BUILDING ACOUSTICS

Principles & Solutions Guide

isover.co.uk
Introduction

48% of British people feel their home life is spoilt to some extent
by noise*
*.GOV Noise Attitude Survey 2012

We are all sensitive to noise, whether at work or at home, alone or socially.

This well-known urban phenomenon causes numerous problems such as sleep

disorders, stress or loss of concentration. Acoustic comfort is an essential element
of the quality of life.

Isover has been conducting extensive research and development to achieve this goal
for many years.

It is constantly improving and developing its products in order to enhance their

performance and provide the best possible acoustic solution for the market.

To learn more visit: www.isoveracousticsolutions.co.uk

2
Contents

Page Page

Understanding Sound and Noise Acoustic Regulations

What is sound? 4 Summary of regulations 22

Sound characteristics 4 Performance requirements 24

Noise and the human ear 5 Implementation advice 25

Noise level addition rules 7

Noise sources 8

Noise level scale 9

Building Acoustics Acoustic Solutions

Passage of sound 10 Separating Walls

Sound insulation 11 Masonry 28

Timber 29
Airborne noise 11
Internal Walls
Impact noise 12
Metal Stud 30
Equipment noise 13 Timber Stud 31
Measuring airborne and impact noise 14 Pitched Roof 32
Achieving effective airborne Internal Floors33
sound insulation 15
Separating Floors
Achieving effective impact Timber 34
sound insulation 17 Concrete 35
Choosing the right insulation solution 21

3
Understanding Sound & Noise

What is sound?
• S
 ound is an auditory sensation produced by an
air pressure variation propagated in all ambient
environments (water, air, gases, concrete, wood, glass,
etc.) except in a vacuum.

• T
 his sensation is perceived by our ear, from which the
information is sent to the brain where it is analysed.

• In
 a building, sound can come from outside (road, rail
or air traffic, or voices in the street), from equipment
in the building, from neighbours or from ourselves.

Sound characteristics
Sound is characterised by:

1 ITS FREQUENCY
2 ITS SOUND LEVEL
3 ITS LENGTH

1 T
 HE FREQUENCY of a sound is the number of air pressure fluctuations per second and is expressed in Hertz (Hz).
This frequency determines the pitch of the sound: a low frequency produces a deep sound, whereas a high
frequency will give a high-pitched sound.

Frequency (Hz)
Pressure (Pa)

Time (s)

DEEP SOUND HIGH-PITCHED SOUND

4
2 THE SOUND LEVEL characterises a sound’s amplitude. A low amplitude produces a quiet sound; a high
amplitude produces a loud sound. As the human ear has a very wide perception scale, in practice we use a
logarithmic scale to represent the sound amplitude. This smaller scale is expressed in decibels (dB).

Level (dB)

Time (s)

LOUD SOUND QUIET SOUND

3 LENGTH: the ability to perceive a given sound varies depending on how long the sound is heard.

Noise and the human ear

Physically, a noise is a set of sounds of differing frequencies
and power levels.

The human ear can detect sounds of frequencies between

20 and 20,000 Hz with various degrees of sensitivity
depending on the frequency.

As a result, in some cases we use the dB(A), a scale

representing more accurately the sensitivity of the human
ear. The dB(A) scale minimises the sounds less easily noticed
by the ear (notably deep ones) and, to a lesser degree, high-
pitched sounds.
The noise spectrum represents the sound levels
In terms of the sound level, the smallest variation liable to according to the frequency
be detected by the ear is around 2–3 dB (A).

In some cases, the regulations refer to this scale in order to take into account the “ear’s sensitivity”.

5
Understanding Sound & Noise

Physiologically, noise is a generally unpleasant or uncomfortable auditory sensation. This is a purely subjective
concept. A noise may be perceived by a person as being a nuisance due to the length of time for which he or she is
exposed to the noise, its appearance during a period of sleep or the memory associated with the noise.

Unwanted noise A noise hidden by other noises during

the day might be disturbing at night

Cocktail effect: difficulty in understanding a conversation in a Noises representing a danger or reminder

noisy internal environment, requiring the speaker to talk more loudly

Exposure time Filtering of noise: noises that are harmonious or acceptable

when heard directly can become difficult to withstand
when emitted behind a wall (filtering certain frequencies)

6
Noise level addition rules
As the sound level is expressed using a logarithmic scale, in decibels (dB), arithmetic addition rules do not apply to
noise levels.

If the noise levels are similar (difference < 10dB):

If the noises are similar, the resulting noise level is evaluated by adding the value provided
in the following table to the louder noise:

Difference between
two sound levels (in dB) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3.0 2.6 2.1 1.8 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.5
Value to be added

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
■
■ ■

to the highest level (in dB)

83dB + 83dB ≠ 166dB but 86dB

83dB + 87dB ≠ 170dB but 88.5dB

If the noise levels are very different:

If the difference between the sound levels is at least 10 dB, the louder noise hides the weaker noise.

95dB + 80dB = 95dB

7
Understanding Sound & Noise

Noise sources
There are four noise sources in the building acoustics domain:

1 Airborne noise from external sources: road, rail or aircraft noise, voices in the street, etc.
2 Airborne noise from internal sources: conversations, Hi-Fi, television, etc.
3 Impact noise: movements of people or furniture, falling objects, etc.
4 Equipment noise: elevators, valves, ventilation fans, etc.

3 4

8
Noise level scale

Hearing loss
above 140 dB

Pain threshold
120–140 dB

Normal conversation
55–75 dB

Audibility threshold
>3 dB

Noise can cause cognitive disorders:

Increased tiredness and level of stress. As a result, recovery periods in a calm, quiet location are required.

Noise can directly affect personal health, depending on its intensity and exposure time:

 his can consist of sleep disorders, effects upon the cardiovascular system (rapid heartbeat and raised blood
T
pressure) and impaired hearing acuity.

Calm is a source of well-being.

9
Building Acoustics

Passage of sound
There are three ways sound can pass through
the fabric of a building.

1 Direct emission
2 Direct transmission through walls and floors
3 Indirect transmission through walls and floors

To reduce the transmission through walls,

partitions, floors or ceilings (directly or indirectly)
we implement a sound insulation solution.

3
3

2 3

10
Sound insulation
The aim of acoustic insulation is to reduce noise transmission from
one room to another. As a result, the noise is reduced and comfort
improved.

Three types of noise can be reduced by means of sound insulation:

1. Airborne noise
2. Impact noise
Uninsulated walls
3. Equipment noise

The acoustic performance expected from a room, in relationship to

its neighbouring rooms, is achieved through insulation.

It depends on three parameters:

• T he acoustic properties of the products and systems used

• The techniques implemented and the installation quality
• The architectural context: junctions between walls and structural
materials used.

Insulated walls
1. Airborne noise
Two values are used to estimate sound insulation performance against
airborne noise (in dB):

Sound Reduction Index (laboratory measurement):

Receiving room
R measures the quantity of sound stopped by the wall, taking into
account solely direct transmission, at each frequency f (in Hz). Emitting room

The overall value of the Sound Reduction Index is given by the index
Rw.

The higher Rw is, the better the wall’s sound insulation.

Test laboratory

Standardized level difference (field measurement):

DnT measures the quantity of sound stopped between two rooms,

taking into account all transmission (direct, lateral and parasite).
The insulation DnT varies depending on the frequency f (in Hz).
Receiving room

The overall value of the sound insulation is given by the index DnT,w + Ctr.
Emitting room
The higher the DnT,w value, the more effective the insulation between
the two rooms.

Work-site

11
Building Acoustics

2. Impact noise
It is important to handle impact noise from
one room to another (footsteps on a floor
or objects falling on the floor, for example),
another source of discomfort in a room.

Direct transmission through the floor is

often the main factor. However, the sound 2
can also be transmitted through other walls,
depending on their type and junctions.

1 Direct transmission through the floor

2 Indirect transmission through walls
and floors 1
2

2 2

The regulatory value relating to impact noise

2
is the Weighted Standardized Impact Sound
Pressure Level L’nT,w (in dB). 2

This measurement is performed in the field,

2
by using a standard tapping machine.

The lower the value is, the less the noise

is noticed in the next room.

We often speak of the ∆Lw (or impact

sound insulation improvement) to
evaluate the performance of an insulated
and uninsulated floor.

This value is the measured difference

between an insulated and uninsulated floor.

The result represents a product (or system)

only in terms of direct transmission.

The higher the ∆Lw value, the more the

insulation system attenuates impact noises.

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3. Equipment noise
A building’s equipment may be occasionally or continuously annoying and have different acoustic impacts in the building:

1 The equipment may emit noise when operating, which we try to minimise (through insulation or absorption).
An example of this is ventilator or motor noise.

2 The joint between the equipment and the mounting on which it is fixed can transmit this sound to other
rooms. We then try to isolate the equipment from the mounting in order to reduce the vibrations.

3 Noise can radiate through pipes lines or ventilation ducts (in the case of ventilation ducts, for example, or
noise in ducts).

3
3

It is possible to act in two ways:

1. By reducing the noise generated by the equipment

A device’s sound level, LW in dB(A), is determined under laboratory conditions.

The lower the value LW, the quieter the device.

2. By reducing the transmission of the noise emitted

The normalised sound pressure level , LnAT in dB(A), represents the noise in a room when a device is operating.

The lower the value LnAT, the quieter the device in the room.

13
Building Acoustics

Measuring airborne and impact noise

Below is a useful summary of the measurements and testing methods for airborne and impact noise across
various applications.

Noise Building Performance Laboratory

Measurement
Source Element Evaluation or site

Noise difference
Airborne Internal wall dB (Rw) Laboratory
between two rooms

Noise difference
Airborne Internal floor dB (Rw) Laboratory
between two rooms

Noise difference
Separating wall
Airborne between adjoining dB (DnT,w+Ctr) Site
(England & Wales)
dwellings

Noise difference
Separating wall
Airborne between adjoining dB (DnT,w) Site
(Scotland)
dwellings

Noise difference
Separating floor
Airborne between adjoining dB (DnT,w+Ctr) Site
(England & Wales)
dwellings

Noise difference
Separating floor
Airborne between adjoining dB (DnT,w) Site
(Scotland)
dwellings

Noise difference
Separating floor
Impact between adjoining dB (L’nT,w) Site
(England & Wales)
dwellings

Noise difference
Separating floor
Impact between adjoining dB (L’nT,w) Site
(Scotland)
dwellings

More information
The following standards provide more information on the definition and measurement of these values:

Airborne sound insulation: BS EN ISO 10140-1, BS EN ISO 10140-2 and BS EN ISO 717-1

Impact sound insulation: BS EN ISO 10140-1, BS EN ISO 10140-3 and BS EN ISO 717-2

Airborne, impact and service equipment sound insulation (field measurements): BS EN ISO 10052

14
Achieving effective airborne sound insulation
Combating airborne noise is a two-stage process:

• Identifying the noise sources

• Treating the partition wall effectively by taking into account the frequencies emitted

Solid wall behaviour: the Mass Law

Principle:
Solid walls are composed of a single material. Their acoustic performance varies depending on its nature and
surface weight. In this particular case, the heavier and thicker the wall, the better the sound insulation.

What performance do solid walls offer?

The critical frequency (frequency at which the sound insulation is the lowest) must be below 100 Hz for the wall to
be acoustically effective.

This frequency can be reduced by increasing the thickness of the solid wall.

ATTENUATION INDEX

■ 10 cm concrete
■ 16 cm concrete
■ 10 cm gypsum board

■ 10 cm ■ 10 cm ■ 16 cm
gypsum board concrete concrete

Rw (C;Ctr) 38(-1 ;-3) 49(-2 ;-7) 59(-2 ;-6)

Increasing the concrete thickness from 10 to 16 cm increases

the sound inpedance at all frequencies by around 10 dB.
Changing the material also affects the attenuation by switching
from a gypsum board 10 cm thick (surface weight 100 kg/m2)
to concrete of the same thickness (surface weight 220 kg/m2)
reduces the critical frequency from 400 Hz to 100 Hz while
increasing the wall sound insulation.

More information on solid walls

According to an experimental law called the Mass Law,
the Sound Reduction Index of solid walls varies with
the frequency. The critical frequency is the frequency at
Critical
which the wall’s sound insulation is the lowest. Beyond frequency
this frequency, the attenuation index increases linearly.

15
Building Acoustics

Mass-spring-mass systems and the effect

of Isover mineral wools
Principle: 3
To optimise the acoustic performance of walls and reduce their weight and 4
thickness, single frame partition systems may be used.

These are composed of two solid materials (often plasterboard) separated

by a cavity. 2
1
In order to improve the sound insulation, the cavity between the two solids
is filled with an acoustic mineral wool.

These partitions respect the so-called “mass-spring-mass” principle:

1 The first solid serves as a mass: it reflects a part of the noise and
allows the rest to pass.

2 The remaining noise is transmitted into the acoustic mineral wool,

which absorbs it and so reduces the amplitude of the waves.

3 The second solid again reflects part of the noise back into the
mineral wool (which absorbs more noise).

4 It finally transmits the attenuated noise into the adjoining room.

Isover acoustic mineral wools are excellent sound absorbent materials. Thanks to its open-cell, porous structure,
it traps the sound energy and dissipates it within its thickness.

In practice:

Thanks to the mass law, the acoustic performance of a partition can be increased simply by adding mass to the
system. As a general rule doubling the mass gives a 5-6dB reduction in sound transmission. However, in a building
it is not always practical or cost effective to increase mass to deliver the required acoustic performance. Therefore,
in real world terms mass-spring-mass systems are a much easier route to deliver increased acoustic comfort.

Single layer 12.5mm Plasterboard Double layer 12.5mm Plasterboard

25 dB (Rw) 30 dB (Rw)

70mm Metal Stud Wall with 25mm APR 1200 70mm Metal Stud Wall with 50mm APR 1200
& 12.5mm Plasterboard & 12.5mm Plasterboard
42 dB (Rw) 43 dB (Rw)
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Achieving proper impact sound insulation
Recommended action

In order to achieve the most effective floor insulation against impact noise, handling the noise at its source is
recommended.

Treating the floor in the room in which the impacts occur is also recommended. This is done by separating the
supporting structure from the finished floor, thereby reducing lateral transmission and ensuring that direct impact
noise is partly absorbed by the insulating material between the two elements.

Due to its absorbency, mineral wool provides effective isolation between the screed and the concrete slab, for
example. In this case, the mineral wool provides the mechanical link between the two claddings, serving as a
spring to act as an intermediate or as spacing material that actively helps to increase the acoustic insulation.

The insulation used in this case must therefore be sufficiently absorbent to serve as a spring, yet sufficiently dense to
ensure proper mechanical behaviour in the screed or load distribution surface. The insulating material’s spring effect is
characterised by its dynamic stiffness.

Supplementary action

If it is impossible to handle the noise when emitted, systems should be used to limit direct noise transmission (floor
underlay) and indirect noise transmission (wall treatment). The best result is achieved by combining both actions.

Recommended action Further action

Direct treatment of floor insulation Direct and indirect treatment
(ceiling and walls)

17
Building Acoustics

Acoustic correction
As well as reducing sound transmission through a partition,
it may be useful to reduce or control sound propagation
within a room.

This is the role of acoustic correction. This uses the

sound absorption concept to reduce the amount
of sound reflected by the surrounding partition.

Acoustic correction reduces reverberation and

so controls the sound level and optimises listening
quality throughout the room (classroom,
for example) and improves speech intelligibility.
Non-absorbent partition

Absorption coefficient
■ Emitted noise
The absorption of insulating materials is characterised ■ Reflected noise
by an absorption coefficient, rated αw. This coefficient
is between 0 and 1.

The closer αw is to 1, the more absorbent the material. On the

contrary, the closer αw is to 0, the less absorbent the material
— in other words, the more it reflects noise in the room.

Absorbent partition
Isover acoustic glass wool, which is inherently porous, is an
excellent sound absorbent material. Rigid insulating materials
or surfaces have a lower absorption coefficient.

More information
αw is a single coefficient that takes into account all frequencies and is deduced from the absorption measurements
at various frequencies, in accordance with the BS EN ISO 354 standard. These frequency-related measurements are
rated αs (Alpha Sabine) to avoid confusion and can take values greater than 1. The calculation of αw is described in
the BS EN ISO 11654 standard.

18
To be more specific, the sound absorption of porous materials depends on many parameters:

• Thickness: a greater thickness will have a significant positive effect upon the absorption of low frequencies
• Material airflow resistance: a higher AFr value will significantly increase absorption
• Material porosity and structure: the characteristics of mineral wool including non-fiberised content will be worse
than those of mineral wool not including such particles.

Equivalent absorption area

The equivalent absorption area defines the absorbing power of a room and is expressed in m2.

The higher this value, the more the room’s walls absorb sound energy and the less the room echoes.

This area is calculated from the different wall surface areas multiplied by their respective sound absorption
coefficients.

A = ∑Si.αi

Absorption area fixed

Absorption coefficient Equivalent area
Surface area by the regulations
αW of the insulating of absorbent insulating
to treat (¼ of the floor area in
material used material to be used
collective housing)
20m2 5m2 (¼ of 20m2) 0,2 25m2 (i.e., 5/0.2)
20m 2
5m (¼ of 20m )
2 2
0,9 5,5m2 (i.e., 5/0.9)

The presence of acoustic glass wool behind a surface of which more than 20% of the surface area is perforated,
offers an effective acoustic solution for providing acoustic correction, due to the high absorption coefficient of
the wool (nearly 1).

Reverberation time
A room’s resonance effect is represented by the reverberation time. This time, noted Tr is the time needed for
the power of a noise to decrease by 60 dB from its initial value.

This reverberation time:

• varies depending on the frequencies,

• increases with the room’s volume,
• decreases when the absorption area increases
(furnished or unfurnished room),
• decreases when the absorption of the materials
increases (room with or without carpet).

As a result, the more the room contains absorbing

materials, the shorter the reverberation time.

19
Building Acoustics

A moderate reverberation time (of around a second) provides good speech intelligibility and comfortable listening.
Its ideal value will therefore depend on the intended use of the room.

Activity Typical Reverberation time

Bedroom or lounge 0.6 s

Recording studio 0.25 s to 0.9 s

Classroom or courtroom 0.5 s to 1.2 s

Office (open-plan) 0.6 s

Cinema 0.8 s to 1.2 s

Multipurpose hall 1 s to 1.5 s

Church or cathedral 2 s to 4 s

More information
The reverberation time is linked to the room volume and equivalent absorption area. In the case of simple room:
Tr = 0.16.V/A where V is the volume of the room and A is the equivalent absorption area of its walls.

For example: a 75m3 room with a 10m2 equivalent absorption area => Tr = 0.16*75/10 = 1.2 s

Index summary

Acoustic correction of buildings

Weighted absorption coefficient αw

Room equivalent absorption area A in m2

Reverberation time Tr in seconds

20
Choosing the right insulation solution
Before beginning any project, certain simple questions must be considered in the case of both new
and renovation sound insulation projects.

Building structure
It is essential to consider the dimensions of floors, including the additional thickness of the implemented
acoustic treatment solution, as early as the overall preliminary project stage.

The acoustic performance of floors is fixed for the entire life of the building. The solutions you choose can
no longer be modified, particularly in the case of new buildings. Once built, the ceiling height — which is
often 2.5 m in residential premises — can no longer be changed.

1. T
 ake into account the nature of the noises involved (impact noise, internal and external airborne noise
and equipment noise)

2. Take into account direct and indirect noise transmission

3. Insulate the rooms by means of suitable sound insulation solutions for the construction context

4. Handle acoustic comfort within a room by means of suitable acoustic correction solutions

New buildings
1. Check the regulations applicable to the rooms to be treated

2. Aim for performance levels that exceed the actual requirements in order to take into account lateral
losses and ensure occupant comfort

3. Choose the construction principles according to the required performance levels and building structure

4. Define the most suitable system for each application

Renovated buildings
1. Identify the nature of the noise (airborne noise coming from within or outside the building, impact noise
or equipment noise)

2. Identify the walls to treat for noise transmission

3. Identify their nature: which material, and which joints with adjoining walls

4. Choose the insulation solution best suited to the objectives that ensure occupant comfort.

Note:
It is recommended to choose insulation solutions with proven acoustic performance, such as any
Isover acoustic insulation solution which has been tested as part of a system.

21
Acoustic Regulations

Summary of regulations
Acoustic regulations vary according to building type, as well as in terms of location (Scotland’s regulations differ to
those in England & Wales). Here is a useful summary of the regulations that are in place for residential buildings for
both England, Wales & Scotland.

England & Wales

✔A
 pproved Document E - covers sound
insulation requirements in dwelling-houses,
flats, rooms for residential use and schools.
✔O
 n site sound insulation testing is required to
demonstrate compliance with Requirement E1
as part of the construction process.
✔F
 rom 1st July 2004 Robust Details in new
houses and flats have been accepted as
an alternative to pre-completion testing.
✔T
 esting should be carried out once property
is complete (except for decoration). Impact
testing should be carried out prior to installing
floor coverings.
✔ If any of the tests outlined in Approved
Document E do not show a value equal to or
above the minimum requirement, remedial
works will be required, followed by a re-test
before the building can be signed off.

22
 domestic | nois
e | introduction | 2011

Scotland Introduction
5.0.1 Background

5.0
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anted sound.
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• Section has been upd g between roo
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number of properties as defined in section Notes. ated to reflect
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gs; and
ice

5.1.9 of the technical handbook for

domestic properties. 5.0.1 — 5.0.3

✔ If the failure is attributed to the construction

of the separating and/or associated flanking
elements, other rooms that have not
been tested may also fail to meet the test
performance levels. Additional tests may
be needed, over and above the number
recommended in clause 5.1.9 to check that the
work achieves the test performance levels.

23
Acoustic Regulations

Performance requirements
Below is a summary of the minimum acoustic performance for buildings in England, Wales & Scotland. Isover
recommends choosing systems whose performance exceeds these requirements in order to improve comfort.

Mixed Use / Multiple Occupancy

Detached House
Semi-Detached /
Terraced Houses

Airborne sound insulation (minimum values)

Walls Floors

Separating Internal Separating Internal

New Dwellings

England 45dB (DnT,w+Ctr) 40dB (Rw) 45dB (DnT,w+Ctr) (1) 40dB (Rw)

Scotland 56dB (DnT,w) 40dB (Rw) 56dB (DnT,w) (2) 43dB (Rw)

Wales 45dB (DnT,w+Ctr) 40dB (Rw) 45dB (DnT,w+Ctr) (1) 40dB (Rw)

(1) Maximum impact sound insulation of 62 dB (L’nT,w) also required

(2) Maximum impact sound insulation of 56 dB (L’nT,w) also required

24
Implementation advice
The intended acoustic performance of a building will be determined early on in the design process. Factors such
as poor workmanship and bad detailing can cause a building to function below its specified performance level.

One of the biggest factors is airtightness, so sealing the structure is critical in fighting airborne noise. This is
because noise enters by any route open to it (lateral and parasite transmission).

As a result, a simple electrical socket, poorly-plugged panel hole or uninsulated piping route will become an
acoustic bridge between two rooms.

Lofts and roofing

In order to obtain proper acoustic performance, insulation continuity must
be carefully ensured around pillars and in triangular pitches. Eaves and
purlins must also be insulated.

Insulating products must always be laid continuously and joined.

Airtightness is also a key factor in guaranteeing noise performance, notably

at joints with windows, skylights, ventilation ducts, chimney pipes crossing
walls and roof, etc.

Walls and partitions

Insulation continuity is essential, regardless of the type of wall. Mineral wool,
thanks to its excellent sealing properties and flexibility, can easily provide
this continuity.

Whenever possible, non-supporting partitions must be separated from the

building’s supporting structures (vertical walls or floors). This separation is
achieved by fitting resilient strips at all points of contact or connection
with the structure in order to reduce indirect noise transmission.

At the joint between a partition and cladding: the partition abuts the
supporting wall. The cladding is then fitted at both sides of the supporting
wall in order to avoid the creation of acoustic bridges. The same is true of
the joint between a partition and a ceiling: the entire height of the partition
is built before the ceiling is laid.

25
Acoustic Regulations

Floors
Floating floor

The floating floor must be completely separated from the

load-bearing deck.

It is important not to create connections between the floating screed

and the load-bearing deck, as these points would serve as an acoustic
bridge transmitting noise. The following installation precautions
should be followed:

• L
 ay polyethylene completely covering the area of the insulating
material, extending 6-10 cm up the walls from the level of the
finished floor or applying a separating tape extending 2 cm above
the finished floor.

• Treat
 any crossing elements by fitting acoustic gaskets of the
appropriate diameter around the ducts/pipes.

Equipment (electrical, plumbing, heating, etc.)

The installation of electricity socket boxes or switches must be
planned in advance in order to avoid them being installed directly
in line at each side of the partition/separation, which would result in
noise transmission (due to the virtual absence of insulation between
the two boxes) and interference.

It is essential to avoid any transmission channel, passage or cavity

bringing two rooms into contact (pipes, ventilation ducts, etc.)

Equipment fixed to the wall, such as boilers, must be fixed with

vibration-absorbing fixing brackets and suitable tightening collars for ≥ 60 cm
the piping in order to isolate it.
60 cm
Installing a acoustic gasket around ducts in order to isolate them from
the wall is advisory; the diameter and length chosen must be suitable
for the piping.

Care must also be taken to ensure that the insulating material chosen
is not too rigid in order to reduce the transmission of vibrations.

26
Acoustic Solutions

Separating Walls
Masonry 28
Timber 29
Internal Walls
Metal Stud 30
Timber Stud 31
Pitched Roof 32
Internal Floors33
Separating Floors
Timber 34
Concrete 35

27
Separating Walls

Masonry

DESCRIPTION

Masonry Cavity Party Walls

1 8 kg/m2 plasterboard
1
3
Blockwork
2

3 Cavity fully-filled with Isover RD Party Wall Roll

2

Code for Acoustic Minimum

Zero
Masonry Party Wall Sustainable performance cavity Block Insulation
U-value
Homes Credits dB (DnT,w + Ctr) (mm)

1350 to 1600 kg/m3

E-WM-17 3 50 75 RD Party Wall Roll YES (1)
Aggregate

1350 to 1600 kg/m3

E-WM-20* 3 50 100 RD Party Wall Roll YES (1)
Aggregate

600 to 800 kg/m3

E-WM-24 3 50 100 RD Party Wall Roll YES (1)
Aircrete

(1) When combined with effective edge sealing.

*Scotland V-WM-20.
The table above shows a selection of system details to illustrate performance. For additional options, or for further
guidance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

28
Separating Walls

Timber

DESCRIPTION 4
Timber Frame Party Walls

1 2 x gypsum boards
1

2 Isover Timber Frame Batt 40, 90mm between studs
2
3 Timber Party Wall Roll, 50mm

4 Isover Timber Frame Batt 40, 90mm between studs 3

ENGLAND & WALES

Acoustic
Insulation Insulation in Minimum cavity Zero
Timber Party Wall performance Board lining**
within stud cavity width U-value
dB (DnT,w + Ctr)

Isover Timber
Timber Party  2x
E-WT-2 ≥45 Frame Batt 40 50 YES (1)
Wall 50mm gypsum boards
90mm

SCOTLAND
Acoustic
Insulation Insulation in Minimum cavity Zero
Timber Party Wall performance Board lining**
within stud cavity width U-value
dB (DnT,w)

Isover Timber
Timber Party  2x
V-WT-2 ≥56 Frame Batt 40 50 YES (1)
Wall 50mm gypsum boards
90mm

ĄĄ **min mass 22kg/m2

(1) When combined with effective edge sealing.

The table above shows a selection of system details to illustrate performance. For additional options, or for further
guidance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

29
Internal Walls

Metal Studs

DESCRIPTION

Internal Partitions

1 Gyproc WallBoard 2
1

2 Isover Acoustic Partition Roll (APR 1200)

3 Gypframe metal studs

48MM METAL ‘C’ STUD

Partition
dB (Rw) thickness Stud (mm) Insulation within stud (mm) WallBoard
(mm)

40 75 Gypframe 48 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 25mm 1x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard

41 75 Gypframe 48 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 50mm 1x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard

49 110 Gypframe 48 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 25mm 2x 15mm Gyproc WallBoard

70MM METAL ‘C’ STUD

Partition
dB (Rw) thickness Stud (mm) Insulation within stud (mm) WallBoard
(mm)

42 97 Gypframe 70 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 25mm 1x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard

44 102 Gypframe 70 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 50mm 1x 15mm Gyproc WallBoard

49 122 Gypframe 70 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 25mm 2x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard

50 122 Gypframe 70 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 50mm 2x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard

50 132 Gypframe 70 S 50 'C' stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 25mm 2x 15mm Gyproc WallBoard

The table above shows a selection of system details to illustrate performance. For additional options, or for further
guidance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

30
Internal Walls

Timber Studs

DESCRIPTION

Internal Partitions

1 Gyproc WallBoard / SoundBloc 2

1

2 Isover Acoustic Partition Roll (APR 1200) between studs

3 Timber studs

Partition
dB (Rw) thickness Stud (mm) Insulation within stud (mm) WallBoard
(mm)

41 88 63mm x 38mm timber stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 65mm 1x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard

44 93 63mm x 38mm timber stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 50mm 1x 15mm Gyproc WallBoard

56 141* 75mmx 38mm timber stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 50mm 2x 12.5mm Gyproc SoundBloc

59 157* 75mm x 38mm timber stud Acoustic Partition Roll APR 1200 50mm 2x 12.5mm Gyproc SoundBloc

*56dB and 59dB timber stud partitions use Resilient Bars to isolate the plasterboard from the stud.
The table above shows a selection of system details to illustrate performance. For additional options, or for further guid-
ance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

31
Pitched Roof

Rafter Level
1
DESCRIPTION 3

Insulation Between Rafters 2

1 Tiled or slated roof on tiling battens

Breathable
2 membrane


3 Isover Metac between the rafters

Board
4 lining

dB (Rw) Rafter size Rafter centres Insulation between rafters Below rafters

49 200 x 50mm 600mm 175mm Metac 12.5mm Gyproc Wallboard

The table above shows system detail to illustrate performance. For additional options, or for further guidance, please
contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

32
Internal Floors

Timber / Beam & Block

DESCRIPTION


1 Timber joist floor with wood based flooring
(minimum 15kg/m2)


2 100mm Isover Acoustic Partition Roll
(APR 1200) 2
1
3 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard ten

dB (Rw) achieved Insulation between joists Board lining

40 APR 1200, 100mm 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard ten

43 APR 1200, 100mm 2 x 12.5mm Gyproc WallBoard ten

The table above shows a selection of system details to illustrate performance.

For additional options, or for further guidance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

33
Separating Floors

1
Timber

DESCRIPTION 2

1 Floating floor
4
3
2 25mm Isover APR 1200

3 235mm (min) timber I-joists

5
4 100mm Isover APR 1200


5 Ceiling treatment

Acoustic performance Acoustic performance Insulation between Insulation between

Floor type A
dB (DnT,w + Ctr) dB (DnT,w) I joists floating floor battens

E-FT-1 (England & Wales) 45 APR 1200, 100mm APR 1200, 25mm

3B (Scotland) 56 APR 1200, 100mm APR 1200, 25mm

DESCRIPTION 1

1 Floating floor

2 65mm Isover APR 1200 2

3 220mm (min) timber joists at maximum 400mm centres


4
3
4 100mm Isover APR 1200

5 Ceiling treatment
5

Acoustic performance Acoustic performance Insulation between Insulation between

Floor type B
dB (DnT,w + Ctr) dB (DnT,w) I joists floating floor battens

E-FT-2 (England & Wales) 45 APR 1200, 100mm APR 1200, 65mm

3a (Scotland) 56 APR 1200, 100mm APR 1200, 65mm

Maximum impact sound transmission, England and Wales 62 dB L’nT,w and Scotland 56 dB L’nT,w also required for
Separating Floors.
The tables above show a selection of system details to illustrate performance. For additional options, or for
further guidance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

34
Separating Floors

Concrete 1

DESCRIPTION
2 3
1 4.5mm bonded resilient floor covering
4
2 65mm sand cement screed
5
3 5mm foamed polythene layer

4 25mm Isover RD Acoustic Floor Slab

5 Precast concrete plank, 150mm thick

6 One layer of Gyproc WallBoard ten 6

Acoustic performance Acoustic performance

Floor type Insulation
dB (DnT,w + Ctr) dB (L’nT,w)

E-FC-8 45 62 25mm Isover RD Acoustic Floor Slab

The table above shows system detail to illustrate performance.

For additional options, or for further guidance, please contact our Technical Advice Centre on 0115 945 1143.

35
 Isover
Whitehouse Industrial Estate,
Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 3DP
Customer Service
Tel: 0800 032 2555
isovercustomerservice@saint-gobain.com
Technical Advice Centre Isover reserves the right to revise product specifications without notice. The information in this
Tel: 0115 945 1143 document was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It is the user’s
isover.enquiries@saint-gobain.com responsibility to ensure that it remains current prior to use. The information in this document
is for guidance only and should not be read in isolation. Users should read and familiarise
isover.co.uk
themselves with all the information contained in this document and ensure that they are fully
Published date: September 2018 conversant with the products and systems being used, before subsequent specification or
Document reference: IS-BAPSG-1801 installation. For a comprehensive and up to date library of information, visit the Isover website.