the stage of construction, purchase of a new house, or in the form of inspection during construction work and checking the condition of the building. The inspection ensures that the materials used will fulfill their function and protect the premises from sound intrusion. The purchase of a dwelling that is poorly protected against noise can entail considerable additional financial outlays for soundproofing the premises.
Want to know more?
Call 530 105 398 or email kontakt@termocent.com
Acoustic measurements of building partitions
The execution of a well-thought-out building design and the use of building materials with a high level of acoustic resistance do not guarantee satisfactory sound levels.
To be sure, it is necessary to perform the necessary tests to clearly determine the acoustic resistance of building partitions. TERMOCENT, thanks to the use of the highest quality measuring equipment and highly qualified specialists, offers its customers to perform tests of acoustic insulation of partitions.
The survey performed by our company will allow you to locate the problem and make it much easier to plan modernization measures. Reach for your living comfort today!
