Sound Control For Commercial and Residential Buildings
Sound Control For Commercial and Residential Buildings
Sound Control For Commercial and Residential Buildings
Table Of Contents
Methods Of Sound Control Sound Transmission Class (STC) And Sound Control The Effects Of Insulation Thickness And Density On STC Ratings Controlling Impact Noise Improving Office To Office Sound Reduction Controlling Exterior Sounds Examples Of Ways To Construct Walls And Floors/Ceilings To Achieve Desired STCs Sound Isolation Design Criteria Guide Specication for Fiber Glass Acoustical Insulation Typical Wall Assemblies Single Wood Stud Walls Staggered Wood Stud Walls Double Wood Stud Walls Metal Stud Walls Exterior Walls Typical Floor/Ceiling Assemblies Recommended Construction Methods for Controlling Sound Glossary Bibliography 8 9 10 11 12 14 1
2 2
2 3
on peoples notions of privacy, as well as their work efficiency. The noise produced by appliances, piping, heating and airconditioning systems, phones,
4 5
radios,TVs and talking are among the major reasons people are dissatised with the privacy found in homes or office buildings.Additionally, external noises such as traffic, sirens and
15 20 21
extreme weather conditions are equally disturbing. Designing structures to control noise effectively can make homes and offices much more pleasant places in which to live or work.
This Sound Control Guide recommends ways to construct walls and other assemblies using ber glass insulation to help provide quality noise control. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) developed these recommendations based on the results of numerous acoustical tests using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods. However, the recommendations are presented here solely as a guide. NAIMA cannot guarantee, does not represent or warrant, and assumes no responsibility for building design or construction results based on information provided in this booklet because many other factors including overall design and workmanship are outside its control.
35 to 45
Increasing the mass of walls and other structures can present a problem in lightweight construction because the increased weight may not be structurally practical or aesthetically pleasing, not to mention more expensive. Breaking the vibration path commonly called discontinuous construction offers a practical method of reducing sound transmission by as much as 6 to 10 dB. Cavity absorption, which uses ber glass insulation to ll the space in walls and oors/ceilings, can further improve performance of discontinuous constructions by 5 to 15 dB.
55 and up 45 to 55
Loud speech 50% Good understood. Normal speech faintly heard, but not understood. Loud speech faintly heard, Very Good but not understood. Normal speech usually inaudible. Loud speech usually inaudible Excellent
acoustical analysis should be obtained from an acoustical engineer when isolating sound from locations such as music practice rooms,recording studios,large conference rooms and mechanical equipment rooms.
A person walking on a oor creates impact noise that is readily transmitted to the room below.While carpets and pads can cushion impacts and reduce the generation of impact noise, ber glass insulation can reduce impact and airborne noise transmitted through the oor/ceiling assembly.As with STCs, the higher the IIC value of a oor/ceiling, the better its ability to control impact sound transmission.An acceptable IIC rating is typically 50 or above.
STC 46 46 46
the type of grid system.The CAC is the single number rating used to express the sound reduction or attenuation between two rooms sharing a common ceiling and/or plenum (See ASTM standard E 1414).These CAC improvements can be achieved by using unfaced 3 12 to 4 inch thick batts (R-11 batts).The batts only have to be placed on the back of the ceiling panels on both of sides of the partition a distance of 4 feet back from the partition. It is not necessary to back load the entire ceiling in both offices. Care must be taken not to cover light xtures with the insulation.The insulation may cause the xtures to overheat.
Install A Fuzzwall
The second method to reduce ceiling anking sound transmission is to install a ber glass wall above the separating partition. Such a wall or plenum barrier has been called a fuzzwall. (See gure below.)
5 points.
neighbors.The best way to reduce the impact of exterior noise is not to build near these noise sources.When this is not possible then special measures must be taken to reduce their impacts.The shell of a residence or building must be designed to keep out noise.
Residential Construction
In residences, exterior walls should be constructed with resilient furring channels and ber glass insulation in the stud cavity. If a residence is impacted by overhead aircraft then resilient channels should be used in roof/ceiling assemblies as well as using at least 9 inches of blown-in ber glass insulation in the attic.The insulation should cover the top of the joists by at least 1 inch. There should be a minimum number of windows and doors on the side of home facing the exterior noise source.When windows are necessary on this side, they should be sound rated with an STC of at least 40.The same is true for doors facing a noise source. Recent retrot programs done on residences near airports to reduce interior noise levels due to aircraft have shown that it is very critical to seal all air (sound) leaks in the building envelope. All fresh air intakes and exhausts must have silencers or mufflers. Most of the residences also had additional insulation installed in the attics to further reduce overhead aircraft noise.
STC Ratings
The STC rating indicated for each assembly, in many instances, represents the median of a range of STC values.These median values may or may not be actual test results, but will provide an accurate estimate as to how the STC rating would be increased or decreased with progressive changes in construction. Its possible that an individual insulation manufacturers results might differ slightly from the median values; however, any such differences would be insignicant. More detailed sound control information can be obtained by contacting an insulation manufacturer.
Commercial Construction
In commercial buildings built near a highway or train tracks, the exterior building walls should have at least an STC of 50.Windows and doors should have at least an STC of 40 or 45 depending on the amount of window or door area.The higher the window or door area the higher the STC value. Roof/ceiling systems should also have a minimum STC of 50 if aircraft y over the building. Higher STC values may be required if aircraft y close to the building. In this case, an acoustical engineer should be consulted.
Fire Ratings
The re ratings given are based on available test information from NAIMA members and independent testing laboratories.The test method used is ASTM E119.An NR indicates that the particular assembly illustrated is not rated.
Office
Any normal occupancy, using conference rooms for group meetings or discussions
Conference rooms
Office in manufacturing, laboratory or test areas requiring normal privacy Motels and urban hotels (similar to apartments)
Bedrooms
Bedrooms
From The American Institute of Architects; Architectural Graphic Standards, Seventh Edition, pp 68 & 69. * Depends on the nature of the exterior background noise its level, spectrum shape, and constancy as well as on the clients budget and on thermal considerations. Use qualied acoustical consultants for analysis of high noise outdoor environments such as airport areas, highways (with heavy truck traffic especially), and industrial facilities. Use acoustical consultants for mechanical equipment rooms housing other than air handling equipment chillers, pumps, compressors, etc. and for heavy manufacturing areas employing equipment generating noise levels at or above OSHA allowable levels or generating high vibration levels.
(continued)
Sound Isolation Requirement (Min.) STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC STC 48-55* 50-57* 45-52* 48-55* 58-65* 37-60+ 40-48* 42-50* 45-52* 45-52* 37-60+ 42 48 48 42 47 52+ 52+ 52+ 55+ 47 37-60+ 52+ 52 52+ 57 57 52 52 58-65+ 47+
Adjacent bedrooms Living rooms Bathrooms, not directly connected with bedroom Kitchen areas Exterior of building Adjacent classrooms speech use only Adjacent classrooms speech and audiovisual use Laboratories Corridor or public areas Kitchen and dining areas Shops Recreational areas Music rooms Mechanical equipment rooms Toilet areas Exterior of building Adjacent music or drama rooms Corridor or public areas Practice rooms Shops Recreational areas Laboratories Toilet areas Mechanical equipment rooms Exterior of building Adjacent practice rooms Corridors and public areas Same as for theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, etc. Same as for executive offices Adjacent similar areas Corridors and public area Recreational areas Mechanical equipment spaces Classrooms Laboratories Shops Toilet areas Exterior of building
School buildings
Classrooms
Music practice rooms Language laboratories Counseling offices Any occupancy where serious performances are given (requirements may be relaxed for elementary schools or other types of occupancy) Theaters, concert halls, lecture halls, radio, TV, recording studios
Use qualied acoustical consultants to assist in the design of construction details for these critical occupancies
From The American Institute of Architects; Architectural Graphic Standards, Seventh Edition, pp 68 & 69. * Depends on nighttime, exterior background levels and other factors that affect actual location of building. (Grades I, II, and III are discussed in A Guide to Airborne, Impact and Structure borne Noise Control in Multifamily Dwellings, HUD-TS-24, 1974, pp. 10-9ff.) Discretionary depends on clients budget, climate, interior planning (closed vs. open), site planning, and other factors. Use qualied acoustical consultants for analysis of high noise outdoor environments such as airport areas, industrial facilities, and highways. The STC ratings shown are guidelines only.These situations require, typically, double layer construction with resilient connections between layers or, preferably, structurally independent,room-within-a-room constructions.The level of continuous background noise, such as that provided by the HVAC system or an electronic masking system, has a signicant impact on the quality of construction selected and must be coordinated with the other design parameters.
Part 3 Execution
3.01 Inspection and Preparation
A. Examine substrates and conditions under which insulation work is to be performed.A satisfactory substrate is one that complies with requirements of the section in which substrate and related work is specied. B. Obtain installers written report listing conditions detrimental to performance of work in this section. Do not proceed with installation until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected. C. Clean substrates of substances harmful to insulation.
1.06 Limitations
A. Do not use unfaced insulation in exposed applications where there is potential for skin contact and irritation.
1.03 References
A. ASTM Standards 1. E 90, Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions 2. E 413, Rating Sound Insulation 3. E 84,Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials 4. E 119, Method for Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials 5. E 136,Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750C 6. C 518,Test Method for Steady State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter 7. C 665, Specication for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing
Part 2 Products
2.01 Manufacturer
Name of insulation manufacturer
2.02 Material
Specify name of ber glass insulation. A. Type: Unfaced glass ber acoustical insulation complying with ASTM C 665. B. Combustion Characteristics: Passes ASTM E 136 test. C. Surface Burning Characteristics: 1. Maximum ame spread: 25. 2. Maximum smoke developed: 50 When tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.* D. Fire Resistance Ratings: Passes ASTM E 119 test. E. Sound Transmission Class of the assembly: STC______ F. Size of the insulation Thickness__ Width__ Length__
1.04 Submittals
Product Data: Submit manufacturers product literature, samples and installation instructions for specied insulation.
Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., single layer 12" gypsum board each side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR.
Variation Construction Finish* 1 1A 2" GB Single No insulation 5 Single 1B 8" Type X GB No insulation 5 1C 8" Type X GB Single (312"-4") ber glass batt 1D Studs 24" o.c. Single 5 8" Type X GB 1 (3 2"-4") ber glass batt STC 35 34 38 (est.) 40 (est.)
Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., double layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction 1 3A 2" Type X GB No insulation 3B Studs 24" o.c. 1 2" Type X GB No insulation Finish* Balanced Balanced
Balanced Finish
STC 39 39 Fire Rating 1 hr. (est.) 1 hr. (est.)
Single Finish
Fire Rating 1 2 hr. 1 hr. 1 hr. 1 hr.
STC-50
(Figure 4)
STC-40
(Figure 2)
Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., with resilient channel, single layer 58" Type X gypsum each side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr. Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., single layer 12" gypsum board one side, double layer other side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 Unbal. 2A 2" GB No insulation 5 2B 8" Type X GB Unbal. No insulation 5 2C 8" Type X GB Unbal. (312"-4") ber glass batt Variation Construction Finish* 1 4A 2" GB Single No insulation 5 4B 8" Type X GB Single No insulation 1 4C 2" GB Single (312"-4") ber glass batt 4D Studs 24" o.c. Single 5 8" Type X GB (312"-4") ber glass batt STC 39 40 47 52
Single Finish
Fire Rating NR 1 hr. NR 1 hr.
Unbalanced Finish
STC 38 Fire Rating NR
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant.)
Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., with resilient channel, single layer 12" gypsum board one side, double layer other side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 5A 2" GB Unbal. No insulation 5 Unbal. 5B 8" Type X GB No insulation 5C Studs 24" o.c. Unbal. 1 2" GB 1 (3 2"-4") ber glass batt
Unbalanced Finish
STC 44 48 (est.) 55 Fire Rating NR 1 hr. NR
Staggered 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., 2x6 top and bottom plates, single layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side, two thicknesses (212") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction Finish* 1 7A 2" GB Single No insulation Single 7B 458" Type X GB No insulation 1 7C 2" GB Single One thickness of (312"-4") ber glass batt 5 7D 8" Type X GB Single Two thicknesses of 1 (2 2") ber glass batt 7E Studs 24" o.c. Single 1 2" Type X GB One thickness of (312"-4") ber glass batt STC 39 3 49 51(est.) 52
Single Finish
Fire Rating NR 1 hr. NR 1 hr. 1 hr. (est.)
STC-55 (est.)
(Figure 6)
STC-53
(Figure 8)
Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., with resilient channel, double layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction Finish* 1 6A 2" Type X GB Balanced No insulation 6B Studs 24" o.c. Balanced 1 2" Type X GB 1 (3 2"-4") ber glass batt
Balanced Finish
STC 52 57 Fire Rating 1 hr 1 hr. (est.)
Staggered 2x4 wood studs, 24" o.c., 2x6 top and bottom plates single layer 12" gypsum board one side, double layer other side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 8A 2" GB Unbal. No insulation 8B Studs 16" o.c. Unbal. 1 2" GB (312"-4") ber glass batt
Unbalanced Finish
STC 47 51 Fire Rating NR NR
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant).
Staggered 2x4 wood studs,24" o.c.,double layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side,one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr. (est.)
Variation Construction Finish* 1 9A 2" Type X GB Balanced No insulation 9B Studs 16" o.c. Balanced 1 2" Type X GB (312"-4") ber glass batt 9C Studs 16" o.c. Balanced 5 8" Type X GB 1 (3 2"-4") ber glass batt
Balanced Finish
STC 52 53 53 Fire Rating 1 hr. (est.) 1 hr. (est.) 2 hr.
Double 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., single layer 12" Type X gypsum board one side, double layer other side, two thicknesses (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction Finish* 1 11A 2" GB Unbal. No insulation 5 Unbal. 11B 8" Type X GB No insulation 1 11C 2" GB Unbal. One thickness of 1 (3 2"-4") ber glass batt 11D Studs 24" o.c. Unbal. 1 2" GB Two thicknesses of (312"-4") ber glass batt
Unbalanced Finish
STC 46 52 56 64 Fire Rating NR 1 hr. NR NR
STC-63
(Figure 12)
Double 2x4 wood studs,16" o.c.,single layer 12" Type X gypsum board one side,two thicknesses (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction Finish* 1 10A 2" GB, No insulation Single 5 10B 8" Type X GB Single No insulation 1 10C 2" GB. One thickness Single of (312"-4") ber glass batt 5 10D 8" Type X GB Single One thickness of 1 (3 2"-4") ber glass batt 10E Studs 24" o.c., 12" GB Single One thickness of (312- 4") ber glass batt 10F Studs 24" o.c., 12" GB Single Two thicknesses of (312"-4") ber glass batt STC 46 45 56 56 56 60
Single Finish
Fire Rating NR 1 hr. NR 1 hr. NR NR
Double 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., double layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side, two thicknesses (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction Finish* 12A 1/2" Type X GB Balanced No insulation 12B 12" Type X GB Balanced One thickness of (312"-4") ber glass batt 12C Studs 24" o.c. Balanced 1 2" GB One thickness of (312"-4") ber glass batt
Balanced Finish
STC 54 64 65 Fire Rating 1 hr. 1 hr. NR
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant.)
10
212" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 12" gypsum board each side, one thickness (212"-234") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 13A 2" GB Single No insulation 5 Single 13B 8" Type X GB No insulation 5 13C 8" Type X GB Single (212"-234") ber glass batt STC 36 39 47
212" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., double layer 1 2" gypsum board each side, one thickness (212"-234") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 15A 2" Type X GB Balanced No insulation 5 Balanced 15B 8" Type X GB No insulation 5 15C 8" Type X GB Balanced (212"-234") ber glass batt
Balanced Finish
STC 45 48 57 Fire Rating 2 hr. 2 hr. 2 hr.
Single Finish
Fire Rating NR 1 hr. 1 hr.
(Figure 16)
212" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 12" gypsum board each side, double layer other side, one thickness (212"-234") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 14A 2" GB Unbal. No insulation 5 14B 8" Type X GB Unbal. No insulation 5 14C 8" Type X GB Unbal. (212"-234") ber glass batt.
358" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction Finish* 1 16A 2" GB Single No insulation 5 16B 8" Type X GB Single No insulation 5 16C 8" Type X GB Single (312"-4") ber glass batt. STC 39 39 50
Single Finish
Fire Rating NR 1 hr. 1 hr.
Unbalanced Finish
STC 39 44 52 Fire Rating NR 1 hr. 1 hr.
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant).
11
Exterior Walls
STC-47 (Figure 19)
358" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 12" gypsum board one side, double layer other side, one thickness (312"4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - NR
Variation Construction Finish* 1 17A 2" GB Unbal. No insulation 5 Unbal. 17B 8" Type X GB No insulation 5 17C 8" Type X GB Unbal. (312"-4") ber glass batt
Unbalanced Finish
STC 42 47 55 Fire Rating NR 1 hr. 1 hr.
Exterior frame wall, 58"x10" redwood siding 12" sheathing, 2x4 studs, 16" o.c., resilient channel, 12" gypsum board, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction 19A No insulation 19B No resilient channel (312"-4") ber glass batt 19C No resilient channel No insulation STC 43 39 37 Fire Rating NR NR NR
STC-56
358" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., double layer 12" Type X gypsum board each side, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire rating - 2 hr
Variation Construction Finish* 1 18A 2" Type X GB Balanced No insulation 5 18B 8" Type X GB Balanced No insulation 18C 5/8" Type X GB Balanced (312"-4") ber glass batt
Balanced Finish
STC 50 52 58 Fire Rating 2 hr. 2 hr. 2 hr.
Exterior 78" stucco, 1" woven mesh and no.15 felt paper and, 2x4 studs, 16" o.c., resilient channel, 12" gypsum board, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction 20A No insulation 20B No resilient channel (312"-4") ber glass batt STC 49 46 Fire Rating NR NR
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant.)
12
Exterior brick veneer, 12" air space, 34" insulative sheathing, 2x4 studs, 16" o.c., resilient channel, 12" gypsum board, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction 21A No insulation 21B No resilient channel (312"-4") ber glass batt STC 54 56 Fire Rating NR NR
Exterior 716"x10" hardwood lap siding, 716" foil faced foam sheathing, 2x6 studs, 16" o.c., 12" gypsum board, one thickness (512") ber glass batt insulation. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction 23A No insulation 23B With resilient channel (512") ber glass batt STC 38 45 Fire Rating NR NR
STC-40
(Figure 22)
Exterior 716"x10" hardwood lap siding 716" foil faced foam sheathing, 2x4 studs, 16" o.c., 12" gypsum board, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction 22A No insulation Finish* STC 36 Fire Rating NR
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant).
13
Wood Floor Carpet and pad, 38" particle board, 58" plywood suboor, 2x10 joists 16" o.c., one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation, resilient channel, 12" Type X gypsum board. Fire Rating - 1 hr.
Variation Construction IIC 25A No resilient channel 60 No insulation 1 25B 2" plywood oor 72 5 8" plywood suboor 25C Vinyl oor 49 instead of carpet and pad STC 42 50 50 Fire Rating NR NR NR
Steel Joist Floor Carpet and pad, 34" T&G plywood subwood suboor, steel joists (714", 18 ga.) 24" o.c., one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation, resilient channel, 58" gypsum board. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction IIC 27A No resilient channel 57 No insulation STC 43 Fire Rating NR
STC-51 IIC-78
(Figure 28)
STC-58 IIC-74
(Figure 26)
Concrete Floor Carpet and pad, 112" lightweight concrete oor, 58" plywood suboor, 2x10 joists 16" o.c., one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation, resilient channel, 12" Type X gypsum board. Fire Rating - 1 hr. est.
Variation Construction IIC 26A No resilient channel 59 No insulation 26B 2x8 joists, 74 158" lightweight concrete oor 26C 2x8 joists, 47 Vinyl oor instead of carpet and pad STC 47 53 50 Fire Rating NR NR NR
Plywood Floor Carpet and pad, 58" plywood oor, 2" x 3" furring, 12" sound deadening board, 12" plywood suboor, 2x8 wood joists, one thickness (312"- 4") ber glass batt insulation, 58" Type X gypsum board. Fire Rating - NR
Variation Construction 28A With vinyl oor instead of carpet and pad IIC 49 STC 52 Fire Rating NR
* Single one wall nish each side Unbalanced one wall nish one side, two wall nishes other side Balanced two wall nishes each side. Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs of 1-2 dB on identical congurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as non-discernible at best, which is insignicant.)
14
is desired.
s Use doors of solid wood or insulated cores wher-
BETTER
Solid rubber strip Rubber tube
Apt. A
Apt. B
BEST
Windows
s Minimize the size of windows facing noisy areas. s Separate windows to reduce cross-talk. s Arrange casement windows so sound is not
1/8 Glass
Siding
Brick veneer
weather-stripped.
s Use thick glass, insulating glass or storm windows to
POOR Fixed windows
7/16 3-Ply laminated glass Felt or rubber perim. gaskets 1/4 Plate glass Felt or rubber perim. gaskets
FAIR
7/32 Plate glass Perim. acoustic lining
Resil. Channel
GOOD
VERY GOOD
Wiring
s Wire each apartment as a unit; avoid penetration
Dishwasher
Flexible loop drapes in position
Isolation mounts
15
Electrical Outlets
s Cut holes neatly to reduce leaks. s Make sure outlets are airtight by using elastic,
Switch or electrical outlet. Use quiet type light switches throughout apts., particularly in party walls.
Electrical outlets
Antenna outlets
DONT
Ceiling Fixtures
s Surface mount any ceiling xtures on resiliently
Floor assembly
air tight.
s Dont use recessed or hi-hat type xtures with-
Spring mounting
Suspended ceiling
Glass
Caulk edges
DO
Floor assembly
Wood baffle
Fluorescent light
Spring mounting
Glass
Suspended ceiling
DO
Floor assembly
Spring mounting
Light fixture bridges across ceiling and joist thus shorting spring mount
Suspended ceiling
DONT
16
Plumbing
s Design pipe runs with swing arms so expansion and
AIR CHAMBER
Metal hanger
minimize whistling.
s Select quiet air conditioners with balanced fans
and motors.
s Select quiet external ballast on uorescent xtures.
17
liners to quiet fan noise and the sounds of air rushing through the ducts. See chart below for an acoustical comparison between uninsulated (bare) ducts and various types of insulated ducts. For more information on insulated duct systems contact NAIMA and request a copy of publication number: AH121, A Guide to Insulated Duct Systems.
Acoustic lining
125
250
.1 .2 .3 .4
.1 .2 .7
.1 .2
.1 .2
.1 .2
.1 .2
(1 thick)3 Very signicant reduction. Perceived noise reduced to less than 12 original level. 1.Version 1.1, 1978 ASHRAE Transactions,Vol 84, Part 1, p.122 2.ASHRAE HVAC Systems & Applications HandBook, 1987, Ch. 52 3. Noise Control Manual, O.C. 6th Edition, 1986
Medicine Cabinets
s Separate or surface mount medicine cabinets or
Cabinet
Cabinet
DO - Stagger
Cabinet
Cabinet
DO - Surface Mounting
Avoid recessed, back-to-back mounting of cabinets in party walls
Cabinet
Cabinet
DONT
18
Equipment Noise
s Locate heating and cooling equipment far from
Living room Bath Bedroom
bedrooms.
s Inquire about equipment noise levels before buying
Dining room
Kitchen
Bedroom
outside or use a gasketed, solid-core door when access is from building interior
s Mount equipment so as to keep vibrations from
Balcony
POOR
Living room
Bath
Bedroom
Wall Bases
s Install plates on sill sealers; run wall nish to oor
Balcony
BETTER
Cracks in Floor
s Seal all cracks in the suboor airtight with caulking.
Dining room Kitchen Bedroom
Balcony
BEST
Ceiling
Floor
19
Glossary
Absorption The ability of a material to absorb rather than reect sound waves striking it by converting sound energy to heat energy within the material. Acoustics The science of sound, including its production, transmission and effects. Airborne Sound Sound, produced by vibrating sources that radiate sound directly into the air, which is transmitted through air as a medium rather than through solids or the structure of the building. Background Noise Normal sound always present in a space created either by outdoor sounds such as street traffic or indoor sounds such as ventilating noise, appliances, etc. Decibel Logarithmic unit expressing the ratio between a given sound being measured and a reference point. Discontinuous Construction Any of several construction methods, such as the use of staggered studs, double walls, or resilient mounting of surfaces, used to break the continuous paths through which sound may be transmitted. Flanking Paths A wall or oor/ceiling construction that permits sound to be transmitted along its surface; or any opening which permits the direct transmission of sound through the air. Frequency The number of complete cycles of a vibration performed in one second, measured in cycles per second (cps) and expressed in Hertz (Hz). Hertz (Hz) A unit of frequency of a periodic process equal to one cycle per second. Impact Insulation Class (IIC) A single number rating developed by the Federal Housing Administration to estimate the impact sound isolation performance of oor/ceiling systems. Noise Unwanted sound. Noise Reduction Reducing the level of unwanted sound by any of several means of acoustical treatment. Noise Reduction Coefficient A single number index of the noise reducing efficiency of acoustical materials. It is found by averaging the sound absorption coefficients at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 cps. Sound A vibration in any elastic medium within the frequency range capable of producing the sensation of hearing. Sound Attenuation Reduction of the energy or intensity of sound. Sound Transmission The passage of sound through a material construction or other medium. Airborne Sound Transmission: Sound transmitted when a surface is set into vibration by the alternating air pressures of incident sound waves. Sound Transmission Class (STC) A single number rating for evaluating efficiency of constructions in isolating airborne sound transmission. The higher the STC rating the more efficient the construction. Transmission Loss The decrease or attenuation in sound energy (expressed in decibels) of airborne sound as it passes through a building construction.
20
Bibliography
CertainTeed Corp., Fire Resistance and Sound Control Guide. Available from CertainTeed Corp. P.O. Box 860, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482. Knauf Fiber Glass, The Sound Solution. Available from Knauf Fiber Glass, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Loney, W., Effect of Cavity Absorption on the Sound Transmission Loss of Steel Stud Gypsum Wallboard Partitions, The Journal of Acoustical Society of America, Vol. 49, No.2, 1971. Loney, W., Effect of Cavity Absorption and Multiple Layers of Wallboard on the Sound Transmission Loss of Steel Stud Gypsum Wallboard Partitions, The Journal of Acoustical Society of America,Vol. 53, No. 6, 1973. Halliwell. R. E. and Quirt, J. D., Controlling Interoffice Sound Transmission Through a Suspended Ceiling, The Journal of Acoustical Society of America,Vol. 90, Sept. 1991. NAHB Research Foundation, Inc., Insulation Manual/Home, Apartments - Second Edition. Available from NAIMA, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310,Alexandria, VA 22314. Office of Noise Control, California Department of Health Services, Catalog of STC and IIC Ratings for Wall and Floor/Ceiling Assemblies, 2151 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, California 94704. Owens Corning, Noise Control Design in Residential Construction. 1980.Available from Owens Corning, One Owens Corning Parkway,Toledo, OH 43659. Johns Manville, Sound Control. Available from Johns Manville, PO Box 5108, Denver, Colorado 80217. The American Institute of Architects, Architectural Graphic Standards, Seventh Edition, Sound Isolation Design Criteria Table. Ramsey/Sleeper, Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. U.S. Department of Commerce, NBC HandBook 119, Quieting: A Practical Guide to Noise Control, July 1976. Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, DC 20002. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, Acoustical and Thermal Performance of Exterior Residential Walls, Doors and Windows. NBS Building Sciences 77, November 1975.Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, DC 20002.
21