People experience a wide variety of sounds and noise, or various waves and vibrations in their daily lives. While most of it simply fades into the background, some noise is dangerous for the health and safety of individuals.
In 1972, the Noise Control Act was enacted as a means of providing additional protection for the hearing and health of the nation. This act primarily focuses on defining noise control, enforcing regulations to control noise, and providing important information to the public regarding noise pollution. The process of soundproofing to control noise is an essential part of building commercially.
Why Commercial Buildings Need Soundproofing
Many state and local laws require commercial soundproofing in buildings as a way to protect the occupants. And most multifamily construction must meet the acoustic requirements of the International Building Code (IBC), Section 1207. Excess noise pollution can cause problems in any space that is occupied by a number of people on a regular basis.
Constant exposure to elevated noise levels, like in a cafeteria space, can cause hearing damage over time. Other spaces, like churches or auditoriums, may need to balance sound to improve their visitors’ experience. In multi-family housing, people live in close proximity–creating the potential for noise problems. Essential components requiring soundproofing include:
Soundproofing between floors
Soundproofing a wall
Soundproofing interior walls
Ceiling soundproofing
Whether you are hoping to dampen significant noise to protect peoples’ hearing and health or need additional privacy, soundproofing can be the solution.
The Most Common Methods and Products for Soundproofing
Commercial soundproofing products are available for nearly every structural component of a commercial building, including ceilings. In many cases, the methods and products used in soundproofing for commercial buildings can be customized.
Some considerations for commercial soundproofing:
Using materials that absorb sound. This is a way to ensure that excess noise that bounces off normal construction materials like wood does not cause issues in a building. These materials could include acoustic panels or a decoupling solution like our patented Vi-Bridge Technology.
Creating designs that diffuse sounds, such as curved panels. These are most effective in open spaces like restaurants.
Working with a commercial soundproofing contractor to incorporate it into the building. This ensures that no additional cost is incurred in the future, but rather the space is equipped with commercial soundproofing from the beginning.
The best soundproofing materials are the ones that meet the needs of the space economically. Working with a commercial soundproofing contractor will ensure you meet all applicable acoustical building codes by implementing trusted products like HushFrames’ wood decoupling device.
How Hushframe Products are Installed in Commercial Buildings
Hushframe uses a patented decoupling raft ideal for walls, floors, and ceilings. These rafts are small, budget-friendly, and highly effective at dampening noise. They attach to joists and beams throughout the space, connecting directly to the frame of the building. The rafts add an additional inch of space between the surface of an area and the building’s frame. This ensures that any sound waves that meet the wall, floor, or ceiling will be absorbed before reaching the next room.
Hushframe products are a great way to ensure that your commercial soundproofing is effective, low cost, and easy to install. If you are interested in trying our commercial soundproofing products, contact us today!