There is a system approach to multi-family noise control, and the architect’s role in the process is to specify systems that meet the noise control expectations of the future owners as defined by the developer. No one wants to live in a place that is called “LUXURY,” only to find that the neighbors are from the LOUD FAMILY. Designing to noise control expectations is tricky and taking time to judge who will be occupying the units is an important role. KEENE understands the important distinction between a loft apartment in an urban area selling for millions, verses a student housing project. We have designed noise control systems that allow the architect to build to those dramatically different expectations. Our services have often included specialized lab testing of special assemblies. We’ve provided this type of service on many projects around the country.
Quiet Qurl® is the most innovative product in noise control today, and we have new systems that change the common approach from the previous decade. We have many architectural options,
including:
- moisture control fabric top (MC) patented by KEENE.
- a new reinforced fiberglass separation layer for thin pours (RF).
- a new muffling technology enhancement, MT option for high performance in a 0.25".
All are designed for use with underlayments such as gypsum concrete and lightweight concrete.
The latest trend in noise control and underlayment is in two directions – thin and code-compliant and high performance in the thinnest application. That has always meant products a quarter inch thick in wood frame applications where the typical installation includes a thick gypsum concrete underlayment for fire purposes. In this case, the economics are driving systems to the thinnest possible configuration. Today for code compliance, underlayment and sound mat systems were typically 1.25”. The new noise control systems move the total thickness to below an inch. With today’s products, the system is a 3mm sound mat made from entangled net to limit touching and air pressure, and a 0.75” underlayment. Thin, and still a win.
Once again, thin is important in a high-performance noise control system, so the new systems in sound control and underlayment incorporate a 0.25” composite mat and a 1.0” gypsum underlayment. The high-performance system in this case performs at the same level as the “luxury” systems that were 2.25” in total – high-performance in the standard 1.25” overall dimension.
Since the national specification for multi-family adopted an impact
noise control standard many differing products have been
introduced. An economical system with code performance in
all finishes has not been available in an overall one-inch system.
KEENE developed the
RF noise control product line to reinforce the gypsum concrete in
less-than-one-inch applications. This fiberglass fabric and scrim
combination separation layer increases the tensile strength of the
gypsum concrete by up to 20%, allowing for a thinner pour. KEENE
provides tested noise control systems with a 0.75” gypsum thickness for use with the
same Quiet Qurl® 55/025 that has been installed since 2002.
Additionally, KEENE has created a new sound mat, Quiet Qurl® 52/013 that
achieves code with a 0.125” mat and is designed to be used with 0.75”
gypsum concrete pour.
Since sound mats have become popular, thicker
materials were specified in order to improve performance. Finally, KEENE introduced a breakthrough
product that performs at “LUXURY” levels in a 0.25” thickness. The key
to the product performance is the creation of a diffusion layer in the
proprietary MT fabric.
Vibration transfers through a floor assembly in a similar manner to
insulation through conduction and convection. Consequently, the
quantity of touching or amount of void between the subfloor and the
finish is one indicator of how a product will perform. Secondarily, when
there is void space, the air pressure buildup efficiently transfers the
vibration wave, especially at the low frequencies. Through diffusion
of air, the path is circuitous or muffled. KEENE calls this
MT for
Muffling Technology Enhancement.
Ceiling isolation is as important to noise control as the floor isolation system. Unfortunately, the bottom side remains a weak link. Acousticians and architects design ceiling systems properly, but many problems occur during installation.
The ACOUSTICAL ASSURANCE™ product line off noise control products addresses all of the common installation problems above. RC Assurance™ and Space Assurance™ are cost-effective products that take the difficulty out of ceiling isolation.
RC Assurance™ positions the resilient channel properly and prevents short-circuiting.
Space Assurance™ proactively creates the space required around the perimeter of the ceiling/wall interface while eliminating the need for caulk.
See what noise control products we have to offer today!