Sound Control For

Commercial And
Residential Buildings
Table Of Contents
How Noise Effects Us
Methods Of Sound Control 1

U
nwanted sound – or
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
And Sound Control 1
noise – that travels
The Effects Of Insulation Thickness
from room to room,
And Density On STC Ratings 2

from home to home, or office to

Controlling Impact Noise 2

office, may have a direct impact

Improving Office To Office
Sound Reduction 2
on people’s notions of privacy,
Controlling Exterior Sounds 3
as well as their work efficiency.
Examples Of Ways To Construct Walls And
The noise produced by appli-
Floors/Ceilings To Achieve Desired STCs 4

ances, piping, heating and air-

Sound Isolation Design Criteria 5

conditioning systems, phones,

Guide Specification for Fiber Glass
Acoustical Insulation 7
radios,TVs and talking are
Typical Wall Assemblies
among the major reasons people
Single Wood Stud Walls 8
Staggered Wood Stud Walls 9 are dissatisfied with the privacy
Double Wood Stud Walls 10
Metal Stud Walls 11 found in homes or office build-
Exterior Walls 12
[Link], external noises
Typical Floor/Ceiling Assemblies 14
such as traffic, sirens and
Recommended Construction
Methods for Controlling Sound 15 extreme weather conditions are

Glossary 20 equally disturbing. Designing

Bibliography 21 structures to control noise effec-

tively can make homes and

offices much more pleasant

places in which to live or work.

 This Sound Control Guide recommends ways to Decibels And
construct walls and other assemblies using fiber glass Sound Transmission Class
insulation to help provide quality noise control. The decibel (dB) is used to express sound intensity
The North American Insulation Manufacturers or [Link] more intense a sound, the higher the
Association (NAIMA) developed these recommenda- dB [Link] sound transmission class (STC) is a
tions based on the results of numerous acoustical tests numerical rating of the ability of a wall, floor/ceiling
using American Society for Testing and Materials assembly or any other building element such as a
(ASTM) methods. However, the recommendations are door or window to minimize sound transmission.
presented here solely as a guide. NAIMA cannot guar- The higher the STC rating the more the sound is
antee, does not represent or warrant, and assumes no blocked or reduced by the building element (See Table
responsibility for building design or construction 1). For party walls or walls separating dwelling units,
results based on information provided in this booklet an STC of 50 is considered barely adequate for
because many other factors – including overall design providing privacy. STCs above 55 are required to
and workmanship – are outside its control. provide acceptable privacy.

Methods Of Sound Control TABLE 1 – STC Ratings

Noise is unwanted sound that is transmitted by vibra-
Sound Noise
tion through air, walls, floors or ceilings. In a home or Transmission Speech Control
Class (STC) Audibility* Rating
office,there are three ways to control sound transmission:
15 to 25 Normal speech easily Poor
understood.
■ Increase the mass of partitions
25 to 35 Loud speech easily Marginal
understood. Normal
■ Break the path of vibration speech 50% understood.
■ Cavity absorption. 35 to 45 Loud speech 50% Good
understood. Normal speech
faintly heard, but not understood.
Increasing the mass of walls and other structures can
45 to 55 Loud speech faintly heard, Very Good
present a problem in lightweight construction because but not understood.
the increased weight may not be structurally practical or Normal speech usually inaudible.

aesthetically pleasing, not to mention more expensive. 55 and up Loud speech usually inaudible Excellent

Breaking the vibration path – commonly called *Given a typical background noise level
of 30 dB on the “listening” side
discontinuous construction – offers a practical method of
reducing sound transmission by as much as 6 to 10 dB.
Cavity absorption, which uses fiber glass insulation
to fill the space in walls and floors/ceilings, can further
improve performance of discontinuous constructions acoustical analysis should be obtained from an acoustical
by 5 to 15 dB. engineer when isolating sound from locations such as
music practice rooms,recording studios,large conference
rooms and mechanical equipment rooms.
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
And Sound Control Ratings Based On Lab Tests
STC ratings are a measure of the effectiveness of a given STC ratings are based on laboratory tests conducted
partition construction in reducing airborne sound trans- under ideal construction conditions. Partition manufac-
[Link] of the frequency range covered (125- turers acknowledge that the field STC of a partition can
4000 Hz),STC ratings are best used to evaluate speech be up to 15 - 20 points lower than laboratory values
privacy for partitions and floors/ceilings separating adja- depending on the quality of detailing and workmanship.
cent offices,rooms in one and two family dwellings,hospi- Therefore, the importance of communication between
tal patient rooms,classrooms,dormitories,apartments, the design team and the construction team cannot be
courtrooms,small conference rooms,etc.A more extensive overemphasized.

1
 Fiber Glass Insulation The Effects Of Insulation Thickness
Reduces Sound Transmission And Density On STC Ratings
Fiber glass insulation in a partition or floor/ceiling Insulation thickness has a more significant effect on
assembly significantly reduces sound transmission. STC ratings than does density. For a typical steel stud wall
It also reduces sound transmission in roof/ceiling construction, the first inch of fiber glass insulation can
assemblies. It is economical, lightweight and easy to increase the STC value 6 or more points. Each additional
install. Some fiber glass insulation manufacturers sell inch of fiber glass insulation increases the STC value from
acoustical or sound control batts for use in partitions. one to two points. Conversely, density variations have
These batts are designed for easier installation in minimal effect on the STC rating. (See Table 2.)
metal and wood stud [Link] are essentially
the same as their corresponding thermal batts, except
that they may differ slightly in size and density.A Controlling Impact Noise
partition with either fiber glass sound control or ther- Walls are rated only in terms of their STC value.
mal batts having similar properties would achieve the Floor/ceiling assemblies – because they must also
same STC rating. control sounds caused by impacts (such as walking or
moving furniture) – are rated in terms of their STC and
their impact insulation class, or IIC.
Factors That Degrade Performance A person walking on a floor creates impact noise
The presence of flanking paths, interconnecting that is readily transmitted to the room [Link]
ductwork, non-airtight edge joints, inadequate door carpets and pads can cushion impacts and reduce the
and window constructions, untreated pipe and generation of impact noise, fiber glass insulation can
conduit penetrations, etc., all degrade the expected reduce impact and airborne noise transmitted through
performance of a sound rated [Link] proper the floor/ceiling [Link] with STCs, the higher the
attention to construction details are followed, field IIC value of a floor/ceiling, the better its ability to
STC values can be equal to or even greater than labo- control impact sound [Link] acceptable IIC
ratory values. rating is typically 50 or above.

Differences Between Lab Tests

Not Unusual Improving Office To Office
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points Sound Reduction
(1-2 dB) of the listed criteria would still be accept- In offices where the separating partition stops at the
able given the anticipated tolerances in repeat ceiling, sound can flank around the partition by travel-
tests. In fact, differences between testing labs of 2- ing through the [Link] flanking sound travels up
5 dB on identical test configurations are not through the ceiling in one office, across the top of the
unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would partition and then down through the ceiling in the
consider a 1-2 dB change as “nondiscernible” adjacent office. In many offices this flanking path is
at best, which is insignificant.) significant and degrades the sound isolation between
[Link] is particularly true if the STC of the sepa-
STC Requirements Are From AIA rating partition is greater than 45.
The STC requirements in Table 3 (pages 5-6) are from
the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and assume TABLE 2 – STC Values of Equal Thicknesses of
acceptable background noise levels on both sides of Fiber Glass Insulation
the construction assembly. Normal background noise 35⁄8" steel studs; single layer 1⁄2" gypsum board each side

on the listening side of a partition has the effect of Material Thickness Density STC
masking transmitted sound that might otherwise be Fiber Glass 2" 0.75 pcf 46
objectionable. In fact, sound transmitted through a Fiber Glass 2" 1.30 pcf 46
partition will be inaudible if its sound level is below
Fiber Glass 2" 3.00 pcf 46
the level of the background noise.

2
 Fiber Glass vs. Cellulose Insulation the type of grid [Link] CAC is the single
Manufacturers of cellulose insulation claim that number rating used to express the sound reduction
their insulation, when used in a partition, gives or attenuation between two rooms sharing a
higher STC values than fiber glass [Link] common ceiling and/or plenum (See ASTM standard
is not true. E 1414).These CAC improvements can be achieved
Numerous sound transmission loss tests by using unfaced 3 1⁄2 to 4 inch thick batts (R-11
conducted at independent laboratories have shown batts).The batts only have to be placed on the back
that there is no significant difference in STC ratings of the ceiling panels on both of sides of the parti-
using either fiber glass or cellulose [Link] tion a distance of 4 feet back from the partition. It is
STC ratings of walls using cellulose or fiber glass not necessary to back load the entire ceiling in both
insulation are within 1 or 2 points of each other. offices. Care must be taken not to cover light
fixtures with the [Link] insulation may
Metal Framing vs. Wood Framing cause the fixtures to overheat.
Light gage metal framing members are inher-
ently flexible thus allowing the full potential of Install A “Fuzzwall”
added cavity insulation to be realized. Single row The second method to reduce ceiling flanking
wood stud framing, on the other hand, provides a sound transmission is to install a fiber glass wall
high degree of mechanical coupling which can above the separating partition. Such a wall or
provide a “short-circuit” for sound transmission. plenum barrier has been called a “fuzzwall.”
In order to realize the full benefit of cavity insu- (See figure below.)
lation in wood framed construction, it is recom-
mended that the gypsum board be attached to Fuzzwall Can Improve CAC
either side of the wood framing members using Tests conducted by the National Research Council
resilient channels. Staggered or double rows of of Canada have shown that a fuzzwall can improve
wood studs can also be used to achieve the same the effective CAC of a ceiling by 10 to 15 points
[Link] have also shown that there is no depending on the type of ceiling panel in the ceil-
significant acoustical difference between 2x4 and ing, the type of ceiling grid system and the thickness
2x6 inch wood studs. of the fuzzwall. For air return plenums, openings
can be provided in the fuzzwall for air [Link]
openings would decrease the STC by approximately
Preventing Ceiling Flanking 5 points.
Sound Transmission
Ceiling flanking sound can be prevented by build-
ing partitions from the floor to the roof or floor Controlling Exterior Sounds
deck above. However, many times this is not possi- Many residences and commercial buildings are
ble because of obstructions such as pipes, conduit adversely impacted by external sounds or noise.
and HVAC ducts in the ceiling plenum. In some Therefore, it is critical to control both interior and
HVAC designs the ceiling plenum is also used as an exterior [Link] exterior noise sources are
air return and partitions can not block the plenum. automobile and truck traffic, trains, aircraft and our
When this is the case there are two methods to
reduce ceiling flanking sound. Basic fuzzwall configuration

Backload Ceiling Panels With Low Density

Fiber Glass Insulation Ceiling/floor slab

The first method is to back load the ceiling panels Stack of batts

with low density fiber glass [Link] ceiling Suspended ceiling

attenuation class (CAC) can be improved by 6 to 15

points depending on the type of ceiling panel and

3
[Link] best way to reduce the impact of Guide Specification
exterior noise is not to build near these noise For Fiber Glass Acoustical Insulation
[Link] this is not possible then special meas- On page 7 is a guide specification that can be
ures must be taken to reduce their [Link] used by an architect to specify the acoustical insu-
shell of a residence or building must be designed to lation to be used in a wall or floor/ceiling assem-
keep out noise. bly to achieve a desired STC [Link] same speci-
fication can be used to specify the acoustical
Residential Construction insulation to be used to backload a ceiling system
In residences, exterior walls should be to achieve a desired ceiling STC rating.
constructed with resilient furring channels and
fiber glass insulation in the stud cavity. If a resi-
dence is impacted by overhead aircraft then Examples Of Ways To Construct
resilient channels should be used in roof/ceiling Walls And Floors/Ceilings To
assemblies as well as using at least 9 inches of Achieve Desired STCs
blown-in fiber glass insulation in the [Link] Beginning on page 8 are examples of the most
insulation should cover the top of the joists by at common and typical wall and floor/ceiling
least 1 inch. assemblies that demonstrate how to improve
There should be a minimum number of sound control performance by using fiber glass
windows and doors on the side of home facing batts and blankets. Most of the examples shown
the exterior noise [Link] windows are represent commonly used methods of construc-
necessary on this side, they should be sound tion; some variations of these constructions are
rated with an STC of at least [Link] same is true also illustrated.
for doors facing a noise source.
Recent retrofit programs done on residences STC Ratings
near airports to reduce interior noise levels due The STC rating indicated for each assembly, in
to aircraft have shown that it is very critical to many instances, represents the median of a range
seal all air (sound) leaks in the building envelope. of STC [Link] median values may or may
All fresh air intakes and exhausts must have not be actual test results, but will provide an
silencers or mufflers. Most of the residences also accurate estimate as to how the STC rating
had additional insulation installed in the attics to would be increased or decreased with progres-
further reduce overhead aircraft noise. sive changes in construction. It’s possible that an
individual insulation manufacturer’s results
Commercial Construction might differ slightly from the median values;
In commercial buildings built near a highway however, any such differences would be insignifi-
or train tracks, the exterior building walls should cant. More detailed sound control information
have at least an STC of [Link] and doors can be obtained by contacting an insulation
should have at least an STC of 40 or 45 depend- manufacturer.
ing on the amount of window or door [Link]
higher the window or door area the higher the Fire Ratings
STC value. Roof/ceiling systems should also have The fire ratings given are based on available
a minimum STC of 50 if aircraft fly over the build- test information from NAIMA members and inde-
ing. Higher STC values may be required if aircraft pendent testing [Link] test method
fly close to the building. In this case, an acousti- used is ASTM [Link] “NR” indicates that the
cal engineer should be consulted. particular assembly illustrated is not rated.

4
 Table 3 – Sound Isolation Design Criteria

Type of Room(s) Considered Adjacent Area(s) Sound Isolation

Occupancy (Source) (Receiver) Requirement (Min.)
Executive areas, doc- Office Adjacent offices STC 52
tors’ suites – confi- General office areas STC 52
dential privacy Corridor or lobby STC 52
requirements Washrooms and toilet areas STC 52
Exterior of building STC 37-60+*
Kitchen and dining areas STC 52
Manufacturing areas and mechanical equipment rooms STC 52+†
Normal office areas – Office Adjacent offices STC 45
normal privacy General office areas STC 45
requirements Corridor or lobby STC 45
Washrooms and toilet areas STC 47
Exterior of building STC 37-60+*
Kitchen and dining areas STC 47
Manufacturing areas and mechanical equipment rooms STC 52+†
Any normal occupan- Conference rooms Other conference rooms STC 45
cy, using conference Adjacent offices STC 45
rooms for group General office areas STC 45
meetings or discus- Corridor or lobby STC 45
sions Washrooms and toilet areas STC 47
Exterior of building STC 37-60+*
Kitchen and dining areas STC 47
Manufacturing areas and mechanical equipment rooms STC 52+†
Normal business Large general Corridors or lobby STC 37
offices, drafting areas, office areas Exterior of building STC 37-60+*
banking floors, etc. Data processing areas STC 42
Manufacturing areas and mechanical equipment areas STC 47+
Kitchen and dining areas STC 42
Office in manufactur- Shop and labora- Adjacent offices STC 42
ing, laboratory or test tory offices Manufacturing, laboratory, or test areas STC 42+
areas requiring nor- Washrooms and toilet areas STC 42
mal privacy Corridor or lobby STC 37
Exterior of building STC 37-60+*

Motels and urban Bedrooms Adjacent bedrooms, separate occupancy STC 48+
hotels (similar to Bathrooms, separate occupancy STC 52+
apartments) Living rooms, separate occupancy STC 50+
Dining areas STC 50+
Corridor, lobby, or public spaces STC 48+
Mechanical equipment rooms STC 52+†
Exterior of building STC 37-60+*
Apartments, multiple Bedrooms Adjacent bedrooms, separate occupancy STC 48-55*
dwelling building Bathrooms, separate occupancy STC 52-58*
Bathrooms, same occupancy STC 45-52*
Living rooms, separate occupancy STC 50-57*
Living rooms, same occupancy STC 42-50*
Kitchen areas, separate occupancy STC 52-58*
Kitchen areas, same occupancy STC 45-52*
Mechanical equipment rooms STC 58-65*
Corridors, lobby, public spaces STC 48-55*
Exterior of building STC 42-60+†
From The American Institute of Architects; Architectural Graphic Standards, Seventh Edition, pp 68 & 69.

* Depends on the nature of the exterior background noise – its level, spectrum † Use acoustical consultants for mechanical equipment rooms housing other
shape, and constancy – as well as on the client’s budget and on thermal consider- than air handling equipment – chillers, pumps, compressors, etc. – and for heavy
ations. Use qualified acoustical consultants for analysis of high noise outdoor manufacturing areas employing equipment generating noise levels at or above
environments such as airport areas, highways (with heavy truck traffic espe- OSHA allowable levels or generating high vibration levels.
cially), and industrial facilities.

5
 Table 3 – Sound Isolation Design Criteria (continued)

Type of Room(s) Considered Adjacent Area(s) Sound Isolation

Occupancy (Source) (Receiver) Requirement (Min.)
Apartments, multiple Living rooms Adjacent living rooms, separate occupancy STC 48-55*
dwelling building Bathrooms, separate occupancy STC 50-57*
Bathrooms, same occupancy STC 45-52*
Kitchen areas, separate occupancy STC 48-55*
Mechanical equipment rooms STC 58-65*
Exterior of building STC 37-60+†
Private, single family Bedrooms (living Adjacent bedrooms STC 40-48*
residences rooms similar) Living rooms STC 42-50*
Bathrooms, not directly connected with bedroom STC 45-52*
Kitchen areas STC 45-52*
Exterior of building STC 37-60+†
School buildings Classrooms Adjacent classrooms – speech use only STC 42
Adjacent classrooms – speech and audiovisual use STC 48
Laboratories STC 48
Corridor or public areas STC 42
Kitchen and dining areas STC 47
Shops STC 52+
Recreational areas STC 52+
Music rooms STC 52+
Mechanical equipment rooms STC 55+
Toilet areas STC 47
Exterior of building STC 37-60+†
Large music or Adjacent music or drama rooms STC 52+
drama areas Corridor or public areas STC 52
Practice rooms STC 52+
Shops STC 57
Recreational areas STC 57
Laboratories STC 52
Toilet areas STC 52
Mechanical equipment rooms STC 58-65+
Exterior of building STC 47+†
Music practice Adjacent practice rooms STC 52+‡
rooms Corridors and public areas STC 52+
Language labora- Same as for theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, etc.
tories
Counseling offices Same as for executive offices

Any occupancy where Theaters, concert Adjacent similar areas Use qualified acousti-
serious performances halls, lecture halls, Corridors and public area cal consultants to
are given (require- radio, TV, record- Recreational areas assist in the design of
ments may be ing studios Mechanical equipment spaces construction details
relaxed for elemen- Classrooms for these critical occu-
tary schools or other Laboratories pancies†
types of occupancy) Shops
Toilet areas
Exterior of building
From The American Institute of Architects; Architectural Graphic Standards, Seventh Edition, pp 68 & 69.

* Depends on nighttime, exterior background levels and other factors that ‡ The STC ratings shown are guidelines [Link] situations require, typically,
affect actual location of building. (Grades I, II, and III are discussed in “A Guide to double layer construction with resilient connections between layers or, prefer-
Airborne, Impact and Structure borne Noise Control in Multifamily Dwellings,” ably, structurally independent,“room-within-a-room” [Link] level of
HUD-TS-24, 1974, pp. 10-9ff.) continuous background noise, such as that provided by the HVAC system or an
electronic masking system, has a significant impact on the quality of construction
† Discretionary – depends on client’s budget, climate, interior planning (closed selected and must be coordinated with the other design parameters.
vs. open), site planning, and other factors. Use qualified acoustical consultants for
analysis of high noise outdoor environments such as airport areas, industrial facil-
ities, and highways.

6
 Guide Specification for Fiber Glass Acoustical Insulation

Part 1 – General handling, storage and protection for detailed specifications.

during installation. Select appropriate construction
1.01 Summary B. Label insulation packages to [B. Type: 2-1/2” steel stud.]
include material name, produc-
A. Provide glass fiber acoustical tion date and/or product code [C. Type: 3-5/8” steel stud.]
insulation as indicated in build-
ing plans. Delete paragraph below if sections
01600 or 01620 are not included
in project manual.
1.02 Materials Provided in Part 3 – Execution
[C. Deliver and store materials
Other Sections under provision of section
These sections are typically cross (01600) (01620).] 3.01 Inspection and
referenced. Delete sections not Preparation
included in project manual A. Examine substrates and condi-
1.06 Limitations
A. Section 09250-Gypsum Board tions under which insulation
A. Do not use unfaced insulation in
work is to be performed.A satis-
B. Section 09260-Gypsum Board exposed applications where
factory substrate is one that
Systems there is potential for skin
complies with requirements of
C. Section 09100-Metal Support contact and irritation.
the section in which substrate
Systems and related work is specified.
B. Obtain installer’s written report
1.03 References Part 2 – Products listing conditions detrimental to
A. ASTM Standards performance of work in this
section. Do not proceed with
1. E 90, Laboratory 2.01 Manufacturer installation until unsatisfactory
Measurement of Airborne Sound
Name of insulation manufacturer conditions have been corrected.
Transmission Loss of Building
Partitions C. Clean substrates of substances
2. E 413, Rating Sound 2.02 Material harmful to insulation.
Insulation Specify name of fiber glass
3. E 84,Test Method for Surface insulation. 3.02 Installation - General
Burning Characteristics of A. Comply with manufacturer’s
A. Type: Unfaced glass fiber acousti-
Building Materials instructions for particular condi-
cal insulation complying with
4. E 119, Method for Fire Tests ASTM C 665. tions of installation in each case.
of Building Construction
B. Combustion Characteristics: B. Batts may be friction-fit in place
Materials
Passes ASTM E 136 test. until the interior finish is
5. E 136,Test Method for applied. Install batts to fill entire
Behavior of Materials in a C. Surface Burning Characteristics: stud cavity. If stud cavity is less
Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C 1. Maximum flame spread: 25. than 96” in height, cut lengths to
6. C 518,Test Method for 2. Maximum smoke developed: friction-fit against floor and ceil-
Steady State Thermal 50 When tested in accordance ing [Link] with penetra-
Transmission Properties by with ASTM E 84.* tions require that insulation be
Means of the Heat Flow Meter carefully cut to fit around
D. Fire Resistance Ratings: Passes
7. C 665, Specification for outlets, junction boxes and other
ASTM E 119 test.
Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal irregularities.
Insulation for Light Frame E. Sound Transmission Class of the
C. Where insulation must extend
Construction and Manufactured assembly: STC______
higher then 8 feet, supplemen-
Housing F. Size of the insulation tary support can be provided to
Thickness__ Width__ Length__ hold product in place until the
1.04 Submittals interior finish is applied.
Product Data: Submit manufac- 2.03 Gypsum Board
turer’s product literature, A. Refer to Section (09250) (09260)
samples and installation instruc- for detailed specifications.
tions for specified insulation. * This standard is used solely to measure and
Select appropriate construction describe the properties of products in response
[B. Type: 1/2” thick, type “x” gypsum to heat and flame under controlled conditions.
1.05 Delivery, Storage and These numerical ratings are not intended to
panels.]
Handling reflect hazards presented by this or any other
[C. Type: 5/8” thick, type “x” gypsum material under actual fire [Link] are
A. Protect insulation from physical panels.] reported to the nearest fire rating.
damage and from becoming wet,
soiled, or covered with ice or
snow. Comply with manufac- 2.04 Metal Framing
turer’s recommendations for A. Refer to Section (09250) (09260)

7
1A

1B

1C

1D
a
a
a
a
Single Wood Stud Walls

aaaa
STC-38
aa
Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" gypsum
board each side, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt
insulation.
Fire rating - NR.

Variation Construction

STC-40
aa 1

5
⁄2" GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Studs 24" o.c.
⁄8" Type X GB
1
(3 ⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Single

Single

Single

Single

Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" gypsum
board one side, double layer other side, one thickness
(31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Variation Construction
2A

2B

2C
1
⁄2" GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Unbal.

Unbal.

Unbal.
STC
35

34

STC
38
Typical Wall Assemblies

38 (est.)

40 (est.)
(Figure 1)

Single Finish

Fire Rating
1
⁄2 hr.

1 hr.

1 hr.

1 hr.

(Figure 2)

Unbalanced Finish

Fire Rating
NR

38 (est.) 1 hr. (est.)

41 1 hr. (est.)
STC-45

Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., double layer 1⁄2" Type X
gypsum board each side, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass
batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
3A

3B

STC-50
1
⁄2" Type X GB
No insulation
Studs 24" o.c.
1
⁄2" Type X GB
No insulation
Finish*
Balanced

Balanced

Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., with resilient channel,

single layer 5⁄8" Type X gypsum each side, one thickness
(31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
4A

4B

4C

4D
1

5
⁄2" GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
1
⁄2" GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Studs 24" o.c.
⁄8" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Single

Single

Single

Single
STC
39

39

STC
39

40

47

52
(Figure 3)

Balanced Finish

Fire Rating
1 hr. (est.)

1 hr. (est.)

(Figure 4)

Single Finish

Fire Rating
NR

1 hr.

NR

1 hr.

* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant.)
8
 5B

5C
aaaa
STC-52

aaaaaa
Variation Construction
5A 1

5
⁄2" GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
Studs 24" o.c.
1
⁄2" GB

STC-55 (est.)
1
(3 ⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Unbal.

Unbal.

Unbal.
Typical Wall Assemblies (continued)

Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., with resilient channel,

single layer 1⁄2" gypsum board one side, double layer other
side, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Single 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., with resilient channel,

double layer 1⁄2" Type X gypsum board each side, one thick-
ness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
6A

6B
1
⁄2" Type X GB
No insulation
Studs 24" o.c.
1
⁄2" Type X GB
1
(3 ⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Balanced

Balanced
STC
44

48 (est.)

55

STC
52

57
(Figure 5)

Unbalanced Finish

Fire Rating
NR

1 hr.

NR

(Figure 6)

Balanced Finish

Fire Rating
1 hr

1 hr. (est.)
Staggered Wood Stud Walls
STC-50

Staggered 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., 2x6 top and bottom
plates, single layer 1⁄2" Type X gypsum board each side, two
thicknesses (21⁄2") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
7A

7B

7C

7D

7E

STC-53
1
⁄2" GB
No insulation
45⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
1
⁄2" GB
One thickness of
Finish*
Single

Single

Single

(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt

5
⁄8" Type X GB
Two thicknesses of
1
(2 ⁄2") fiber glass batt
Studs 24" o.c.
1
⁄2" Type X GB
One thickness of
Single

Single

(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt

Staggered 2x4 wood studs, 24" o.c., 2x6 top and bottom
plates single layer 1⁄2" gypsum board one side, double layer
STC
39

49

51(est.)

52

other side, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Variation Construction
8A 1
⁄2" GB
No insulation
Finish*
Unbal.
(Figure 7)

Single Finish

Fire Rating
NR

1 hr.

Unbalanced Finish

STC
47
NR

1 hr.

1 hr. (est.)

(Figure 8)

Fire Rating
NR

8B Studs 16" o.c. Unbal. 51 NR

1
⁄2" GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt

* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant).
9
9A

9B

9C
aaaaa
STC-55

aaaa
a 1
⁄2" Type X GB
No insulation
Studs 16" o.c.
1

5
⁄2" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Studs 16" o.c.
⁄8" Type X GB
1
(3 ⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt

Double Wood Stud Walls

STC-57 (est.)
a
10A
10B

10C

10D

10E
a Balanced

Balanced

Balanced
Typical Wall Assemblies (continued)

Staggered 2x4 wood studs,24" o.c.,double layer 1⁄2" Type X gypsum

STC
52

53

53

Double 2x4 wood studs,16" o.c.,single layer 1⁄2" Type X gypsum

5
⁄2" GB, No insulation Single
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
Single

⁄2" GB. One thickness Single

of (31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
⁄8" Type X GB
One thickness of
1
(3 ⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Single

Studs 24" o.c., 1⁄2" GB Single

One thickness of
(31⁄2- 4") fiber glass batt
46
45

56

56

56
(Figure 9)

board each side,one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr. (est.)

Variation Construction Finish*

Balanced Finish

Fire Rating
1 hr. (est.)

1 hr. (est.)

2 hr.

(Figure 10)

board one side,two thicknesses (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction Finish* STC

Single Finish

Fire Rating
NR
1 hr.

NR

1 hr.

NR
STC-60

Double 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" Type X
gypsum board one side, double layer other side, two thick-
nesses (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
11A

11B

11C

11D

STC-63

12A

12B

12C
1
⁄2" GB
No insulation
5

1
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
⁄2" GB
One thickness of
1
(3 ⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Studs 24" o.c.
1
⁄2" GB
Two thicknesses of
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Unbal.

Unbal.

Unbal.

Unbal.

Double 2x4 wood studs, 16" o.c., double layer 1⁄2" Type X
gypsum board each side, two thicknesses (31⁄2"- 4") fiber
glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
1/2" Type X GB
No insulation
1⁄2" Type X GB
One thickness of
Finish*
Balanced

Balanced

(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt

Studs 24" o.c.
1
⁄2" GB
One thickness of
Balanced
STC
46

52

56

64

STC
54

64

65
(Figure 11)

Unbalanced Finish

Fire Rating
NR

1 hr.

NR

NR

(Figure 12)

Balanced Finish

Fire Rating
1 hr.

1 hr.

NR

10F Studs 24" o.c., 1⁄2" GB Single 60 NR (31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Two thicknesses of
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant.)
10
aaaa
aa
13A

13B

13C
a
aaa
Metal Stud Walls
STC-45

insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Variation Construction

STC-50
a
14A

14B

14C
a 1

5
⁄2" GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
Finish*
Single

Single

Single
(21⁄2"-23⁄4") fiber glass batt
Typical Wall Assemblies (continued)

21⁄2" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" gypsum
board each side, one thickness (21⁄2"-23⁄4") fiber glass batt

STC
36

39

47

21⁄2" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" gypsum
board each side, double layer other side, one thickness
(21⁄2"-23⁄4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Variation Construction
⁄2" GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
Finish*
Unbal.

Unbal.

Unbal.
(21⁄2"-23⁄4") fiber glass batt.
39

44

52
(Figure 13)

Single Finish

Fire Rating
NR

1 hr.

1 hr.

(Figure 14)

Unbalanced Finish

STC Fire Rating

NR

1 hr.

1 hr.
STC-54

21⁄2" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., double layer

1
⁄2" gypsum board each side, one thickness (21⁄2"-23⁄4") fiber
glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Variation Construction
15A

15B

15C

STC-47
1

5
⁄2" Type X GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
Finish*
Balanced

Balanced

Balanced
(21⁄2"-23⁄4") fiber glass batt
STC
45

48

57

35⁄8" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" Type X
gypsum board each side, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass
batt insulation.
Fire rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction
16A

16B

16C
1

5
⁄2" GB
No insulation
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt.
Finish*
Single

Single

Single
STC
39

39

50
(Figure 15)

Balanced Finish

Fire Rating
2 hr.

2 hr.

2 hr.

(Figure 16)

Single Finish

Fire Rating
NR

1 hr.

1 hr.

* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant).
11
 a
17B

17C
a
aa
STC-52
aaaaaaa
4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire rating - NR

Variation Construction
17A

STC-56

18B

18C
1
⁄2" GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Unbal.

Unbal.

Unbal.
Typical Wall Assemblies (continued)

35⁄8" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., single layer 1⁄2" gypsum
board one side, double layer other side, one thickness (31⁄2"-

42

47

55

35⁄8" metal studs (25 gauge), 24" o.c., double layer 1⁄2" Type X
gypsum board each side, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass
batt insulation.
Fire rating - 2 hr

Variation Construction
18A 1
⁄2" Type X GB
No insulation
5
⁄8" Type X GB
No insulation
5/8" Type X GB
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Finish*
Balanced

Balanced

Balanced
STC
50

52

58
(Figure 17)

Unbalanced Finish

STC Fire Rating

NR

1 hr.

1 hr.

(Figure 18)

Balanced Finish

Fire Rating
2 hr.

2 hr.

2 hr.
Exterior Walls
STC-47

Exterior frame wall, 5⁄8"x10" redwood siding 1⁄2" sheathing,

2x4 studs, 16" o.c., resilient channel, 1⁄2" gypsum board, one
thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire Rating - NR

Variation Construction
19A
19B

19C

STC-57
No insulation
No resilient channel
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
No resilient channel
No insulation

Exterior 7⁄8" stucco, 1" woven mesh and no.15 felt paper
and, 2x4 studs, 16" o.c., resilient channel, 1⁄2" gypsum

Variation Construction
20A
20B
No insulation
No resilient channel
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
STC
43
39

37

board, one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.

Fire Rating - NR

STC
49
46
(Figure 19)

Fire Rating
NR
NR

NR

(Figure 20)

Fire Rating
NR
NR

* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant.)
12
STC-58

aa
Fire Rating - NR

Variation Construction
21A
21B

STC-40
a a
a
a
No insulation
No resilient channel
(31⁄2"-4") fiber glass batt
Typical Wall Assemblies (continued)

Exterior brick veneer, 1⁄2" air space, 3⁄4" insulative sheathing,

2x4 studs, 16" o.c., resilient channel, 1⁄2" gypsum board, one
thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.

STC
54
56

Exterior 7⁄16"x10" hardwood lap siding 7⁄16" foil faced foam

sheathing, 2x4 studs, 16" o.c., 1⁄2" gypsum board, one thick-
ness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire Rating - NR

Variation Construction
22A No insulation
Finish* STC
36
(Figure 21)

Fire Rating
NR
NR

(Figure 22)

Fire Rating
NR
STC -39

Exterior 7⁄16"x10" hardwood lap siding, 7⁄16" foil faced foam

sheathing, 2x6 studs, 16" o.c., 1⁄2" gypsum board, one thick-
ness (51⁄2") fiber glass batt insulation.
Fire Rating - NR

Variation Construction
23A
23B
No insulation
With resilient channel
(51⁄2") fiber glass batt
STC
38
45
(Figure 23)

Fire Rating
NR
NR

* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant).
13
aaaaa
25A

25B

25C
aaaaaaaa
STC-53 IIC-73

Wood Floor

No insulation
1

5
⁄2" plywood floor
⁄8" plywood subfloor
Vinyl floor

Concrete Floor

Fire Rating - 1 hr. est.

Variation Construction
26A

26B
IIC
No resilient channel 60

72

49
instead of carpet and pad

STC-58 IIC-74
Typical Floor/Ceiling Assemblies

Carpet and pad, 3⁄8" particle board, 5⁄8" plywood subfloor,

2x10 joists 16" o.c., one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt
insulation, resilient channel, 1⁄2" Type X gypsum board.
Fire Rating - 1 hr.

Variation Construction

Carpet and pad, 11⁄2" lightweight concrete floor, 5⁄8" ply-

No resilient channel 59
No insulation
2x8 joists,
IIC

74
15⁄8" lightweight concrete floor
STC
42

50

50

wood subfloor, 2x10 joists 16" o.c., one thickness (31⁄2"- 4")
fiber glass batt insulation, resilient channel, 1⁄2" Type X gyp-
sum board.

STC
47

53
(Figure 25)

Fire Rating
NR

NR

NR

(Figure 26)

Fire Rating
NR

NR
STC-56 IIC-71

Steel Joist Floor

Carpet and pad, 3⁄4" T&G plywood subwood subfloor, steel
joists (71⁄4", 18 ga.) 24" o.c., one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber
glass batt insulation, resilient channel, 5⁄8" gypsum board.
Fire Rating - NR

Variation Construction
27A

Plywood Floor
IIC
No resilient channel 57
No insulation

STC-51 IIC-78
STC
43

Carpet and pad, 5⁄8" plywood floor, 2" x 3" furring, 1⁄2" sound
deadening board, 1⁄2" plywood subfloor, 2x8 wood joists,
one thickness (31⁄2"- 4") fiber glass batt insulation, 5⁄8" Type
X gypsum board.
Fire Rating - NR

Variation Construction
28A With vinyl floor
instead of carpet
and pad
IIC
49
STC
52
(Figure 27)

Fire Rating
NR

(Figure 28)

Fire Rating
NR

26C 2x8 joists, 47 50 NR

Vinyl floor
instead of carpet and pad

* Single – one wall finish each side Unbalanced – one wall finish one side, two wall finishes other side Balanced – two wall finishes each side.
Partitions with STC ratings within 1-2 points of the listed criteria are acceptable given the anticipated tolerances in repeat tests. In fact, discrepancies between testing labs
of 1-2 dB on identical configurations are not unusual. (Subjectively, the human ear would consider a 1-2 dB change as “non-discernible” at best, which is insignificant.)
14
Recommended Construction Methods
for Controlling Sound

Doors Hollow core door, no Solid core door with

gaskets, 1/4” air gap at sill gaskets and drop closure

■ Stagger doors across hallways and use gasketing.

■ Avoid sliding doors in areas where sound control Apt. A Apt. B Apt. A Apt. B
is desired. Hall with hard floor & ceiling Hall with carpet & acoustic ceiling

■ Use doors of solid wood or insulated cores wher- Apt. C Apt. D Apt. C Apt. D
ever privacy is an important consideration; hollow-
core doors will not be as effective.
POOR BETTER

Open Solid rubber Rubber

metal strip strip tube

Apt. A Apt. B
DOOR JAMB GASKETS
Hall with hard floor & ceiling Automatic Lap Tube gasket Sweep
drop joint in sill strip
Apt. D
Apt. C

BEST DOOR SILL CLOSURES

Windows Movable windows

casement or
■ Minimize the size of windows facing noisy areas. 1/8” Glass double hung 1/4 ”
Plate glass
Felt or rubber
■ Separate windows to reduce cross-talk. perim. gaskets

■ Arrange casement windows so sound is not

reflected into adjoining units.
Siding Wood Brick Wood
stud veneer stud
■ Make sure movable windows close tightly and are wall wall

weather-stripped.
POOR FAIR
■ Use thick glass, insulating glass or storm windows to
help reduce sound transmission through windows. Fixed windows 7/32” Plate glass
7/16” 3-Ply 1/4” Plate glass
laminated glass Perim. acoustic
lining
Felt or rubber Felt or rubber
perim. gaskets perim. gaskets

Brick/masonry Resil.
wall Channel

Brick/masonry
wall
GOOD VERY GOOD

Wiring Dishwasher

■ Wire each apartment as a unit; avoid penetration Flexible loop

drapes in
of walls or floors between apartments. position

■ Caulk holes (made by wiring) that penetrate

connecting structures; use elastic, non-hardening
caulk or dry packing. Isolation
mounts

■ Connect vibrating equipment with flexible wiring.

15
Electrical Outlets
Switch or electrical outlet. Use quiet type light switches
throughout apts., particularly in party walls.
■ Cut holes neatly to reduce leaks.

■ Make sure outlets are airtight by using elastic,

non-hardening caulk before installing the plates.
■ Don’t install electrical outlets back to back.
3’ min.

DO

Discourage placement of TV sets against party walls by

providing TV antenna, outlets in non-party walls.
Avoid recessed back-to-back mounting of electrical outlets.

Electrical outlets Antenna outlets

DON’T

Ceiling Fixtures Floor assembly

■ Surface mount any ceiling fixtures on resiliently

mounted gypsum ceilings. Wood baffle

■ Make sure openings around boxes are sealed Light fixture

isolated from
Spring
air tight. mounting ceiling

■ Don’t use recessed or “hi-hat” type fixtures with-

Suspended ceiling Glass Caulk edges
out boxing in the fixture.
DO

Floor assembly

Wood baffle

Fluorescent light Spring Fluorescent light

mounting with open grille

Glass Suspended ceiling

DO
Floor assembly

Light fixture
bridges across
ceiling and joist
Spring thus “shorting”
mounting spring mount

Suspended ceiling

DON’T

Electrical Distribution Panels

■ Install these panels on interior walls within apart-
ments and never on corridor or party walls.

16
Plumbing
■ Design pipe runs with swing arms so expansion and
contraction can occur without binding, thus elimi-
nating noise.
■ Isolate piping from structures with resilient pads
and sleeves, then seal for air tightness.
■ Develop a well-planned layout to minimize the
noise of flowing water. GOOD LAYOUT IS CHEAPER AIR CHAMBER

■ Use oversized pipes and reduced pressures to

Metal
slow the speed of flowing water and reduce noise. hanger

■ Provide air chambers to eliminate water hammer Pack with Fiber glass pipe
fiber glass insulation
due to abrupt stopping of flowing water.
■ Use quiet-action water closets that are isolated
from the structure on a floating floor.
Isolation
Pad
■ Caulk all openings made in walls, floors and fram-
ing for supply and drain lines. Seal air tight with flexible seal

Angle iron
bracket
Vibration
isolation
supports

Sound
absorbing
board walls

Appliances and Air Conditioners

■ Select quiet, high-quality appliances.

■ Use adequately-sized water piping and valves to

minimize whistling.
■ Select quiet air conditioners with balanced fans
and motors.
■ Select quiet external ballast on fluorescent fixtures.

Phones and Other Noise-Making Equipment

■ Install phones, doorbells, intercoms, etc., on interior
walls only – never on party walls or corridor walls.

17
Insulated Duct Systems
■ Use performed fiber glass ducts or fiber glass duct
liners to quiet fan noise and the sounds of air rush-
ing through the ducts.
See chart below for an acoustical comparison between
uninsulated (bare) ducts and various types of insulated

a
ducts. For more information on insulated duct systems
contact NAIMA and request a copy of publication
number: AH121, A Guide to Insulated Duct Systems.

Duct Noise Attenuation Loss (dB/Lf)

Description
Bare Sheet Metal1
No perceived noise reduction.
Wrapped Sheet Metal1
No perceived noise reduction.
Lined Sheet Metal
(1” thick)2
Significant perceived noise reduction.
Fiber Glass Air Duct
(1” thick)3

Medicine Cabinets
125
.1

.2

.3

.4

■ Separate or surface mount medicine cabinets or

18
Sound Frequency
250
.1

.2

.7

install mirrors on party walls with medicine cabi-

nets on interior partitions.
500 1000 2000 4000
.1

.2
.1

.2

1.9 5.3 4.8 2.3

1.4 3.3 3.9 5.0 3.7

.1

.2
.1

.2

Very significant reduction. Perceived noise reduced to less than 1⁄2 original level.

[Link] 1.1, 1978 ASHRAE Transactions,Vol 84, Part 1, p.122

[Link] HVAC Systems & Applications HandBook, 1987, Ch. 52
3. Noise Control Manual, O.C. 6th Edition, 1986
a Cabinet

Cabinet

Cabinet
Gypsum Board

DO - Stagger

DO - Surface Mounting
Outer metal wall

Glass wool blanket

Inner metal wall

Acoustic lining

Fiber glass blanket

Cabinet

Fiber glass blanket

Avoid recessed, back-to-back mounting of cabinets in party walls

Cabinet

Cabinet

DON’T
Equipment Noise
■ Locate heating and cooling equipment far from Living room Bath Bedroom
bedrooms.
■ Inquire about equipment noise levels before buying
and insist on quiet units. Dining room Kitchen Bedroom

■ Isolate equipment in rooms with a door to the

outside or use a gasketed, solid-core door when Balcony
POOR
access is from building interior
■ Mount equipment so as to keep vibrations from
entering surrounding structures. Living room Bath Bedroom

■ Construct partitions separating living units from

equipment rooms with an STC of 50 or better
Dining room Kitchen Bedroom

Wall Bases Balcony

BETTER
■ Install plates on sill sealers; run wall finish to floor
where possible and caulk airtight on both sides.
Living room Bath Bedroom

Cracks in Floor
■ Seal all cracks in the subfloor airtight with caulking. Dining room Kitchen Bedroom

Balcony
BEST

Ceiling

Grille
Acoustic Supply Return
tile
Rubber
Outside gasket
Acoustic
vent’l lining
Staggered
Furnace and stud wall or
Solid-core A/C unit masonry walls
door
Mounting
Vibration plate Flexible
isolators connections

Floor

19
Glossary

Absorption The ability of a material to absorb Impact Insulation Class (IIC) A single number rat-
rather than reflect sound waves striking it by convert- ing developed by the Federal Housing Administration
ing sound energy to heat energy within the material. to estimate the impact sound isolation performance
of floor/ceiling systems.
Acoustics The science of sound, including its pro-
duction, transmission and effects. Noise Unwanted sound.

Airborne Sound Sound, produced by vibrating Noise Reduction Reducing the level of unwanted
sources that radiate sound directly into the air, which sound by any of several means of acoustical treat-
is transmitted through air as a medium rather than ment.
through solids or the structure of the building.
Noise Reduction Coefficient A single number
Background Noise Normal sound always present in index of the noise reducing efficiency of acoustical
a space created either by outdoor sounds such as materials. It is found by averaging the sound absorp-
street traffic or indoor sounds such as ventilating tion coefficients at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 cps.
noise, appliances, etc.
Sound A vibration in any elastic medium within the
Decibel Logarithmic unit expressing the ratio frequency range capable of producing the sensation
between a given sound being measured and a refer- of hearing.
ence point.
Sound Attenuation Reduction of the energy or
Discontinuous Construction Any of several construc- intensity of sound.
tion methods, such as the use of staggered studs, dou-
ble walls, or resilient mounting of surfaces, used to Sound Transmission The passage of sound
break the continuous paths through which sound may through a material construction or other medium.
be transmitted. Airborne Sound Transmission: Sound transmitted
when a surface is set into vibration by the alternating
Flanking Paths A wall or floor/ceiling construction air pressures of incident sound waves.
that permits sound to be transmitted along its surface;
or any opening which permits the direct transmission Sound Transmission Class (STC) A single number
of sound through the air. rating for evaluating efficiency of constructions in iso-
lating airborne sound transmission. The higher the
Frequency The number of complete cycles of a STC rating the more efficient the construction.
vibration performed in one second, measured in
cycles per second (cps) and expressed in Hertz (Hz). Transmission Loss The decrease or attenuation in
sound energy (expressed in decibels) of airborne
Hertz (Hz) A unit of frequency of a periodic sound as it passes through a building construction.
process equal to one cycle per second.

20
Bibliography

CertainTeed Corp., Fire Resistance and Sound Control

Guide. Available from CertainTeed Corp. P.O. Box 860,
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482.

Knauf Fiber Glass, The Sound Solution.

Available from Knauf Fiber Glass, One Knauf Drive,
Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Loney, W., Effect of Cavity Absorption on the Sound

Transmission Loss of Steel Stud Gypsum Wallboard
Partitions, The Journal of Acoustical Society of America,
Vol. 49, No.2, 1971.

Loney, W., Effect of Cavity Absorption and Multiple

Layers of Wallboard on the Sound Transmission Loss of
Steel Stud Gypsum Wallboard Partitions, The Journal of
Acoustical Society of America,Vol. 53, No. 6, 1973.

Halliwell. R. E. and Quirt, J. D., Controlling Interoffice

Sound Transmission Through a Suspended Ceiling, The
Journal of Acoustical Society of America,Vol. 90, Sept. 1991.

NAHB Research Foundation, Inc., Insulation

Manual/Home, Apartments - Second Edition. Available
from NAIMA, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310,Alexandria,
VA 22314.

Office of Noise Control, California Department of

Health Services, Catalog of STC and IIC Ratings for
Wall and Floor/Ceiling Assemblies, 2151 Berkeley Way,
Berkeley, California 94704.

Owens Corning, Noise Control Design in Residential

Construction. [Link] from Owens Corning, One
Owens Corning Parkway,Toledo, OH 43659.

Johns Manville, Sound Control. Available from Johns

Manville, PO Box 5108, Denver, Colorado 80217.

The American Institute of Architects, Architectural

Graphic Standards, Seventh Edition, “Sound Isolation
Design Criteria Table.” Ramsey/Sleeper, Reprinted by per-
mission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

U.S. Department of Commerce, NBC HandBook 119,

Quieting: A Practical Guide to Noise Control, July 1976.
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office,Washington, DC 20002.

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of

Standards, Acoustical and Thermal Performance of
Exterior Residential Walls, Doors and Windows. NBS
Building Sciences 77, November [Link] from
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office,Washington, DC 20002.

21
 ABOUT NAIMA
NAIMA is a trade association of North American
manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag
wool insulation products. NAIMA’s role is to pro-
mote energy efficiency and environmental preserva-
tion through the use of fiber glass, rock wool, and
slag wool insulation products and to encourage safe
production and use of these insulation products.

NAIMA Building Insulation Committee:

CertainTeed Corporation, 800/233-8990

750 E. Swedesford Road, Valley Forge, PA 19482

Johns Manville, 800/654-3103

P.O. Box 5108, Denver, CO 80217

Knauf Fiber Glass, 800/825-4434

One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN 46176

Owens Corning, 800/GET-PINK

One Owens Corning Parkway, Toledo, OH 43659

For additional information contact to:

NAIMA
44 Canal Center Plaza
Suite 310
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Tel: 703/684-0084
Fax: 703/684-0427
E-mail: insulation@[Link]
Website: [Link]

PUB # BI405 12/97