3 Misconceptions Of Sound & Acoustic Treatments

Shedding Light On The Top 3 Misconceptions Of Sound & Acoustic Treatments

You never notice when a space has bad acoustics. But a person without any sound experience can immediately detect a bad sound experience.?

Acoustics is one thing that you do not want to neglect in your remodel or build-out.

So as you dive into acoustic research to create an optimal space, you will likely come across some unfounded, yet contradicting, information.?

We understand this can be frustrating as much as it is time-consuming. To help you better understand the science of sound and acoustic treatments, we’re shedding light on the top 3 misconceptions:

• STC and NRC are the same
• All acoustic materials are flammable
• Diffusion does not matter when implementing acoustic design

While they are easy to believe, they are inaccurate.?

So why is there so much confusion around the topics??

1. Sound Transmission Class & Noise Reduction Coefficient Are Not The Same

When designing acoustics, the acronyms STC and NRC are sometimes thrown around interchangeably. And that’s because they both have acoustical properties. However, it’s essential to realize that to swap the terms with one another would be inherently false. Additionally, it would cause undue confusion with any vendors that you’re working with – designers, contractors, architects, architectural product suppliers, etc.?

Sound Transmission Class

Sound transmission class (STC) refers to how well a material stops sound waves from traveling from one room to another, or from the outside in. An example of this includes side-by-side hospital rooms. One may have a patient with several visitors speaking loudly, while the other remains quiet for the comfort of that patient. Another example would be the level of sound that travels from a busy street into an adjacent apartment. STC is the construction material located in between the walls.?

Noise Reduction Coefficient

Meanwhile, the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) increases the perceived clarity within the room by absorbing echoes. NRC is the acoustic treatment found around the space. It impacts the quality, clarity, and reverb – making it easier for people to hear what they need to when they want to.?

Wade Architectural Systems offers various materials to solve acoustical problems in a space, including wood, fabric, and felt acoustics. These materials create a stunning ambiance without neglecting the aesthetics. And they are generally easy to install.

Want to include sound-absorbing materials in your commercial construction project? Contact Wade to learn more.?

2. Not All Acoustic Materials Are Flammable

Once upon a time, most acoustic materials were flammable. But nowadays, it’s a case-by-case basis how combustible the material is. That is indicative of its makeup. For example, polyurethane is a popular component that is highly flammable.?

Nowadays, manufacturers primarily use non-flammable materials. And that’s usually because of state guidelines or regulations dictating their preferences on a building’s safety in case of fire.?

When it comes to soundproofing acoustic materials, it’s typically non-flammable because it’s included in the building’s structure. This prevents fire from spreading from one room to another.?

Sound-absorbing materials are now frequently made using flame retardant or non-combustible materials, but it’s important to check the specific products you’re evaluating.?

Reach out to us for more information about your new Sonus acoustic materials.?

3. Acoustic Design Should Include Diffusion Considerations

Ever visit a restaurant or venue where there are pockets of uncomfortable sound levels? This happens when there is no or little sound diffusion.?

In simple terms, diffusion spreads out the sound energy to evenly cover a given space. This is essential to consider for both the health and comfort of patrons, employees, or customers.?

Without diffusion, sound waves bounce back at the same angle they struck a given surface – creating a harshness to the overall environment.?

Diffusion doesn’t have to be obtrusive or noticeable. There are many ways to incorporate acoustic design without distracting from other designs or architectural elements. Printed canvases can add an artistic element without anyone knowing its deeper purpose. You could also hang a variety of shapes as ceiling panels. Wood panels or wall elements make it inconspicuous to the untrained eye.?

When you partner with Sonus and Wade Architectural Systems for your acoustic materials, we help you design the space so that you don’t have any unpleasant resonances in the room.

Buffer Your Sound With Beautiful Design

Functionality does not neglect beautiful design – at least not with Wade. We offer a whole host of products to meet your design’s exact specifications. This includes a variety of materials, thickness options, sound performance, and fire performance. Explore our Sonus acoustic materials, then reach out to evaluate your needs.