Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager from Knauf Insulation, provides three top tips for using insulation to create quieter, healthier and more productive buildings.
Go beyond the regulations
Building occupants can be disturbed by noise, leading to poor concentration and – in very severe cases – illness. Approved Document E of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) states that the build-ups of dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes should provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and adjoining buildings. Other regulations detail the complex acoustic requirements for schools, hospitals, and healthcare buildings. In fact, you only need one roll to soundproof the additional internal partitions not specified under Approved Document E during the new build construction of a three-bedroom home with minimal labour. For a busy family, it’s an inexpensive way to transform the way they use their home. For technical advice about the specific acoustic requirements of your project, talk to your insulation manufacturer.
Choose specialist acoustic insulation
For acoustic applications, always use a product designed to reduce noise. Some insulation materials do not absorb sound and will reflect it back or let it pass through the build-up.
Rigid insulation boards, for example, have a closed structure that doesn’t absorb sound, so noise reverberates back as echoes. Instead, use Mineral Wool that has been specifically developed for acoustic performance, such as Knauf Insulation’s Acoustic Roll. Mineral Wool has an open structure that absorbs sound, helping to create quieter buildings.
A good fit ensures the best performance
To ensure optimum performance, acoustic insulation must be installed correctly. Slabs or rolls should be butted tightly together and friction fitted between the building elements. This will ensure there are no unintended air gaps that will allow the transmission of sound, disturbing occupants.
For further information on Knauf Insulation visit https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/
