How to improve the acoustic well-being of your building

With decades of experience in the field of acoustics, the experts at Knauf Insulation have encountered a wide variety of challenges related to sound management in all sorts of environments: From bustling offices and public buildings to quiet residential complexes and even hospitals.?

But no matter the environment, good acoustics are crucial for the well-being of those who eventually use these spaces. Whether it's noisy neighbours, rumbling traffic, or the echoes of a conference call, addressing sound issues effectively can make a world of difference.?

To gain insights on enhancing acoustics, we interviewed Knauf Insulation's Acoustic Expert, Maro Puljizevic , who shared essential factors to consider and practical tips for improving your space.?

Here’s what he recommends when it comes to the acoustic performance of your building.

What does ‘too noisy’ mean?

Understanding noise levels is the first step in managing them. For example, a pneumatic drill operating at 10 metres can reach up to 100 decibels (db), which is enough to make anyone instinctively cover their ears. Prolonged exposure to sound levels above 85 db can be harmful, while normal conversation typically hovers around 60 db, and a whisper is about 30 db or less. Knowing these benchmarks can help you assess what might be considered 'too noisy' in your building.

Aim for a cost-effective approach

It’s most cost-effective to address acoustics at the start of a building project. If you wait until after construction and find that occupants are complaining about, say, the sound of the elevator in their bedroom, solving the problem retroactively can become significantly more expensive.

Sound insulation vs. sound absorption

Effective acoustic design starts with recognising the distinction between sound insulation and sound absorption:

“Sound insulation prevents noise from travelling from one room to another, while sound absorption minimises echoes within a space. Combining both – and finding the right balance between the two – can drastically improve the acoustic comfort of your building.”

- Maro Puljizevi?, Project Manager – Acoustics, Core R&D Department

Avoid fixing acoustic boards directly on flat surfaces

Even the best acoustic boards will underperform if they’re installed directly onto flat, rigid surfaces like concrete. While these boards are excellent sound insulators, fixing them directly to a wall can eventually diminish their effectiveness due to complex resonance effects. To avoid this, consider using a sound-absorptive material, such as Mineral Wool, as a separating layer between the wall and the acoustic board.

Don’t sacrifice sound quality for insulation

Boards that excel at sound insulation often reflect sound rather than absorbing it. This means that while your neighbours might not hear you, you may struggle to hear clearly within the space itself. To address this, you can include sound-absorptive elements like acoustic clouds or baffles that prevent sound from bouncing back.

Ceiling board perforations for better acoustics

We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to understand a muddled PA announcement in a large, echoing space. This often happens because the interior features flat, reflective surfaces that bounce sound around.?

“In these cases, I always check the ceilings for perforations. Because a well-designed ceiling board should have these perforations to allow sound to be absorbed by the insulation above, dramatically improving sound clarity.”

-?Maro Puljizevi?, Project Manager – Acoustics, Core R&D Department

Look up to find hidden acoustic problems

One of the first steps in addressing an acoustic challenge is to inspect the area above the false ceiling of a space. Everything might seem fine below, but once you lift that ceiling tile, you can find a host of issues: cables, drilled holes, and other penetrations that compromise the effectiveness of the sound solution. These hidden problems can severely reduce acoustic performance.

Don’t mix and match quality

You might invest in a high-quality acoustic system for your walls, achieving excellent sound insulation performance, only to negate those benefits by installing a subpar door. The overall acoustic performance of a room is only as strong as its weakest component. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain consistent quality across all elements of your acoustic solution.

Need acoustic support?

If you’re looking for ways to improve your building’s acoustic environment, we encourage you to explore our range of products at Knauf Insulation. We offer solutions designed to tackle both external and internal noise in any type of building, backed by the expertise needed to help you make the best choice.

In our experience, addressing acoustics properly can truly transform the comfort and usability of any space. Whether you’re dealing with noise pollution from outside or echoes within a room, the right approach can make all the difference.

For tailored support on acoustics, please reach out to your local Knauf Insulation team.