Noise
Noise can be transmitted in two ways in a building. It can move through the air or through the structure.
Common sources of airborne noise are voices, television and radio. If a building has a high Sound Transmission Class rating it is better at reducing noise transmission.
Soft surfaces such as carpet and upholstery help to reduce noise transmission whereas hard surfaces reflect sound.
When someone walks across a hard floor surface or slams a door the noise is carried through the structure to other rooms.
NOISE AND GOOD DESIGN
- As housing density increases the noise problems increase as well. This is something that should be considered in the planning and design stage, since it is easier and cheaper to avoid the problem before the home is built. It may not be fixable after the fact and is more expensive.
- Take a good look at what is around the area and what services might contribute to noise before buying or building your home.
Consider things such as waste collection, shopping areas and public buildings.
- As much as possible separate quiet areas and living areas in your design. Where that cannot be done use adequate noise insulation to isolate bathroom, laundry and HVAC sounds from those areas.
- Homes with several bathrooms and laundry facilities included in the living space make sound isolation more of a challenge.
- Access to new and cheaper technology has increased the noise in homes where it is common to have more than one televsion, sound system and telephone.
- Double glazing and laminated glass are both effective at reducing noise.
- Use soft finishes in areas that are near bedrooms or quiet areas. Carpet, cork, draperies, and upholstered furniture absord sound.
- There are also specific insulations on the market for plumbing and electrical insulation to decrease sound transmission.
- Solid core doors with draught sealing strips along the edges will reduce sound transmission.
OUTDOOR NOISE SOURCES
When planning the exterior of your home keep in mind the noise levels of equipment the the activities that will take place in each area.
Locate “noisy” areas as far from the neighbors as possible and use sustainable landscape practices that reduce or absord noise.