K.E.
McNURNEY,inc.
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Drywall & Interior Plaster FAQ |
Interior Sound Control Considerations and Systems What is noise? Noise is unwanted sound. Noise, although not easy to define, is any sound that is disturbing to us. Depending on the person, unwanted sounds include everything from loud music blaring from a stereo to the annoying rumble from your washer and dryer. Additionally, because homes are steadily becoming the focal point for family activities, the level of noise from sound-generating devices in the home is on the rise. And whether we're conscious of it or not, noise makes us tense, cranky, and tired. So it's important to take steps to eliminate or greatly reduce noise, and make the home quieter. For Modern Sound Reducing Construction Techniques Click Here For Glossary of Sound Control Terms Click Here Can noise be controlled? A home can be quiet and comfortable. An important part of a home's comfort is its level of peace and quiet. So before you build a new home or remodel your existing home, consider basic sound control construction techniques. Evaluate how you live and what noises you may have to contend with. Then incorporate as many sound control features into the design and construction of your home as possible. How can noise be controlled? Utilize a sound control system. Household noise is transmitted by vibration through the air or through the structure via walls, floors, and ceilings. To control unwanted noise in your new home, you should incorporate an effective sound control system. First, you must choose the right acoustical materials to block the transmission of sound as it passes from room to room. There are many options to consider. Block the sound path. One sound control option involves using heavier building materials (for example, adding one or two layers of gypsum to a wall construction) to block the path of the noise through walls, floors, or ceilings. Break the vibration path. A second sound control option is to add RC1 resilient channels between drywall and studs or joists. Interior walls, exterior walls, ceilings, and floors transmit sound vibrations from one face to another. These vibrations travel through structural elements such as wall studs or floor (ceiling) joists. Properly installed resilient channels will break the vibration path, which will help reduce sound transmission and make your home quieter. Absorb the sound. One of the foremost methods of acoustical control is installing fiberglass acoustic sound batts. Through absorption, the same insulation that can keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer can help reduce sound transmission through walls, ceilings, and floors. In fact, when used for acoustical performance, fiber glass insulation can help raise the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of a standard interior wall system from 4 to 12 decibels, depending on the wall construction. (STC is a rating, which measures a wall, floor, or ceiling's ability to stop airborne sound transmission. The higher the STC rating, the better the structure's ability to limit sound transmission.) Installing fiber glass batt insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors through out your home can greatly reduce unwanted noise. Key areas to insulate are bathrooms, bedrooms, playrooms, home offices, equipment rooms, and around open penetrations through walls and floors such as pipes and plumbing fixtures. All of the statements, opinions, specifications, and recommendations on sound control considerations contained on this website are for general information purposes only and are not intended to imply that these are the only materials, methods, procedures, or processes which are available or suitable. Always consult with your licensed building professional. By publishing this web site K.E. McNurney, Inc. makes no express or implied warranty or other representation as to the quality, characteristics, or suitability of the materials or techniques described herein, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose which may arise by operation of law or otherwise.
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