The main Sound Proofing Elements
Coupled Wall Construction
We often get asked ‘how can we improve our soundproofing on our development. The first thing to understand is the basic of soundproofing design and construction. If you understand the basics, you’ll have a more educated view point in regards to the way sound and vibration behaves within your new dwellings. Basically, we want to stop sound and vibration through the walls and floors of your development and one of the best ways of doing this is avoiding coupled wall construction. In general, we are trying to stop vibrations from getting to “your” side of the wall or ceiling.
The plate below shows a typical wall and noise problems associated with it. With this type of construction noise transference is a big problem. If there is even moderate levels of noise on one side of the wall the chances are you will hear it.
If you look at the red arrows in the above diagram it clearly shows how sound is conducted from one side of the wall to the other. As the wall elements are firmly fixed against each other, i.e. the plasterboard is rigidly connected to the timber, the vibration conducts straight through the whole wall construction.
If you look at the blue waves this indicates airborne transmission. The plasterboard is vibrating back and forth which produces a sound wave in the wall cavity. This, in turn, vibrates the plasterboard on the opposite side of the wall. the whole construction acts like a huge diaphragm or like a large speaker with both sides of the wall vibrating in unison, which is not ideal.
Our next blog will explain how we can reduce noise transmission by decoupling the wall construction. if you would like more information on our sound testing or acoustic design services please contact us now at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call Darren direct on 07775623464.