Around half of the population of Great Britain is exposed to more than the recommended World Health Organisation daytime noise levels of 55dB when at home – a fact which suggests more should be done to soundproof residences in new developments according to Sound Service Oxford Ltd (http://www.soundservice.co.uk) specialist suppliers of soundproofing and sound absorbing materials.
“Noise pollution is at best an irritant when trying to relax at home, at worst it can have repercussions on relationships with neighbours, disrupt sleep and have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the person exposed to the excess sound,” said Tom Sykes, Development Manager, Sound Service (Oxford) Ltd.
All newly constructed buildings or properties being developed for a change of purpose must comply with Part E building regulations, updated in 2003 to impose more stringent guidelines on property soundproofing.
Despite new build houses and flats being built with the correct materials, noise irritants can remain such as music from neighbouring properties, shouting and passing traffic. Airborne and impact noise can be significantly reduced with the use of specialist products installed during the initial development.
“There are a number of additional measures that developers and constructors can take to provide an even lower level of sound and noise pollution, above and beyond the legal requirements set out in the Part E building legislation,”
Sound Service Oxford Ltd offer acoustic grade Mineral Wool for floor, wall and ceiling cavities. The wool is designed to absorb airborne sound in a similar way to a sponge absorbing water, while thin steel channels for walls and ceilings allows a new wall or ceiling to be de-coupled from the vibrating surface, reducing both vibration and impact noise penetration.
To cut out louder noises such as music and render the interior of the residence a soothing and quiet respite from the outside world, mineral loaded soundproofing mats can be installed alongside Sound Service Oxford Ltd’s resilient steel bars before final rendering is carried out on the building walls. The soundproofing mat is sandwiched between two layers of plasterboard which in turn are screwed into the bars. Normally fixed to original panels of metal, wood and plasterboard etc, this acoustic mat is particularly effective at improving the sound insulation value of timber floors and stud partitions.
For more information about Sound Service Oxford Ltd and to see the full range of soundproofing and sound absorption products, please visit http://www.soundservice.co.uk
