Acoustical Ceiling Tiles
Latest Posts
Blocking External Noise: How to Reduce Traffic and Street Noise Outside
External noise can have a significant impact on the quality of both sound and personal comfort in the spaces where we spend our time. It can interfere with our sleep, concentration, conversations, and even relaxation, especially in urban environments where traffic, construction, or street activity is constant. Whether you live near a busy road or […]
Planning for Vibrational Noise During Architectural Planning
Vibrational noise control is an often overlooked element in the early stages of architectural planning. While seasoned urban designers may recognize its significance in multi-unit or high-density developments, it’s a critical consideration for all types of buildings. Addressing vibrational noise from the outset can prevent costly retrofits, protect sensitive equipment, and enhance occupant comfort and […]
What is Sound Diffusion (and Absorption)?
Great sound can be one of life’s most enjoyable sensory experiences–but unwanted or uncontrolled sound can quickly become distracting or even unpleasant. That’s why sound treatment is essential in the environments we design, build, and manage. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve room sound quality, understanding sound diffusion and absorption is a great place […]
Improving Speech Intelligibility and Clarity in Large Spaces
Clear communication is essential in the spaces where we spend our time–whether for learning, collaboration, or everyday interaction. Being able to hear and understand others reduces stress, prevents miscommunication, and improves overall comfort. While high-end speaker systems can help, they alone can’t solve issues with poor speech intelligibility. To truly improve clarity, we must address […]
Guide to Dance Studio Soundproofing: Walls, Floors, Ceilings & More
To treat the noise problem of an office next to a dance studio will require a completely different approach than if the dance studio were next to a manufacturing plant. The office environment typically will start out with a low level of background noise, which makes it easier for the occupants in the office to hear the noise from the dance studio. If you were in a manufacturing area where the background noise is going to be a lot higher to begin with, the dance studio’s noise may be at the same level as the background noise. Just like it is a lot harder to hear someone whispering in a noisy cafeteria vs a quiet library.
Upgrading Noisy, Old Computer Labs: Acoustic Panels & Design Tips
Computer lab acoustics are always interesting, and almost always a problem. My first semester of college was back when computers were new, and kids carried around 5 1/2″ floppy disks that could hold about five words each. The school that I attended converted an old gymnasium into a computer lab, and named it “The Bee Hive” because of the constant hum and buzz of the old machines. You could almost feel the energy of the noise when you entered the building. Since then, computer labs are a little different, but still amazingly the same […]
What is Sound Masking? Sound Masking vs Acoustic Treatments
Noise pollution in offices can be problematic for a number of reasons. Constant exposure to higher than average noise levels can have negative impacts on both our physical and mental health. In some instances, the noise levels may even affect a company’s bottom line through negative impacts on employees’ ability to concentrate, as well as […]
Solving Sound Bleed in a Music Venue: A Guide to Soundproofing Between Floors
“We have a Band/Music Venue issue. We just opened a music club with great atmosphere, sound, and lighting. It is all going well. Problem is that we are getting too much sound bleed into the upstairs. What is best way for me to get a handle on this?” Sound is always going to travel via the path of least resistance […]
Soundproofing and Noise Reduction for Your Dog Kennel or Animal Hospital
I take about three to four calls a month from people who are looking to soundproof or acoustically treat a kennel, boarding room, or animal hospital. I have provided a few different products to approach and fix the noise problem in a few different ways. Typically kennels or boarding facilities are set up very similarly which revolves almost specifically around function and clean-ability […]
How to Soundproof Noisy Water & Drain Pipes
“I am wondering if materials used to insulate/soundproof pipes are made of similar materials? We are looking to soundproof a wall in between our very noisy shower pipes and my daughter’s bedroom.” You mentioned that you are trying to quiet down some “very noisy shower pipes” so for some reason, I assume you are dealing with old-school cast iron pipes. If this is the case, you can actually quiet them down a LOT by securing them in the wall properly […]
