

For instance, if a sound in a room is 60dB and that same sound in the next room is 20db, then the wall between the rooms has an STC rating of 40. The STC number is the decibel (dB) reduction across a material or assembly. Sound Transmission Class, abbreviated STC, is the measurement of a material's ability to block airborne sound within the frequency range of human speech. We have an article dedicated to acceptable room sound levels that will help you select the appropriate noise levels for different types of spaces. The idea is to provide just enough background noise to make nearby conversations unintelligible the conversation is still there, but the quiet hum of the white noise masks it. Sound is generally covered with white or pink noise, either from the HVAC system or an electronic system. This is most noticeable in an office environment when the forced air system is turned off - you can immediately hear more conversations from a greater distance. Sound can also be covered to help maintain speech privacy. Sound Transmission Class, which is discussed below, is the measurement of a material's ability to block sound. Additional layers of gypsum wall board and insulation in the wall cavity will also help block sound. For instance, a concrete wall blocks sound better than a stud wall. After eliminating the short circuits, adding mass to the walls will help block the sound.
#SOUND DIFFRACTION PARTITION WINDOWS#
Some common short circuits include HVAC ducts or grilles, back-to-back outlets, pipes that pass through a space, partitions that stop above the ceiling but do not extend to the structural deck above, and windows or other openings. Blocking sound is generally accomplished by reducing short circuits between two spaces.

This can be combined with absorption so the reverberation in the space is reduced. If the goal is to keep sound within a space, for privacy or other reasons, the sound should be blocked. Noise Reduction Coefficient, which is defined below, is used for rating a material's ability to absorb sound. Installing sound absorbing materials, such as carpet, acoustic ceiling tiles, or fabric covered panels, will reduce the reverberation by absorbing the sound.

This is most noticeable in an empty room with hard walls, floors, and ceilings: you can hear the sounds bouncing around the room. If a room has hard surfaces that reflect sound, it will take a long time for the sound level to diminish to a point that it is inaudible. Sound should be absorbed when the goal is to keep sounds within the room from reverberating or echoing. The method chosen depends on the final goal of the project. Sound can be absorbed, it can be blocked or redirected, and it can be covered. There are three methods of dealing with sound, commonly referred to as the ABCs. Outside-Inside Transmission Class (OITC).
