Technical Focus

HOW TO IMPROVE ACOUSTIC STANDARDS IN CONSTRUCTION

Life during lockdown and the densification of our cities has highlighted how many structures simply aren’t fit for purpose when it comes to acoustic solutions and sound management. In this article, Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics, looks at what can be done to improve acoustic standards in construction.

Most modern structures strive for sustainability and fire safety excellence, yet acoustics is an area often overlooked. The problem is widespread – spaces may look beautiful, but are, in fact, uncomfortable and noisy – a far cry from the harmonious environments designers set out to create.

The problem is now endemic and synonymous with modern-day buildings – many of us struggle to work or relax because acoustic solutions haven’t been given the attention they deserve. For those living and working in these types of settings, the situation can become dire, leading to long-term health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, heart attacks and even strokes.

Raising the bar

So how can contractors and architects overcome these issues around noise and sound control? Tackling noise from above is one of the most common sources of complaints. Building Regulations Document E sets minimum standards for soundproofing residential buildings in England and Wales, however, while these ensure new builds and conversions comply, the standards don’t apply to existing dwellings, leaving hundreds of thousands of previously-built properties with inadequate sound insulation.

When noise from above is a problem, the simplest solution is to create an isolated ceiling using acoustic hangers, which work by absorbing the vibrations that cause the transfer of unwanted noise between floors. With the right acoustic hanger, you can install an isolated ceiling entirely from the room below with no disruption to the room above, and with minimum ceiling height loss (as little as 6mm).

Specifiers should always look for fire safety accreditation – acoustic hangers should come with a BRE fire rating of over 90 minutes and be compliant with British Building Regulations Approved Document E for airborne and impact sound.

Acoustic sprays: reducing reverberation

Excessive sound reverberation is another reason for poor acoustics, particularly within office space and warehouse environments. Open spaces that contain hard surfaces allow sound energy to ‘bounce’ creating ‘echo chambers’. This can make communication difficult, as well as lead to prementioned health risks.

Developers looking to tackle this problem can do so with fire-rated acoustic sprays. From deliberately textured to plaster smooth, seamless acoustic sprays and plasters can be quickly applied to ceilings and walls for quality acoustic finishes without design compromise. Coloured options are also available, which can speed up refurbs as there’s no need for redecoration and will also minimise the need for repair over time, and help offset the cost.

With fire safety now a major focus, acoustic sprays that go beyond Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS 476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating) will offer reassurance that, should an event occur, the acoustic spray would provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe escape of occupants.

These acoustic systems also allow complete flexibility with Cat A and Cat B configuration allowing for dividing structures, such as office pods, to be brought in without disrupting the acoustic spray finish on the ceiling above.

A high-quality spray is also extremely versatile, moulding to any surface shape and will bond to virtually all common construction materials including plaster, wood, metal and concrete.

Prioritising health of occupants

According to space wellness expert, WELL, it advocates the use of acoustic materials that can absorb sound “to support concentration and reduce reverberation”. In its V2 WELL-accreditation document, ‘sound-reducing surfaces’ are listed and awards two points to buildings that have undergone a specialist treatment, such as an acoustic finish.

With sustainability now a major focus, environmental benefits should also be considered. Acoustic sprays made of recycled, natural plantbased fibres and specialist water-based adhesives can contribute towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project.

This can even improve business rates. In a recent report, The Impact of Sustainability on Value by JLL, new Grade A office buildings in central London with a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ or better, achieved higher rents than those without a rating.

Understanding the regs

It’s never been more important for built environment professionals to understand current regulations, which is why we’ve included a quickreference, go-to guide:

Noise regulations checklist

Minimum standards for soundproofing residential buildings in England and Wales For dwellings: Building Regulations Document E1

Control of Noise at Work Regulations: Sound levels should be no higher than: - Daily or weekly exposure of 87 dB - Peak sound pressure of 140 dB2 . Under the regulations, the internal airborne sound resistance inside any dwelling must be a minimum of 40 dB. It applies to walls and upper floors between bedrooms and other rooms. There is one exception: any wall that has a door in it and walls to en-suite bathrooms.

For impact sound such as footsteps, jumping and dropped objects, a maximum impact sound transmittance level of 62 dB is set for floors and stairs in new builds. A maximum of 64 dB is set for conversion projects. 

Sources 1https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/ resistance-to-sound-approveddocument-e 2https://www.hse.gov.uk/ pUbns/priced/l108.pdf

www.oscar-acoustics.co.uk