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Designing effective soundproofing for new build developments can be challenging. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution as each building has its own parameters which need to be considered when designing floor, wall and ceiling constructions.
Structural designs have to detail all of the correct information and materials have to be carefully selected to ensure all new build developments are fit for purpose and guarantee comfortable conditions, as stipulated by UK Building Regulations including Approved Document E (England & Wales), Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards (Scotland) and Approved Part G (Northern Ireland).
Not only that, but Architects, Designers and Clients need to fully understand how nuisance noises will affect a development, both internal and external sources. Different noise sources will have different impacts on a new build which in turn will affect design, material selection and specification procedure.
How does noise affect new build developments?
Noise is transmitted in new build developments by airborne and impact sound sources (also known as frequency waves). Airborne sources include speech, TV noise, music and general noise. Impact sound sources are sudden sound sources like footsteps. The other sound source that can allow sound to transmit through a construction is flanking transmission, which is where sound is transferred indirectly through adjoining structures e.g. impact sound may be transmitted between adjoining rooms through a timber floor as well as the supporting wall.
Nowadays, most modern new builds (in particularly residential developments) are constructed using a masonry cavity construction or a timber frame construction. Due to the different construction qualities and materials used, internal and external sound sources will affect these developments in different ways.
Masonry cavity constructions consist of an inner leaf of blockwork which support the floors and create internal and separating walls. These masonry constructions can be effective in reducing airborne noise sources due to the dense nature of the high mass masonry structures but are very prone to flanking noise issues that can cause the development to fail.
Timber frame constructions are made using load-bearing frames of treated timber, which makes up the floors and the internal and separating walls. Timber frame constructions can be effective in reducing impact noise sources and are a more cost-effective option than masonry cavity constructions, however can be prone to movement.
UK Building Regulations set out decisive criteria for sound insulation performance for all types of new builds, whether their purpose is residential, commercial, education, healthcare, industrial or leisure.
How to design effective soundproof solutions for new build developments
In order to comply with Approved Document E (England & Wales), Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards (Scotland) and Approved Part G (Northern Ireland) of the UK Building Regulations, all separating floors and walls in new build developments must be built in such a way as to achieve minimum sound insulation values (this also includes change of use and refurbishment projects).
The best way to create effective soundproofing for new build developments is to accommodate the acoustic solution early in the design process, and to gain expert acoustic advice. By doing these it will ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations, it will minimise any potential for failures and therefore reduces the need for costly and disruptive remedial measures later down the line.
The planning and design process requires Architects and Developers to consider the noise exposure of the residential development. Internal sources include building layout, separating wall and floor performance, reverberation control and room acoustics and sound protection from communal areas. External factors or noise sources include outside noises such as neighbours, road traffic, and other local influences.
Hush offers a wide range of Acoustic Systems (Wall, Ceiling, Concrete and Timber Floor) which exceed the requirements of UK Building Regulations. They are specialist systems which comprise of acoustic components put together by Hush to offer the best soundproofing solutions for masonry and timber floors. One such system is the HD1057 Masonry Acoustic System, which offers excellent acoustic performance for new builds with masonry wall construction. It uses a thin acoustic wall lining system meaning the system has a limited impact upon the design and internal spaces.
The HD1057 Masonry Acoustic System comprises of Hush Resilient Bars which are fitted directly to either side of a masonry wall. In-between the bars is fitted with Hush Slab 25 Sound Absorber and faced with Hush Wallboard, finally sealed using Hush Heavy Duty Isolation Tape.
The HD1054 Double Timber Stud Wall System provides effective soundproofing for timber frame new build developments and ensures compliance with UK Building Regulations. Two stud frames of 50 x 100mm are constructed to create new separating walls. The voids are filled with Hush Slab 100 Sound Absorber and then each frame is faced with two layers of 15mm Soundbloc Plasterboards.
Hush offers a wide range of acoustic products and systems which offer an effective and economical solution for new build developments and importantly achieve and exceed compliance with UK Building Regulations.
How can Hush Acoustics help with your new build development project?
Hush provides high quality acoustic products and systems backed by comprehensive technical advice that will ensure your new build development project complies with all UK Building Regulations including Approved Document E (England & Wales), Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards (Scotland) and Approved Part G (Northern Ireland), including Robust Details, BB93 and Code for Sustainable Homes parameters.
Hush’s soundproofing systems provide acoustic solutions for separating floors, ceilings and walls in new build projects, whether it be multi-occupancy or single dwelling premises. Our wide range of acoustic products includes Acoustic Underlay, Floating Flooring, Hush Absorber Panels, Suspended Ceilings, Resilient Bars, Flooring Battens and Supports, Joist Infills and many more.
If you need any information on Hush’s acoustic products and systems please browse the company website (www.hushacoustics.co.uk) or contact one of our experienced acoustic technicians on 0151 933 2026.