Great article by SoundProofCow about the various ways sound is rated. Includes Sound Transmission Class (STC), Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Loss (STL).
https://www.soundproofcow.com/understanding-various-sound-ratings
If you would like more information about sound ratings, please contact us.
Ever notice how wonderful the world sounds after a snow fall? Well that’s due to the porous nature of snow acting almost exactly like open cell foam which is an excellent absorber of sound waves. Interesting though that once snow get a frozen “top” it then reflects all sound and the world gets noisier! Fun facts….
Computer data center are all the rage these days. With AI processing needs growing at an alarming rate, the #1 concern for most nearby residence is the increase noise of cooling units. There is much that can be done to mitigate these noise, with the proper planning. Noise absorption and blocking materials along with sensible location planning can mostly address these concerns.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985025000262
Quiet Communities is working to protect our health, environment, and quality of life from outdoor and indoor sources of environmental noise & related pollution.
Mineral foam that’s thinner than previous materials might help with your outdoor noise blocking.
https://www.foxnews.com/tech/ultra-thin-sound-blocker-cuts-traffic-noise-dramatically
Pickleball, Pickleball, Pickleball, Pickleball! Seems to be growing in poularity expoenetially. But with more players comes more noise. Consider a fence mounted quilted fiberglass absorber with an outdoor rating. You got to have a fence anyway right?
Presently most noise control solutions involve fiberglass core material whether encased in quilted vinyl or wrapped in polyester based fabrics. A newer solution has been PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) boards. These have incredibly vivid colors and while the acoustic performance is not as strong as the fiberglass, they can be constructed in manners that add art work instead of just absorption. Get in touch with us if you’d like more information on PET products.
Did you know that US Congress passed a law allowing for legal action to be taken against noise polluters and those that might cause “public harm” by generating noise beyond safe limits? The law establishes standards by which all government agencies can recognize and address offenders.
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-noise-control-act
This is an organization dedicated to getting rid of harmful noises and promoting better outdoor sound control. Looks like a worthy cause. Anything to increase the quiet!
There are two standard methods of installing acoustic panels for your noise control solutions. Impaling clips and Z-clips. The impaling clips are the easiest as they requite less precision and labor but are permanent and the removal of the panel may due some small damage to the wall surface. Z-clips allow for removal/replacement of the panel but require precise measurements in installation and may take 2x as much time to install. In our opinion, acoustic panels rarely (if ever) require replacement and when they are, are usually done in concert with an entire revamp of paint and/or drywall hence the impaling clips are the best method.