If you’ve ever been involved in a building project, or refurbished your home, then perhaps you know exactly why sound insulation is so important, and why it is fundamental to the design and construction of your project. If you’re not aware of why it’s so important, then here’s what you need to know.
1. Land to build houses on is hard to come by, and so houses are closer together, and so people are living closer together, which means that noise from one house can easily be heard or felt in another house, even if the noise isn’t especially loud.
2. Sound insulation affects both new building projects and refurbishments, so if you’re involved in property construction, or want to make the most of your house, then you’ll need to make sure that you take into account the fact that you’ll need to be aware of noise levels.
3. The UK Building Regulations specify how much noise is allowed, and what sort of acoustic flooring and other sound insulation products are available and suitable for your project.
4. Because noise is seen as a Health and Safety issue, it’s important that people aren’t subjected to excessive noise. Residents have a right to be able to relax during the evening and at weekend, without having to listen to the noise from their neighbours.
5. You might already have some idea as to what sound insulation products you need, or what sort of sound control you want. If you’re building an office block, or a hospital, then your needs will differ from somebody who wants to lessen the effects of drum or trumpet practice in their home.
6. If you know you need to reduce the noise in your home, then you’ll need to make sure you get the right products for your build. You’ll need to make sure that the acoustic insulation you use on your project meets the relevant UK Building Regulations,
7. Airborne sound is the sound of music or conversation, and because walls seem to be very thin in new builds, it is often possible to hear conversations and music in neighbouring rooms and houses, even though the music or conversation might not be classed as very loud.
8. Impact sound is the sound of something hitting something else, rather than music or conversation. Playing drums, footsteps on stairs or a washing machine vibrating on an uneven floor are examples of impact sound.
9. Flanking transmission is the path that sound takes, and explains how music or other noises can be heard elsewhere in the building. If you’re building a hotel or want to install a home cinema system than you’ll want to reduce the amount of noise that travels.
10. Unless you are experienced in sound reduction and acoustic flooring, it’s probably a good idea to get your sound insulation fitted professionally, so that you know it has been done correctly, and that it will be effective and meet the relevant standards, and will pass any inspections.
Now you know more about why sound control is so important, perhaps now is the time for you to think more about sound insulation in your home.