Acoustics

AcousticsThe typical noises a person produces on a daily basis are getting louder every year. Research at Sheffield Hallam University discovered that the city was twice as loud in 2001 as it was 10 years earlier and that some parts of the city were 10 times worse off. However, the main anti-noise legislation, the Environmental Protection Act of 1990, cannot help because its unclear definition of ‘noise nuisance’ is very hard to satisfy and as a result only 40 complaints made under the Act lead to a noise abatement order. The current legislation does not reflect the fact that most noise is ordinary, everyday stuff created by people during the course of their daily lives.As a semi-detached property owner, cutting-out the sound from noisy neighbours by filling the wall cavity with insulation might not be the best solution you could opt for. The vast majority of problems are caused by party walls and floors – if we are to take in consideration the wooden floors, which can triple the noise level in decibels in comparison with the carpet or rugs.Sound travels at diverse frequencies. For example, loud music produces frequencies, whilst babies crying produces high frequencies. As a result, this dictates the density of the best materials to use: for low frequencies it is recommended to increase the mass or density of the material you require. The products specified below are intended to provide you with an effective solution for your noise problems:

• Acoustic plaster system (Armourcoat) – is designed to optimise the acoustics of interior spaces through the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such as glass, wood and stone can produce excessive sound reverberation which frequently leads to unpleasant noise levels. The acoustic plaster system offers a clean flat and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces and offers excellent sound absorption.
• Hardrock Multi-Fix insulation (Rockwool) - is a multipurpose flat roof solution with acoustic and fire resistance properties, which can be used in conjunction with infills and acoustic membranes in order to achieve a high performance, acoustic flat roof system.
• Heradesign ceilings (Knauf AMF) – is a high-class acoustic system based on wood wool for ceiling and wall installations in order to provide a sustainable, acoustically optimised solution.
• Acoustic spray (Oscar Acoustics) – is an acoustic ceiling and wall finish, with built-in treatment for fire and mould resistance, which is sprayed directly to most substrates such as concrete, plasterboard, GRP, steel, glass, expanded polystyrene and will maintain its fire rating. Additionally, it can be manufactured to your own colour requirement
• Acoustic panels (Autex Acoustics) – are the most efficient solution to controlling reverberated noise. They are usually made from polyester fibres with no chemical binders and contain no irritants, whilst providing highly durable long-term stability and are fire rated under EN1351-1:2007. They also come in decorative, functional and durable interior finishes, suited for overlaying directly on your chosen surface or choose to incorporate one of their backing options to provide a selectable range of acoustic absorption.