Effective soundproofing during the construction of high-occupancy housing or commercial spaces creates a more positive living and working environment. Soundproofing can improve productivity, the occupant’s sense of privacy, and overall sense of well-being. The following guide to commercial soundproofing discusses why soundproofing is an important aspect of commercial and large-scale residential builds.
Why Commercial Soundproofing Is Important
Soundproofing during commercial construction is essential for the building’s occupants, and it is often mandated by building codes. The Uniform Building Code (UBC) requires a sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) rating of 50 for all walls and floor/ceiling construction that separates dwellings in multi-unit residential housing. STC ratings concern airborne sounds, and the IIC rating pertains to structure-borne sounds in floor ceiling assemblies. Acoustical engineers are the prime source of information to the commercial construction industry and help ensure that the soundproofing methods and materials meet these ratings.
Commercial soundproofing solutions seek to reduce the noise from external and internal sources through the air and structures. Airborne sounds are noises like music and people talking, where structural sounds are noises related to impact, such as the upstairs neighbor walking, dragging a chair, or dropping a basketball. Overall, soundproofing a wall or a ceiling makes for happier tenants in multi-unit residential builds and happier neighbors.
What Is the Best Way to Soundproof Your Commercial Spaces?
The only truly effective solution is to decouple the finish membranes (also known as finish surfaces aka drywall) from the structural frame because the elimination of structure-borne sounds requires isolating the connections between the structures.
When searching for the most effective soundproofing material, consider cost, installation time and needs, efficacy, and product availability. The following commercial soundproofing products are popular choices in new construction projects:
Soundproofing foam and Barrier materials. Our laboratory testing shows that these materials are only marginally effective at reducing noise. In fact, the density of foam can have a negative effect on sound reduction because it provides a bridge for the noise energy to travel across.
Essential decoupling. Decoupling devices provide a disconnection between the inside and outside of a wall to prevent sound vibrations from traveling through. This can be accomplished through double wall framing or sound decoupling devices. Decoupling can improve a typical wall STC rating by 15 or 20 STC points.
HushFrame sound decoupling provides the best soundproofing solution for your commercial spaces and multi-unit housing construction.
HushFrame Is the Best Choice for Commercial Soundproofing
If you are a commercial soundproofing contractor searching for the best soundproofing company, look no further than HushFrame. Our decoupling devices are easy to install, cost-effective, and beat the required STC ratings of 50. At 50 STC, you will normally be able to hear music from the neighbor so a higher STC than code is desirable. Per Alan Case, the founder of HushFrame, “Actual acoustic privacy begins with an STC in the 60’s. HushFrame achieves STC’s in the 60’s in a variety of lab-tested assemblies. We supply high-performance and inexpensive soundproofing decoupling devices utilizing Vi-Bridge technology. HushFrame stands out from the competition because our general-purpose isolating connectors work with both wood or metal furring to provide quick, easy surface installation on studs, rafters, and joists, as well as concrete walls or slabs.
Contact us today and let one of our soundproofing experts help you with your next project!
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