Tomorrow's Health & Safety article by Oscar Acoustics: SILENCE IS GOLDEN

In the wake of the pandemic, many of us have experienced dramatic changes to our daily working lives. The most significant of which are changes to our work environment, with millions having switched their office space for the comfort of life working from home. Whilst this does have its benefits, many of us are now experiencing the fallout from this newfound freedom with sudden exposure to noise distractions. With 43 percent of Londoners now living in flats, disturbances such as loud music, raucous neighbours, or lively discussions are now having a huge impact on our ability to concentrate.

So, what tactics should we consider to ensure a peaceful working environment, free of distractions? Thankfully, there are now multiple ways to soundproof our homes and reduce the daily burden of unwanted noise.

Spot the source

One of the first steps to achieving a distraction-free workspace is to identify the source of the noise. Being mindful of where noise is coming from can help you find the right solution. If the noise is coming from outside, installing double-glazing and shutters can significantly reduce external sounds. Opting for specialised acoustic fencing can also help quiet down road noise and can be particularly effective against blocking out street traffic.

Acoustic hangers

One of the main perpetrators of disruptive noise, particularly for those who live in flats, is from neighbours above. Sound passes through ceilings and floors as vibrations and sound pressure waves, that penetrate and travel through floorboards, joists and ceilings in the form of vibration and noise. Installing acoustic ceiling hangers, can significantly reduce noise from overhead by creating an isolated, ‘floating ceiling’ which stops the vibration that causes the transfer of unwanted noise from floor to floor.

Some types of acoustic hangers can be self-installed by competent DIY persons, reducing installation costs. Another major bonus is that all the work can be carried out from below and only the minimal amount of ceiling height is lost if you choose the right one. Fire rated products should be top of the agenda when looking for the right acoustic hanger for a project. It’s also worth checking for industry certifications as a sign of quality too – a superior soundproofing product should meet the British Building Regulations for ‘Approved Document E’ for airborne and impact sound.

Pictured above: Oscar Iso-Mount Type1 acoustic hangers for soundproof ceilings with minimum ceiling height loss (as little as 6mm).

Noise insulating cavity fillers

A common reason for overhead sound transfer are cavity gaps in walls and ceilings, that allow sound to travel through, as there is no insulation barrier in place. Cavity fillers are a perfect solution to reducing sound transfer in the home. They can either be sprayed in the wall cavity before a void is closed or they can be blown through holes to improve the acoustic insulation of walls and ceilings, either way you’ll notice no difference to the appearance of your ceiling once complete, it will look just as it did before.

Noise insulating cavity fillers have come on a long way in terms of their specs and features and a top-quality product will use materials that are naturally safe and recyclable – most notably cellulose fibre. There are other reasons to consider investing in cavity insulation, beyond the reduction in unwanted sound transfer. A high-quality cavity filler will also result in lower heating bills due to impressive thermal qualities. For those looking to really make an impact, it’s possible to combine a cavity filler with an acoustic ceiling hanger for even more protection against unwelcome sounds, allowing you to work peacefully in the tranquillity of your own home. 

Silence is Golden - Tomorrow's Health & Safety article by Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics.

Oscar Iso-Mount soundproof ceiling range brings professional grade noise-insulation to any space, from houses, flats and apartments to offices, shops and restaurants. With over 42 years in the acoustics business, Oscar Acoustics developed the Iso-Mount system to offer unrivalled soundproofing between floors that can be installed quickly and easily by any competent DIY person. British made and space saving, Iso-Mount has revolutionised noise transfer reduction.

Oscar Iso-Mount acoustic hangers are designed to achieve outstanding acoustic performance with fast and easy installation. The high performance soundproof ceiling system creates an isolated barrier which significantly reduces the sound of footsteps, music and voices from the room above.

There are 3 types of Iso-Mount acoustic hangers:

1. Type1 fixes directly into ceiling joists with minimum ceiling height loss (as little as 6mm).

2. Type2 can be installed where plasterboard ceilings cannot be removed, such as in listed buildings or under concrete.

3. Type3 for joists through plasterboard or into concrete with height adjustment for level ceilings.

The Oscar Iso-Mount soundproof ceiling range has the following advantages and more:

* Class leading acoustic performance.

* Achieves a fire rating of up to 90 minutes where required.

* Compliant with British building regs Document E for airborne & impact sound.

* Uses widely available standard clip-on steel channels.

* Installed entirely from the room below.

* Appears no different to a standard plastered ceiling once complete.

* Height adjustable, allowing for flat ceilings across uneven joists.

Contact Oscar Acoustics today and we'll help you find the best solution for your project, design and budget.