Introduction to Building Acoustics

Home
» Domestic Soundproofing
» Introduction to Building Acoustics

Want to know a little more about building acoustics?

On this page, you'll find an introduction to building acoustics and some solutions to the most common noise problems faced by residents.

Building acoustics can be a very complex subject. However, if you're a resident with noise problems, you're unlikely to be interested in the fine detail and the confusing terminology associated with building acoustics. Instead, you'll be thinking in terms of apparent loudness and about what the improvement will be.

The building acoustics table below should help:

Improvement	Change in apparent loudness
3dB	Noticeable
5dB	Good Improvement
10dB	Halved

If you do want to delve down into the detail of building acoustics, it's important to compare like with like when looking at test data. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing building acoustics results from laboratory tests with those produced in real conditions on site. That's because reproducing perfect acoustic laboratory conditions is impossible in your home. Typically, a construction tested under laboratory conditions will be around 5dBs better than the same construction tested on site.

Let's look at some particular building acoustics issues. If you can't see yours, please contact our helpful technical staff on 01204 380074 or by email at info@soundreduction.co.uk.

Building acoustics – acoustic insulation

Effectively controlling noise depends on understanding the difference between sound absorption and sound insulation, as the two are often confused. Sound absorption describes the amount of reverberation within a room and its effect on sound quality and intelligibility. Sound insulation describes the actual reduction in sound travelling from one area to another through a wall, floor or ceiling. Sound transmission in buildings results from both airborne and impact noise

Building acoustics – airborne noise

In building acoustics, airborne sound is typically generated from sources such as voices, hi-fi systems or TV sets. It travels through the air into the structure of a building, and out again into adjoining rooms.

Airborne Sound Transmission

Building Acoustics - Impact Noise

In building acoustics, impact noise differs from airborne noise and comes from impact from feet, moving furniture and dropped items.

Impact Sound Transmission

Be careful!

Any improvement you achieve in your home using sound insulating material will vary according to the quality of the installation and the existing structure of your home. Airtightness is key to effective sound insulation, because sound is a lot like water – it can leak out through any holes or gaps. That's why installers must ensure that constructions are properly sealed. Flanking is another issue in building acoustics. This happens when sound travels around a wall, floor or ceiling, taking an acoustically weak path.

Flanking Sound Transmission

Decibels (dB)

Decibels are the unit of measurement of sound intensity, pressure or power. In relation to sound insulation, they're a measurement of level reduction. The decibel is measured as a logarithmic unit and a doubling or halving of apparent loudness is indicated by an increase or decrease of 10dB.

For more information about building acoustics and soundproofing solutions, talk to the SRS Ltd technical team on 01204 380074 – we're always happy to chat about soundproofing.