Building Utilities 03 PDF 2024

BUILDING UTILITIES 03 503P Ar. Felipe Magcamit | 1st Semester | 3rd Year 2024 ★ Space Acoustics...

BUILDING UTILITIES 03 503P Ar. Felipe Magcamit | 1st Semester | 3rd Year 2024 ★ Space Acoustics ACOUSTICS ★ Musical Acoustics ★ General Acoustics ★ Is the science concerned with the ★ Architectural Acoustics production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sounds. The “Wheel of Acoustics” was created by R. ★ The term is derived from the greek word Bruce Lindsay for the science of acoustics. Akustos, meaning “heard” Published in the journal of acoustical society of ★ It is the property/ies or quality/ies of a America. This wheel shows the Fields of room or building that determine how Acoustics starting with the four broad fields of sound is transmitted in it. Earth Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, and the Arts. HISTORY OF ACOUSTICS ★ The origin of the science of acoustics is generally attributed to the Greek philosopher, Pythagoras (6th Century BC), whose experiments on the properties of vibrating strings that produce pleasing musical intervals were of such merit that they led to a tuning system that bears his name. ★ In about 20 BC, the Roman architect and engineer, Vitruvius, wrote a treatise on the acoustic properties of theaters including discussion of interference, echoes, and reverberation - the beginning of architectural acoustics. ★ In book V of his De Architectura (The Ten Books of Architecture), Vitruvius The outer circle lists the various broad described sound as a wave comparable disciplines one may study to prepare for a career to a water wave extended to three in acoustics. dimensions, which, when interrupted by The inner circle lists the fields within acoustics obstructions, would flow back and break to which many fields naturally lead. up following waves. ANIMAL BIOACOUSTICS FIELDS OF ACOUSTICS ★ Animal Bioacousticians study how animals ★ Animal Bioacoustics make, use, and hear sounds. ★ Medical Bioacoustics ★ Animal Bioacoustics also includes the use ★ Underwater Acoustics of sound to study and detect the presence ★ Noise and Environmental Acoustics of animals and their behavior, the sounds  they make, the effects of man-made noise ★ Knowledge produced by these scientists on animals, and the use of sonar to can be used to redesign noisy machinery, monitor the presence of plankton and fish. or to recommend ways of shielding the ★ This field includes acoustical noise, or to help lawmakers and public oceanography, animal bioacoustics, officials create rules for limiting exposure underwater acoustics, and others. to noise. ★ This field includes noise, structural MEDICAL ACOUSTICS acoustics and vibration, speech communication, and others. ★ Doctors and medical researchers study and use acoustics to diagnose and treat different types of ailments. (AERO)SPACE ACOUSTICS ★ The study of medical acoustics includes ★ Within the aerospace industry, acoustics is the use of ultrasound and other acoustical typically applied in evaluating spacecraft techniques to learn how different types of and launch environments, aircraft interior sound interact with cells, tissues, organs noise and transmission paths, aircraft and entire organisms. engine or propulsion system noise, and ★ Biomedical acousticians may work with aeroacoustic noise due to aerodynamic engineers, physicians and speech flow. therapists. ★ This field includes biomedical acoustics, engineering acoustics, speech MUSICAL ACOUSTICS communication, noise, and others ★ Study of how music is made, travels and is heard. UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS ★ Since musical acoustics combines elements of art and science, people with ★ Underwater Acoustics is the study of training in this field can work in the sounds moving through water, such as the entertainment industry, in education, in ocean, a lake or even water in a tank. recording and film studios, in the musical ★ Scientists in this field may study the instrument industry and much more. surface of the water, deep underwater, or ★ This field includes musical acoustics, even close to the seabed or ocean floor. psychological and physiological acoustics, ★ This field includes underwater acoustics, noise, and others. acoustical oceanography, animal bioacoustics, physical acoustics, and others. GENERAL ACOUSTICS ★ Material in this category covers the NOISE & ENVIRONMENTAL ACOUSTICS science of sound and waves. ★ How sound is created, how it travels and ★ Noise specialists are mostly concerned how it is received. with making our world a quieter place. ★ How materials react to different types of ★ They study natural and man-made noise, sounds is also important in this field. especially from machinery and ★ This field includes engineering acoustics, transportation, and how people respond physical acoustics, and signal processing to noise. in acoustics, and others. 2  ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS SOUND WAVES ★ Study on how to design buildings and ★ A longitudinal pressure wave in air or an other spaces that have pleasing sound elastic medium, especially one producing quality and safe sound levels. an audible sensation. ★ Architectural Acoustics includes the design of concert halls, classrooms and even heating systems. ★ They may work with musical acousticians and noise specialists. ★ This field includes architectural acoustics, ★ WAVELENGTH - the distance, measured in engineering acoustics, physical acoustics, the direction of propagation of a wave, structural acoustics and vibration, and from any one point to the next point of others. corresponding phase. ★ AMPLITUDE - the maximum deviation of a IMPORTANCE OF ACOUSTICS wave or alternating current from its average value. ★ Controlling how sounds move throughout ★ FREQUENCY - the number of cycles per any building can help promote the best unit time of a wave or oscillation environments within buildings and (movement back and forth at a regular workspaces. speed). ★ Acoustics can also impact perceptions of ★ HERTZ (Hz) - the S.I. unit of frequency, comfort, safety, and security of the users, equal to one cycle per second. all of which can affect them in different ★ DECIBEL (dB) - the unit for measuring the aspects. relative intensities of sound is called a decibel. Because the decibel scale is THEORY OF SOUND logarithmic, a sound with an intensity that is twice that of a reference sound ★ Sound is a physical wave, or a mechanical corresponds to an increase of little more vibration, or simply a series of pressure than 3 decibels. variations, in an elastic medium. For airborne sound, the medium is air. For In common practice, the reference point of 0 structure-borne sound the medium is decibel is set at the intensity of the least concrete, steel, wood, glass and perceptible sound, the threshold of hearing. combinations of all of these. On such a scale a 10-decibel sound is 10 ★ The sensation stimulated in the organs of times the intensity of the reference hearing by mechanical radiant energy sound; a 20-decibel sound is 100 times the transmitted as longitudinal pressure reference intensity, and so on. Normal waves through the air or other medium. conversation is usually around 60 decibels, an electric saw around 100 decibels, and amplified rock music around 120 decibels. 3  sound continues as long as a body’s TYPES OF SOUND vibration remains. By traveling across a continuous elastic membrane, this sound generates a hearing experience in our AUDIBLE SOUND ears. ★ Frequencies between 20 HZ and 20 KHz are easily audible to the human ear. As a SOUND PROPAGATION result, audible sound is defined as sound waves having a frequency between 20 Hz ★ The traveling of sound from the sound and 20 KHz. If they are in the audible source to the surrounding medium is the frequency range, every tiny fluctuation in propagation of sound. Sound waves air pressure may be detected by the cannot travel in a vacuum as there are no human ear. molecules present to set vibration. INAUDIBLE SOUND VELOCITY OF PROPAGATION ★ The sounds of frequency which are not ★ Sound travels at different velocities audible to the human ear. The frequency depending upon the medium. In air, at sea of inaudible sounds is below 20 Hz and level, sound velocity is 344m/sec or 1130 greater than 20 KHz. The human ear is fps. This corresponds to 770 miles per very sensitive to the extent that every hour (mph) or 4 78 kilometers per hour minute pressure difference in the air can (kmph) - slow indeed when compared to be heard if they are in the audible light at 186,000 miles per second. frequency range. ★ Since sound travels not only in air but also through parts of the structure it is of PLEASANT SOUND interest to know the velocities in other media. Sound travels much faster in ★ A pleasant sound is a sound that makes us liquids and solids than it does in air. feel happy. It has a constant pitch. In a pleasant sound, there is a regular periodic VELOCITY OF PROPAGATION motion of sound waves. They produce meaningful communication. MEDIUM METERS/SECOND FEET/SECOND UNPLEASANT SOUND AIR 344 1130 ★ Unwanted or unpleasant sounds are WATER 1410 4625 known as noise. WOOD 3300 10,825 BRICK 3600 11,800 SOUND PRODUCTION VS. CONCRETE 3700 12,100 SOUND PROPAGATION STEEL 4900 16,000 SOUND PRODUCTION GLASS 5000 16,400 ALUMINUM 5800 19,000 ★ The vibration of the body is the primary AT 22.2’C AT 72’ F source of sound’s genesis. The emission of 4  WAVE EQUATION ACOUSTIC INTENSITY ★ In physics, the acoustic wave equation ★ Sound intensity, also known as acoustic governs the propagation of acoustic intensity, is defined as the power carried waves through a material medium. The by sound waves per unit area in a form of the equation is a second order direction perpendicular to that area. partial differential equation. ★ The SI unit of intensity, which includes ★ The equation describes the evolution of sound intensity, is the watt per square acoustic pressure “P” or particle velocity meter (w/m2). “U” as a function of position X and time ★ One application is the noise measurement “T”. of sound intensity in the air at a listener's ★ A simplified (scalar) form of the equation location as a sound energy quantity. describes acoustic waves in only one intensity. spatial dimension, while a more general ★ Sound intensity is not the same physical form describes waves in three dimensions. quantity as sound pressure. Human Propagating waves in a pre-defined hearing is sensitive to sound pressure direction can also be calculated using a which is related to sound intensity. first order one-way wave equation. ★ In consumer audio electronics, the level differences are called "intensity" ACOUSTIC IMPEDANCE differences, but sound intensity is a specifically defined quantity and cannot ★ Acoustic impedance and specific acoustic be sensed by a simple microphone. impedance are measures of the ★ Sound intensity level is a logarithmic opposition that a system presents to the expression of sound intensity relative to a acoustic flow resulting from an acoustic reference. pressure applied to the system. ★ The SI unit of acoustic impedance is the ACOUSTIC POWER pascal-second per cubic meter (pa·s/m3), or in the MKS system the Rayl per square ★ Sound power or acoustic power is the rate meter (rayl/m2), while that of specific at which sound energy is emitted, acoustic impedance is the pascal-second reflected, transmitted or received, per per meter (pa·s/m), or in the mks system unit time. the Rayl. ★ It is defined as "through a surface, the ★ There is a close analogy with electrical product of the sound pressure, and the impedance, which measures the component of the particle velocity, at a opposition that a system presents to the point on the surface in the direction electric current resulting from a voltage normal to the surface, integrated over applied to the system. that surface.“ ★ The total reaction of a medium to the ★ The SI unit of sound power is the watt (w). transmission of sound through it, It relates to the power of the sound force expressed as the ratio of sound pressure on a surface enclosing a sound source, in to particle velocity at a given point in the air. For a sound source, unlike sound medium. pressure, sound power is neither room-dependent nor distance-dependent. 5 ★ Sound pressure is a property of the field environment is enhanced with computer- at a point in space, while sound power is a generated visual elements, sounds, and property of a sound source, equal to the other stimuli. It can provide a user with a total power emitted by that source in all heightened, more immersive experience directions. Sound power passing through than they would experience otherwise an area is sometimes called sound flux or that adds to the user's enjoyment or acoustic flux through that area. understanding. ACOUSTIC COMPONENTS VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) ★ The 3 components of acoustics are the ★ A computer-generated environment with generation or cause of sound, scenes and objects that appear to be real, propagation or path, and the reception making the user feel they are immersed in which is how sound is received by your their surroundings. This environment is ears. perceived through a device known as a virtual reality headset or helmet. ACOUSTIC SIGNALS COLLABORATIVE MEETING SPACES ★ Acoustic signals are noises that animals produce in response to a specific stimulus or situation, and that have a specific meaning. HEARING & VOICE ★ Hearing — or auditory processing — refers to the awareness of sounds and placing meaning to those sounds. It involves a complex series of steps in which several MATERIALS USED AS ACOUSTIC parts of your ear and auditory nervous system work together harmoniously. TREATMENTS ★ Sound produced by vertebrates by means of lungs, larynx, or syrinx. Especially - ACOUSTIC TREATMENT sound produced by human beings. ★ Musical sound produced by the vocal folds ★ Acoustic treatment is a system of acoustic and resonated by the cavities of head and materials that can reflect or absorb sound throat. waves and functions to clarify the sound you're hearing in a room. TECHNOLOGY IN ACOUSTICS ★ The process of improving the acoustic properties of a room for recording or AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) mixing music. ★ The goal of acoustic treatment is to make ★ Augmented Reality is an interactive your environment sound more neutral and experience in which a real-world sonically pleasing with controlled 6  ambience and predictable qualities for the loud, echoey sounds traveling recording. throughout the room. ★ RESONANCE IMPORTANCE OF ACOUSTIC TREATMENT - All the objects and materials in a room vibrate at a natural frequency. For ★ REFLECTION instance, a window in a room may vibrate - Reflection is a common problem in many at a rate of 200 hz. if a sound wave with a rooms. When sound waves travel across a frequency of 200 hz encounters the room, they will run into surfaces, such as window surface, it will cause the window walls, furniture or other objects. certain to vibrate more powerfully, and the sound types of surfaces will absorb sound waves. will be amplified. This is the concept of Others will cause sound waves to bounce resonance. off and continue traveling in a different - Resonance can create acoustic problems direction. for facilities. resonance causes sounds in a - This can especially cause a problem for room to be "boomy," a term sound school auditoriums, concert venues, engineers use to describe loud, distorted churches and other spaces where you sounds. It can also cause feedback in want to direct sound toward an audience sound systems. or congregation. If the sound waves reflect off of other surfaces in their path, SOUNDPROOFING VS SOUND ABSORBING they can end up being deflected away from their target destination. reflection When it comes to Acoustics, there are two can also lead to reverberation. different options: ★ REVERBERATION 1. You can absorb the reverberant energy - Reverberation is the problem that occurs when multiple sound waves bounce off of that sound creates within a space. surfaces and congregate together. This is 2. You can prevent the transmission of sound what causes some rooms to sound energy. echoey. For instance, you've probably noticed that you hear more reverberation Both forms or sound manipulation use specific in a large, empty room than one full of materials and products to combat sound waves. people. That's because when there are people in the room, sound waves are SOUNDPROOFING absorbed by encountering people's clothing. when there is nothing but hard ★ Soundproofing a space involves four surfaces, however, sound waves will concepts: adding mass, damping, bounce around continuously. decoupling, and absorbing. - Another issue with reverberation is that it ★ In practice, sound absorption is a form of causes a decay in sound quality. For soundproofing. example, if you want people to hear music ★ The materials used to soundproof are or a speaker clearly, reverberation will usually dense and heavy, which allows interfere with that, even in businesses like them to decouple structures. restaurants, though, reverberation can pose problems since it makes it difficult for diners to carry on a conversation over 7 ★ Thanks to their density, instead of sound ★ Increased mass and density of a wall 's waves penetrating through the structure, construction can be achieved with they are reflected back into space. concrete for example, or dense finishing boards such as ply, osb, drywall or SOUND ABSORBING plasterboard. ★ Deflection with mass and density proves ★ Sound-absorbing materials will absorb more effective with airborne sounds such most of the sound energy that collides as voices or music, and not so effective with them and will reflect very little. with impact noise such as foot fall, which ★ These qualities make them useful in the is usually associated with stronger power, control of noise within a space or pressure and therefore vibration. enclosure. ★ As sound waves strike the mass and dense ★ They are used in a variety of locations: materials, vibration will occur and in doing close to the source of the noise, paths, or so will pass the energy from one side to close to receivers. the other through the materials' own rigidity. KEY PRINCIPLE OF SOUND PROOFING ★ This is the principle of flanking transmission noise - a common problem ★ Soundproofing is an Acoustic Isolation - with all structural scenarios. the prevention of sound waves passing in or out of a room. ABSORPTION ★ In order to understand soundproofing or acoustic isolation, it is best to start by ★ Open cell woven types of material such as highlighting the key principles namely: quiet fiber stone wool cavity insulation, 1. Deflection which provides a soaking up or absorption 2. Absorption of the acoustic energy entering it. 3. Decoupling ★ These are available in differing 4. Thermal Conversion thicknesses and densities for an 5. Constrained Layer Damping increasing effect and are usually installed in open cavities where the depth of DEFLECTION material can be tolerated. ★ Not only do these types of absorptive ★ Deflection of sound is achieved by adding materials offer absorption, but it is also mass and density to any structure such as important to know that by filling a cavity a wall, floor or ceiling. All solid materials they can also prevent the potential of which have a thick consistency and are additional resonance, reverberation or dense or somewhat heavy, can help to amplification of sound waves that could block sound. be created if the cavity were to be left ★ Adding mass and dense materials completely empty. between the source of the sound and the receiving point will offer additional bulk DECOUPLING that the sound wave will have to pass through and in doing so will reduce its ★ The principle of decoupling is to reduce energy. the area of direct mechanical linkage between the substrate or structure, say for 8  example of a wall, and the finishing creates friction in the damping layer and materials. the sound ceases as it is converted to ★ This process is a way of interrupting heat, in essence thermal conversion sound vibrations or flanking transmissions occurs. that travel through the structure's own ★ This solution is ideal for low-frequency connectivity or rigidity from one side to noises. the other. ★ This may well be by a complete TYPES OF SOUNDPROOFING MATERIALS decoupling of an internal structure such as what is commonly called a 'room within ACOUSTIC ISOLATION MEMBRANE a room' or a 'cell within a cell' or may simply be a decoupling by counter ★ There are quite a few ‘acoustic battening or resilient channels. membranes’ on the marketplace, with some being better than others. THERMAL CONVERSION ★ The most advanced membrane in this category is the unique Acoustiblok ★ Acoustiblok Isolation Membrane is a Isolation Membrane which is the thinnest material which works by converting sound and highest performing material available, energy into trace heat energy. mm for mm. ★ When sound waves come into contact with ★ It is considerably lighter and enables a the membrane, it vibrates the molecules higher thermal conversion of energy from of the materials which in turn creates acoustic energy into a less problematic friction which is cleverly converted to a heat energy and transfer through itself. trace heat energy. ★ This material, which is available in 3mm ★ Thus the material works by converting a and 6mm thicknesses, is commonly more problematic acoustic energy into a installed within walls, ceilings and floors less problematic heat energy which is to mitigate airborne and impact sound. simply transferred through the material ★ Remarkably, it helps to block sound sideways to reduce flanking transfer more effectively than a sheet of transmissions. lead and is ideal for sound insulation. It is polymer-based and thus very flexible, CONSTRAINED LAYER DAMPING adaptable and easy to install. ★ It offers effective acoustic insulation ★ Constrained layer damping is a principle without increasing the thickness of walls of using specific materials in particular or ceiling, or loading with excessive ratios to reduce the natural resonant weight for example. frequencies of the structure, thus ★ Some other materials are known as mass reducing the resulting flanking loaded vinyl (mlv) which are simply a transmissions from one side of the rubber compound impregnated to structure to the other. increase mass and density. These are ★ Damping compounds are effective when much heavier materials and rely heavily applied between two rigid panels, such as on a deflective principle. drywall or plasterboard for example. ★ As a result, when the sound hits it, shearing forces between the panels 9  OPEN CELL CAVITY INSULATION SOUNDPROOF WINDOWS ★ This material is typically installed into ★ Specialist types of soundproof windows cavities, and tends to be made from rock use the principle of decoupling to reduce wool,stone wool, mineral wool or the sound that enters or leaves a room fiberglass. QuietFiber is an example of a where installed. stone wool. ★ These windows typically have thick glass ★ They are designed to fit snugly between panes and a layer of air trapped in wall studs, ceilings and floors and use the between each layer. principle of sound absorption. ★ By doing so they will effectively pack out SOUNDPROOF DOORS the airspace usually found in these areas, and so the transmission of sounds is ★ This is another type of architectural impeded or considerably reduced by their soundproofing solution. presence. ★ Much like soundproof windows, soundproof doors are designed to use the DECOUPLING PRODUCTS principle of increased depth and mass as well as decoupling to reduce sound ★ Based on the principle of decoupling transmission. materials through which sound is transmitted. ACOUSTIC PANELS ★ Resilient Channels – there are varying types from simple timber battens to ★ These panels are another type of sound aluminum metal rails that are specially absorption board, commonly referred to designed to lay over soundproofing as Acousticloud panels and Acoustiwall insulation once they are mounted across absorber panels and are installed wall studs or ceiling joists. invariably on the surface or near the ★ Acoustic Hangers – which are isolation surface of ceilings and walls. mounts which mechanically fix to the ★ Again these are used more so for main structure and act as a gasket controlling internal acoustics to equalize between the structure and the resilient and calibrate. channel / cross batten. ACOUSTIC FABRICS ACOUSTIC FLOORING ★ Typically used for theater curtains, ★ The principle of decoupling comes into blackout curtains and studio blankets, play here. acoustic fabrics are a very thick type of ★ This material is used to decouple the main fabric which are effective when it comes floor surface from the subfloor, and thus to dealing with acoustics in large rooms or reduce noise transmission. halls. ★ Common Materials for acoustic flooring ★ They are also used as a wall lining to include Acoustiblok, rubber based crumb, increase acoustic equalization within cork and felt for example. rooms such as cinemas. 10  ACOUSTIC FOAMS ★ Acoustic foam, also commonly known as studio foam, is wall mounted foam panels that can be flat, chamfered, convoluted, wedged or have pyramidal shapes protruding from them. ★ They mostly help to improve audio quality ★ Uses: ideal as a sound insulation in studios and music rooms. membrane as it works well when it comes ★ Acoustic foam works on the principle of to reducing sound transference. sound absorption and re-calibration of ★ Pros: minimal depth to existing structures internal acoustics, and so they are not as such as walls and ceiling, easy to install, effective as other materials when it comes long lasting. to blocking sound. ★ Cons: some are rather heavy with ★ They should make a noticeable difference increased mass which in turn provides a to internal acoustics and the audible contra effect. Some brands are more values, but if you are looking for a sound expensive but as the saying goes, you get blocking solution, there are far better what you pay for. materials you should consider. ★ It's important to note that the thickness and densities of these foams vary, which ACOUSTIC MINERAL WOOL CAVITY in conjunction with correct positioning, INSULATION plays a significant part in their effectiveness and performance. ★ Mineral, rock or stone wool insulation, ★ You should also take into account the type such as quietfiber, are essentially open and amount of surface area to be covered. cell insulation materials which work very well at absorbing acoustic and thermal EXAMPLE OF SOUND energies. ★ Invariably used in cavities such as stud PROOFING MATERIALS walls, this rather rigid material comes in different thicknesses and densities and is ACOUSTIC FOAMS used in both households and commercial projects as it is quite affordable. ★ There are different types of acoustic ★ Not only good at acoustic and thermal membrane on the market, some much energy absorption but almost as heavier than others and some higher important if not more so, it is very useful performing than others. for filling cavities. This prevents the cavity ★ These will be rated by different db from being an open and resonant ‘cave’ reduction levels across differing hz like hole which can lead to an frequencies and are available in different amplification of acoustic energy. thicknesses. ★ Despite being quite rigid, it is easy to cut. ★ The thicknesses and weight will affect their application and effectiveness, so it’s important to choose well. 11 ★ Uses: to soundproof walls and ceilings, ★ Pros: suitable for various frequency make acoustic panels and bass traps, and ranges, come in different thicknesses, as soundproofing insulation in various easy to cut. places, from residential to commercial ★ Cons: known to be an irritant so spaces. protective gear must be worn when ★ Pros: affordable, natural material, fire and handling. moisture resistant. ★ Cons: need a lot of depth of the material RESILIENT CHANNELS to be effective by itself. Protective breathing gear must be worn as cutting ★ Resilient sound channels are the main causes slivers which lodge in the skin, or way of decoupling drywall from internal may be inhaled and irritate the lungs. structures of buildings. ★ This system can also be installed with FIBERGLASS acoustic hangers or gaskets which further reduce the vibration. ★ Soundproof fiberglass comes in ★ Resilient sound channels are strips of boards/slabs rather than rolls and can be metal or timber that are installed to the used in various places and applications walls so that the soundproof insulation including to make acoustic panels in within the walls can be kept firmly in home studios, theaters and commercial place, whilst providing a platform onto buildings. which all finishing systems can be ★ This soundproofing material is very attached. effective in diminishing noise that enters ★ This eliminates the direct contact that or leaves a room, and also improves there would otherwise be through the internal acoustics. layers of structure – walls, ceiling, floors. ★ There are different types which you can ★ Screws can pass through several holes or choose from with differing thicknesses, gaps found in these channels to ensure densities and strengths. easier screwing, making them easy to ★ for example 703 boards are best for install. reducing high frequency noises whilst 705 ★ Any sounds that pass through will boards are more suited to low frequency basically keep vibrating against the bass noises. resilient sound channels, and so they are isolated from the room. ★ Uses: in recording studios, home cinemas, theaters and anywhere where ★ Uses: generally used during construction soundproofing is needed, extremely as they help to achieve very good versatile. soundproofing in a building due to decoupling principles. 12 ★ Pros: relatively easy to install, come with ★ Having said that, any type of drywall can practical gaps/holes work well for soundproofing as long as ★ Cons: low cost, will take considerable time decoupling is at the back of one’s mind. to install if there’s a large surface area to ★ To achieve good results in terms of cover. soundproofing, it is important to choose thick drywall in conjunction with some ACOUSTIC HANGERS other soundproofing methods, such as Acoustiblok 3mm isolation membrane, ★ Sound isolation clips are designed to allow sealants, tapes and caulks for example. a decoupling separation between the walls and ceiling from the underlying framing studs and joists. ★ These molded rubber and steel isolation clips are used to control sound and are designed to reduce vibration through a structure. ★ Uses: can be used in any building or room ★ Pros: quite effective ★ Cons: increased weight over effect, expensive option, requires professional installation DENSE BOARD (OSB, PLYWOOD, PARTICLE ★ Uses: in wall, ceiling and floor applications BOARD, FIRE BOARD) for treating both airborne and impact noise. ★ OSB or oriented strand board is a versatile and durable building board. SOUNDPROOF DRYWALL ★ An alternative, plywood can be used as the construction is similar with multiple ★ Apart from the common varieties of layers of opposing-oriented wood fibres drywall which can be purchased at most that creates rigidity and strength with diy stores, there is also a more specialized increased mass and density. form of drywall, namely soundproof drywall. ★ This comes in different thicknesses, and promotes having an increased sound transmission class than the other types of common drywall used in everyday construction, due to its increased density and mass. SOUNDPROOF FLOOR UNDERLAY ★ Soundproof drywall typically combines several layers of gypsum boards, along ★ Floor underlayments are a great way to with steel, with the main aim being to reduce sound transmission that naturally increase its density and mass so as to occurs between engineered floors and block sound effectively. hardwoods. 13 ★ There are different kinds of soundproof ★ These types of mats are effective at floor underlayment but felt underlayment reducing noise, and since they eliminate is among the most popular options for vibration they are also ideal for installation floors of various kinds, including laminate beneath and inside machinery and floors, hardwood and engineered wood. appliances, as well as to soundproof cars. ★ They are typically made from fibres which ★ They can also offer a level of acoustic are compressed and treated with heat, so absorption on a surface or within a room as to form a dense sound absorbing to help reduce unwanted material. regeneration/resonance and enhance ★ A great example of this is acoustiblok high-end audio performance. acoustiwool acoustic underlay, which comes available in rolls and works best if installed in conjunction with acoustiblok isolation membranes. ★ Uses: beneath or behind appliances or machines, to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations. ★ Uses: ideal for most kinds of wood or ★ Pros: simple and effective soundproofing engineered floors in both residential and solution when the source of the noise is commercial premises. from machines or appliances. ★ Pros: quite affordable, easy to install, ★ Cons: ideally used in conjunction with hardwearing and effective at absorbing other soundproofing methods for best sound as well as moisture. results. ★ Cons: simply an acoustic underlay and will only offer a moderate level of acoustic ACOUSTIC SEALANTS performance. ★ Acoustiblok Acoustical Sound Sealant is ANTI-VIBRATION SOUNDPROOF one of a number of well-known brands on FLOOR MATS the marketplace that is most renowned as a reliable soundproofing compound which ★ Soundproof floor mats are another works on the principle of decoupling. interesting option to arrest impact sound ★ It comes in dispensing tubes like sealant and vibration leading to structural products, and so is very easy to apply. airborne noise. This product is meant to be used as a ★ It is a known fact that certain appliances sound dampening method that maintains and machines create a lot of vibration and sound transmission class (stc) in noise. anti-vibration soundproof mats help applications where required, yet remains to kill annoying humming sounds and permanently flexible. vibrations. 14 ★ It is mostly used during the construction be relied upon to achieve acoustic levels of walls that require soundproofing as it by themselves. can be applied directly between layers of ★ Areas like corners between walls, lines differing materials, such as Acoustiblok where walls and ceilings meet, and doors Isolation Membrane, drywall, or and windows must be completely sealed. plasterboard. It works to dissipate sound vibrations that would otherwise manage to pass through walls. ★ Essentially this is a form of sealant that reduces leakage considerably and can be used on countersinking the heads of mechanical fixings. ★ Uses: to fill any gaps easily to ensure best soundproofing results ★ Pros: inexpensive, easy to apply ★ Cons: a complementary soundproofing option and will not soundproof a room in isolation ACOUSTIC PUTTY ★ Uses: used on walls and ceilings as well as any gaps or open spaces such as seams, ★ Flexible acoustic and intumescent putty is seal holes and screw holes. designed to maintain a building ★ Pros: a product that is easy to apply, separation and wall partitions structural affordable and quite effective, eco- integrity and acoustic properties. friendly ★ Acoustiputty pads are designed to ★ Cons: a complementary soundproofing maintain the integrity and acoustic option and will not soundproof a room in properties of flexible wall assemblies. isolation ACOUSTIC CAULKS ★ A complementary soundproofing solution which is intended to seal overlaps of materials, fill small gaps, cracks, or spaces in a room. ★ Uses: suitable for most flexible wall ★ Sound can travel through even the partitions constructed from timber and smallest areas, and so it is important to steel studs with all types of finishing seal off a room completely for the best board. for acoustic, fire and insulation possible results. resistance. ★ Acoustic caulk is a must where ★ Pro: quick and easy to apply, fire resistant plasterboard or drywall is installed to ★ Cons: a complementary soundproofing reduce possible weakness but should not material and will not soundproof a room in isolation 15  saying, ‘every little counts’ could be ACOUSTIC PLASTER applied here. ★ Like acoustic plasterboard, acoustic plaster finishes have been around for years. ★ Varying ingredients, compounds and systems can increase or decrease weight and flexibility to further reduce surface reflections and in doing so help with equalization of the internal acoustics. ★ Uses: used mostly in doors, car boots and compartments ★ Pros: easy to apply, quite effective ★ Cons: a complementary product only to improve soundproofing performance SOUNDPROOF PAINT ★ Soundproof paint, sometimes also ★ Uses: shopping centers and theaters, referred to as sound deadening paint, is universities, restaurants, office spaces, exactly what it says on the tin. entrance halls, museums, libraries, dining ★ As a paint it can be applied either by areas as well as some very exclusive means of a roller or sprayed on. private residences. ★ The concept is that the thicker the layer ★ Pros: can further help to reduce surface of paint, the better the result. reflection and resonance. ★ Spraying will naturally lead to a thicker ★ Cons: although increased depth and coating and so it is generally the weight can add to deflection of sound recommended method of application for waves, these are invariably used for soundproof paint. increased acoustic calibration. ★ Having said that, soundproof paint is not the most effective soundproofing method SOUNDPROOF SPRAY and won’t produce significant results. ★ Due to its lack of mass once applied, the ★ Soundproof or sound deadening spray is resulting soundproofing effects can be used mainly for spot treatments. mixed. ★ Floor mats for example, may have been ★ Since it contains latex, similar to rubber, it installed to reduce unwanted noise yet is definitely better to apply rather than microscopic gaps between the matt and regular paint where breathability of the the adjoining surface can still allow wall is not a concern. vibrations to occur. ★ Latex has a tendency to settle into cracks, ★ Using a sound deadening spray will just like silicone caulk, so will perform minimize those gaps and as such one better than standard water-based paints, would expect some improvement on although again is non breathable. overall acoustic performance, – the 16  ★ Uses: can be used in any setting, both residential and commercial ★ Pros: easy to apply, comes in rolls, works reasonably well for soundproofing purposes and aesthetically pleasing. ★ Cons: actual efficacy is questionable so consider using alongside other soundproofing methods to improve ★ Uses: applied to walls to reduce sound results. transmission ★ Pros: simple and affordable option ACOUSTIC WALL COVERING ★ Cons: not the most effective of methods as it does not rely either on the principle ★ Acoustic wall covering is a sheet material of mass nor decoupling. made from composite fabric layers. ★ A flexible hybrid composite that is strong, SOUNDPROOF WALLPAPER yet highly compressible and soft at the same time. ★ Like soundproof paint, it is highly ★ It is installed onto the internal surface of a debatable whether soundproof wallpaper wall to offer great results in acoustic can effectively soundproof a room, calibration (softening) and acoustic especially when used in isolation. isolation (conversion). ★ Mass is one of the main principles of soundproofing, so it is difficult to have a thickness considered adequate by using just wallpaper. ★ Soundproof wallpaper is generally made from closed-cell polyethylene foam. ★ This has very good sound absorbing properties, so soundproof wallpaper can and should act like an acoustic absorbing ★ Uses: can be used in residential and layer but as it is so thin the effects are commercial spaces, including engine minimal at best but again the saying, rooms and any heavy industrial facilities ‘every little counts’ could be applied. where there’s a lot of noise ★ Since soundproof wallpaper comes in an ★ Pros: innovative material that is flexible assortment of designs, it is obviously but durable, easy to apply, effective option more aesthetically pleasing than acoustic ★ Cons: rather expensive foam, and much easier and less invasive to install. ACOUSTIC GLASS ★ Worth mentioning that whatever approach one undertakes, it is only as effective as its weakest point. ★ Acoustically rated windows are specially designed windows that are ideal for soundproofing purposes. 17 ★ Since these windows are constructed to ★ In such doors you will not find any include multiple layers of glass, with each openings like mail flaps or pet doors, being quite thick, the amount of sound because the emphasis on soundproofing that enters or leaves a room is minimal. cannot be minimized by making way for ★ For improved results, such windows would any gaps whatsoever. incorporate air or inert gas that is trapped ★ Fire doors are a good example of in between each glazing panel to further soundproof doors. effect movement of acoustic waves. ★ Soundproof windows are effective and they can even be installed right over the top of existing windows as necessary. ★ Uses: ideal for houses or premises which are situated on busy roads to minimize the amount of noise pollution entering the building ★ Uses: ideal for those who experience a lot ★ Pros: effective soundproofing option, of external noise, such as traffic and city sturdy noise ★ Cons: costly ★ Pros: effective soundproofing option ★ Cons: relatively expensive DOOR SEALS, SWEEPS, GASKET ACOUSTIC DOOR ★ Weatherstripping tape, door seals and sweeps are available in all sizes and are ★ Once again it is worth mentioning that usually made from rubber and act as whatever approach one undertakes, it is gaskets, similar to many draft stoppers. only as effective as its weakest point. ★ These are attached to the door frame or ★ Soundproof doors are of increased bottom section of doors, in order to seal thickness, sturdy construction, designed gaps between the door and door stop or to effectively block sound from entering frame, or door and the floor. or leaving a room. ★ Rubber seals include hollow rubber ★ Double door principles can also be a weather-stripping tapes which compress realistic method should the increased whenever a door or window is shut, thus acoustic values and space be available to forming a tight seal. do so. ★ Rubber sweeps tend to scrape against the ★ Well-fitting doors and frames with floor whenever a door is open or closed effective use of gaskets will of course be and there are also sweeps which come in an important part to any success. the form of a very dense brush. ★ Such sound-blocking doors include rigid ★ Also a useful approach on an internal door steel doors, solid-core doors, and other can be to increase the size and thickness materials where mass is high, and their of the door stop or beading around the subsequent weight. perimeter. 18 ★ This increases the surface area of the home theaters, music rooms and door closing onto the door stop and can recording studios. also increase the width of the draft gasket ★ Pros: ideal for improving sound quality in that can be used. a room, helps to reduce noise pollution, can improve the design appeal of a room or space. ★ Cons: doesn’t perform well at preventing sound transference from room to room, some foams can be flammable SOUND ABSORBER PANELS ★ Uses: mainly used in door frames, to ★ Sound absorbers are available in many complement improved sound absorption styles and types, most of which come in in conjunction with other soundproofing appealing colors. when installed, they can methods. also make a room or space look more ★ Pros: inexpensive, quite effective visually appealing. ★ Cons: intended as a minor solution to ★ These types of absorber panel such as soundproofing, other methods of Acoustiblok Quiet-Cloud, acoustiwall can soundproofing will need to be used for be mounted to ceilings and to walls as it increased results. helps to cut down on acoustic reflections and sound reverberations. That is why it is ACOUSTIC FOAMS called sound ‘absorber’ as it works on the principle of sound absorption. ★ Ideal for sound absorption, acoustic foam is available in a wide range of thicknesses as well as sizes and colors. There are many brand names that sell acoustic foam. ★ Some even offer this material in appealing colors as some customers look for the aesthetic appeal of this product aside ★ Uses: ideal for recording studios, cinemas, from its practical value. theaters, classrooms, games rooms, gymnasiums and entertainment areas. ★ Pros: quite effective and affordable method if your main intention is sound absorption and improving acoustics in one room and aesthetically pleasing. ★ Cons: can be expensive, needs calculating and installing correctly for maximum ★ Uses: to improve audio quality in a room. calibration and limited performance for As a result, acoustic foam is used for this sound isolation. purpose as well as to reduce sound leakage. often found in games rooms, 19  movement of sound waves within an area ACOUSTIC CEILING SYSTEMS & TILES which reduces unwanted sound from traveling from space to space. ★ Directly fitted to a ceiling or used as a structural drop ceiling to create a grid system, acoustic ceiling tiles are similar to acoustic panels to provide effective acoustic control. ★ Available in a wide variety of materials, sizes, depths and designs. ★ Acoustic ceiling tiles are an easy solution for improving the acoustical qualities of any space. ★ Uses: in theaters, nurseries, bedrooms and home theaters. ★ Pros: high quality material that is long lasting, helps to block sound as well as improve acoustics in a room. ★ Cons: most fabrics are costly due to their thickness and the fact they need to be made to measure. ★ Uses: in soundproofing ceiling spaces to SOUNDPROOF BLANKETS create a finished ceiling with a void above ★ Soundproof blankets are used in various in which to house services, hvac ducting cases where sound absorption needs to be etc. attained and offer a low-cost alternative ★ Pros: allows a large surface area of to relatively expensive soundproofing acoustic absorption and creates a finished solutions. ceiling. ★ In fact, soundproof blankets are probably ★ Cons: structural framing system the most practical option for someone on sometimes on wire or steel drop rods to a tight budget who wants a temporary and the above structure to create a grid work moveable solution. for the tiles to lay which needs ★ They are made from thick, plush fabric professional installation. which is designed to absorb sound and prevent acoustic transference. SOUNDPROOF CURTAINS ★ Soundproof curtains, sometimes referred to as blackout curtains or acoustic curtains, are widely used to reduce noise passage as a temporary partition or privacy material, such as backstage at a theater. ★ When hung in strategic positions the thick ★ Uses: these blankets can be hung to walls fabric greatly reduces the spread and or over doors and windows. 20 ★ Pros: relatively affordable, easy to install. and noises. establishing correct height ★ Cons: are a localized solution but certainly and length of fence is essential to create not as effective as full and complete the necessary angles of incidence for coverage of an area with more advanced maximum effect. soundproofing methods ★ Acoustic fencing can tackle noise from road traffic, trains and railway tracks, and FURNITURE & FINISHING any noise from neighboring plots. Some fencing solutions will be as expected, ★ Unsurprisingly, furniture and other constructed from thick, dense materials to household items can play an important work principally on mass and density to role in soundproofing. In some rooms, you block line of sight. might experience more sound ★ These types of fences are great where a reverberation than others. new structure has to be built although ★ This can be a nuisance yet funnily enough, quite time consuming and expensive due can sometimes be resolved by simply to the amount of material and labor moving your furniture to better sound involved in their erection. dampening positions. ★ However, where a fence structure is ★ You could also try adding lining to walls, already in evidence but not performing such as tapestries or fabrics, as well as quite as well as one would like, there is make use of sofas and large soft cushions. also a material known as Acoustifence. ★ If specific walls are thin, it’s This flexible membrane is designed to recommended you place heavy pieces of attach to an existing fence structure such furniture against them, such as a as a post and rail or even chain link to wardrobe or a wooden bookcase full of increase performance. books to dampen the sound. ★ Available in rolls of material and very easy to install with minimal labor offering a further saving on cost. The material is essentially a membrane, and it can be hung or secured in place to post and rail, to lattice or attached to a timber frame, depending on the individual case. ★ Installation of soundproof fencing is fairly quick, easy and effortless. ★ Uses: a basic means of reducing sound reverberations or low-level noise traveling between thin walls ★ Pros: quick and easy fix, inexpensive ★ Cons: limited results can only be expected ACOUSTIC FENCING ★ Acoustic fencing is essentially an acoustic barrier or noise insulator for outside spaces. It's ideal for those who want an effective solution to block external sounds 21 ★ Uses: can be installed to perimeter ★ Cons: relatively expensive but will fences, chainlink, hoardings to block perform in areas where other solutions sounds entering from adjoining plots struggle. ★ Pros: very effective soundproofing option in areas of high noise pollution such as INDUSTRIAL ACOUSTIC busy cities, noisy neighbors, and any SOUNDPROOF PANEL other exterior environment which is causing noise pollution ★ These acoustic panels are invariably ★ Cons: typical rigid construction, quite manufactured from more industrial costly due to materials and labor. materials such as steel and aluminum to be employed to mitigate noise sources ACOUSTIC ABSORBER PANELS with higher power and pressure output. ★ Specifically designed to withstand ★ As almost all regular absorber panels are outdoor exposure in full sunlight, extreme compressible and work on the factor of weather conditions, and harsh industrial absorption, they tend to also absorb and environments (nrc of 1.0 is the highest accumulate moisture which can create an sound absorption rating possible). issue when trying to use them externally. ★ Examples like Acoustiblok all weather ★ Some materials though are hydrophobic. soundproof panels are a triple core An alternative to these is external approach to include a perforated facia for acoustic absorbers which are a rigid, diffusion, an internal layer of u.l. classified durable panel made from recycled glass Acoustiblok 3mm sound isolation beads with an appearance of a lightweight membrane material for acoustic granite/stone. conversion plus a specifically engineered ★ Offering good resistance, they produce a 50mm Acoustiblok quietfiber sound absorbing, impact resistant panel hydrophobic/weather-proof, open cell, solution which is not affected by liquid or core sound absorbing material. moisture. ★ Also noncombustible, chemically inert and non-fibrous. ★ Pros: very effective soundproofing option in areas of high db, sound and power noise pollution such as plant, generators, hvac ★ Uses: external where unwanted noise and any other external environment. reverberates from buildings although can ★ Cons: typical rigid construction, quite be internal especially where an element of costly due to materials and labor. increased impact resistance is required. ★ Pros: good impact resistance and not affected by rain, moisture. 22  ACOUSTIC LOUVERS ★ Typically, acoustic louvers are used in building openings permitting air to flow, whilst shielding the environment from unwanted noise. ★ As an open shutter with horizontal, curved or linear blades/slats that are angled to admit light and air, but to keep out rain and direct sunshine. ★ The angle of the slats may be adjustable ★ Uses: multi-purpose as acoustic screens around mechanical plants where equipment requires airflow. ★ Pros: effective at reducing acoustic energy whilst allowing direct flow of air where required. ★ Cons: allows for a weakness and a break in any acoustic isolation strategy but essential where needed. 23