4 Common Noise Problems and How to Solve Them with Acoustic Panels

Hearing – one of the five senses of the human body – enables our interaction with sound, a crucial factor in everyday communication and much more. You often hear people say a place is noisy, but what exactly is the definition of noisy? Known as situations of unwanted noise that disrupt everyday activities, noisy places also have the potential to negatively affect the development of society.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and humans can withstand a maximum average noise level of 85 dB without risking hearing damage. While a conversation is usually between 60 and 70 dB, workers on a construction site are exposed to an average of 90 dB over a period of eight hours, according to the Federal Office for Occupational Safety and Health.

Acoustical Surfaces, a noise control company, has developed a product guide to minimize sound transmission and thereby promote a healthier lifestyle.

outside noise

Before planning a solution to a specific noise problem, the first step is to identify its nature. First, it is important to determine if the problem is internal or external. In the case of external noise, this usually comes from specific sources such as large machines or appliances.

Dealing with external noise problems can be handled by different products. For example, fiberglass quilted curtains act as absorbing noise barriers, adapted to block outside noise.

When designing a space that has a distinctly separate feel from the outside, such as a B. the renovation of the Bløm Meadworks bar, it is crucial to stop the intrusion of noise. In the case of Synecdoche Design Studio, the designers installed sound silencer panels directly on the walls to create a unique experience inside the project. Following the same strategy, Corsini Stark Architects renovated the offices of the Ayzenberg Group in Pasadena, USA. Within the panels, the new offices control outside noise without disturbing work inside.

echo

Thanks to a sound-absorbing echo barrier, unwanted noise coming from outside is blocked out by the reusable lightweight panels. Easy to use and install, these panels offer high durability and acoustic performance, especially for events that require quick acoustic solutions.

interior noise

Addressing noise problems within a building begins with determining whether the goal is to reduce echo in a room or to block sound entry/exit.

Unlike reverberation, which is caused by the propagation of sound within relatively close surfaces, echo reflects sound reflected off a surface farther away than a wall or ceiling in a room. Before choosing the right type of acoustic treatment for a project, it is important to analyze the future use of the space and the type of noise that could cause problems.

The question remains how to eliminate the echo inside a building. Although architectural projects play with a variety of solutions, implementing acoustic panels and baffles to eliminate echoes is a common approach. Both the schoolhouse renovation project that converted an 1894 New Orleans school into apartments and the design of the Elinor Bunin Monroe Film Center employ this indoor noise control strategy. Along with echo cancellers, interiors can contain various products such as PolyMax panels, ceiling clouds, or acoustic wood fiber ceiling and wall panels.

sound transmission

Interior noise problems also include blocking or reducing a room’s sound transmission, which can be remedied by treating windows, walls, ceilings, and floors. When the windows are closed, noise usually comes in through the airflow around the corners. By installing the Climate Seal window insert, windows can be framed and sealed, reducing noise.

When sound travels through walls, there are two types of approaches: changing the construction or adding panels to the wall. Changing how the wall is mounted is considered the most powerful strategy and can be accomplished with products such as RSIC-1 clips, Soundbreak Boards, Ultratouch Denim Insulation or layers of Green Glue.

Ceilings are exposed to airborne and footfall noise. Airborne noise refers to the transmission of sound waves – people talking, radio or television – while impact noise is caused by objects hitting the ground – walking, jumping, falling objects. Both of these problems can be addressed with drop ceiling tiles, plasterboard ceilings and exposed joists.

Regarding floors, reducing impact energy with acoustic panels reduces sound transmission through their constructive system.

Acoustic surfaces are designed to help architects and future users combat both interior and exterior noise. With the application of these products, homes, offices, schools and recreation rooms can become a healthier and more pleasant atmosphere.

Visit the Acoustical Surfaces website for more product information.