Noise Reduction Methods: Top 10 Effective Techniques

Sound Reduction Systems Ltd (SRS) have been assisting customers with domestic noise reduction problems for 40 years and have a wealth of expertise in the field.  We manufacture high performance acoustic solutions for walls, floors, and ceilings within the home and have an industry leading Institute of Acoustics registered technical team on hand to offer practical advice.

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We understand the effects that having noisy neighbours can have on your health and wellbeing and have been helping customers tackle noise problems in their homes for over 40 years.  SRS have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field.  In this article, we have outlined 10 straightforward noise reduction techniques that can be used to improve domestic soundproofing.

For more detailed information about how SRS can help with noise reduction in different areas of your home, please read our guides on domestic sound proofing products

The Most Effective Noise Reduction Methods for Your Home

1. Independent Acoustic Wall Linings

Where maximum sound insulation performance is required then this will always be achieved in practice by using a timber or metal stud that is completely isolated from the wall that is being upgraded. 

SRS have a fully tested specification for our Maxiboard acoustic building board installed onto an independent 50mm deep metal stud frame.  An independent wall lining system offers the advantage of extremely high sound insulation performance but will unfortunately eat into the room a little more than a resilient bar or direct to wall solution.

2. Resilient Bar Systems

Resilient bars help to decouple heavy acoustic linings from wall or ceiling structures and allow maximum sound insulation performance to be achieved for a given addition of mass/weight.  SRS Maxi Resilient Bars are a 30mm deep top hat profile and offer practical advantages over more conventional resilient bars that are secured on one side. 

Maxi Resilient Bars have a wide face to fix into and cannot be squashed flat during installation. Maxi Resilient Bars also minimise the risk of a fixing going through the bar and into the wall behind which would create bridging paths and reduce performance.  The vast majority of SRS’s Part E compliant acoustic wall and ceiling specifications utilise Maxi Resilient Bars and our Maxiboard acoustic building board.

3. Specialist Acoustic Building Boards

SRS Maxiboard is a heavy 17mm thick acoustic building board, constructed from a lamination of three different types of specialist building materials.  The mass loaded vinyl central layer of Maxiboard is sandwiched between two rigid board layers to achieve a noise reduction performance benefit from constrained layer damping. 

This gives Maxiboard improved low frequency sound insulation performance compared with conventional building materials such as plasterboard. Building the damping layer into the Maxiboard means that no other no other damping sheets are required as part of the overall soundproofing specification.

4. Direct to Wall Soundproofing Board can Reduce Unwanted Noise

Where space is an absolute premium and the customer requires a low-profile cost-effective product that is easy to install directly to a masonry wall, SRS recommend Acousticboard 4. 

At only 30mm in thickness and secured to the wall using hammer-fixings Acousticboard 4 won’t eat into the room significantly, can be installed simply by any competent DIYer, and will provide a clearly noticeable reduction in sound coming through from your neighbour's home.

5. Isolated Ceilings Provide Noise Reduction from Upstairs

Acoustic isolation is a fundamental part of any effective acoustic ceiling specification. 

Our Maxi 60 and Maxi Dropped Ceiling specifications both use our Maxi Resilient Bars to decouple the Maxiboard from the floor structure above.  The acoustic isolation provided by resilient bars means that is no direct connection between the linings and the building structure, meaning the transmission of vibration and sound energy is greatly reduced and leading to significant noise reduction. 

Our Maxi 60 ceiling system is just over 60mm in thickness, should meet the sound insulation requirements of Building Regulations Part E, and has a 60-minute fire rating.

6. Resilient Acoustic Flooring Products

Adding a resilient acoustic underlay product to your floor can be a relatively simple way of achieving a fantastic improvement in sound insulation performance.  For over 25 years SRS Acoustilay has led the way in the proprietary acoustic underlay market and still continues to set the standard for product quality, ease of installation and sound reduction potential.

All Acoustilay versions significantly reduce the transmission of impact noises such as footsteps, dropped items and moving furniture.  The heavier grades of Acoustilay 8 and 15 are also able to reduce airborne noises such as television, music and speech due to their high mass.

Acoustilay is 100% sourced and manufactured in the UK using recyclable content. It is supplied in mm x mm sheets, in thicknesses of 10mm, 12mm and 15mm to suit a variety of soundproofing objectives.

7. Floating Floor Systems to Reduce Sound Transmission

Acoustic Flooring floor systems are usually constructed from a rigid board with a resilient acoustic layer foam or felt layer beneath.  SRS Maxideck and Maxipanel 28 are two examples of this kind of product.  In both cases the high surface mass of the board results in an upgrade to airborne sound insulation performance whilst the resilient acoustic felt layer of both products cuts down on the transmission of vibration and impact noise.  Maxideck is also constructed from a laminate of rigid board materials and a core layer of mass loaded vinyl, meaning that a constrained layer damping benefit is achieve using this product.

8. Acoustic Ceiling Hangers

Acoustic ceiling hangers come in many forms, but all types can be used to isolate an acoustic ceiling lining, such as our Maxiboard, from the structure above and reduce noise from upstairs.

Maxiboard is most commonly installed on SRS Maxi Resilient Bars in ceiling applications, but we also have a fully tested specification with Maxiboard installed beneath British Gypsum Casoline MF ceilings.  As part of the MF specification, it is recommend to use acoustic strap hangers and acoustic brackets for maximum performance.

For more information, please visit Noise Barrier Solution.

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9. Acoustic Cavity Infill Products for Noise Reduction

Any effective soundproofing specification should include an acoustically absorptive cavity infill such as our Maxi Slab high density acoustic mineral wool product.  Maxi Slab inserted within a floor, wall or ceiling cavity will aid the decay of sound within the void and reduce the effect of cavity resonance during sound insulation performance testing.  It is important to note that for domestic noise reduction, simple cavity infill product is rarely the solution in isolation and should be teamed with other products such as Maxiboard and Acoustilay for best results.

10. Acoustic Socket and Service Backboxes

A commonly used analogy is that when it comes to the transmission of sound it behaves quite like water and will exploit any weaknesses within the partition structure.  One weakness that is commonly found within walls and partitions is the presence of sockets and switches.  In order to reduce noise transmission through sockets and switches SRS recommend the use of our Acoustic Socket and Service Backboxes as well as ensuring that fittings are staggered to ensure a convoluted transmission path.  SRS Acoustic Socket and Service boxes are designed in line with the guidance of Robust Details for service penetration treatment.

For more information about domestic noise reduction techniques, please contact us today.

Noise in industrial operations can be a challenging yet necessary issue that companies must address. The operations of a manufacturing plant, construction site, and similar environments tend to be very loud, and this noise pollution can extend to the surrounding companies and neighboring residential areas. Moreover, the ongoing loud noises can impact the health and productivity of the onsite workers.

To meet NIOSH and OSHA standards and regulations, businesses must use effective noise control solutions for industrial complexes and other production areas. These strategies have applications across manufacturing sites and industrial environments.

In this guide, we cover the nuances of noise control solutions adaptable to various industrial landscapes and manufacturing settings. We will also review the multiple challenges contractors, architects, engineers, and site managers face.  

Noise Control Challenges Across Industries

Every industry faces unique noise control challenges, from healthcare facilities to manufacturing plants. The key is to determine the specific challenges that you face and determine tailored solutions to mitigate against the industrial-level acoustic issues.

Here’s an overview of specific challenges faced by businesses in various industries and potential solutions that can help mitigate them:

Manufacturing Plants

Challenge: High decibel levels from machinery. Solution: Implement soundproofing measures, isolate noisy equipment, and consider investing in quieter technologies.

Data Centers

Challenge: Intense noise emanating from both backup power generation, and the large hvac equipment needed to cool the server rooms. Solution: Place sound-absorptive peripheral walls around the generators and hvac equipment.

Electrical Substations

Challenge: Transformers emanate low-mid range noises on a continual basis, affecting adjacent residences and businesses. Solution: Utilize attenuated transformer technology, and install sound-absorptive peripheral walls around the transformers.

Offices and Call Centers

Challenge: Open office layouts and constant communication. Solution: Integrate sound-absorbing panels in designated quiet zones and encourage additional ear protection.

Highways and Rail

Challenge: Increasing traffic volumes for both highway and transit rail is leading to elevated noise levels to adjacent communities. Solution: Build tailored sound barrier solutions, implement noise-reducing surfaces, and regulate vehicle speeds.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Challenge: Cooling equipment required to keep large battery banks from overheating. Solution: Utilize attenuated baffles around intake and exhaust outlets, and install sound-absorptive peripheral walls around the site.

Site managers across industries can tailor these solutions to address specific noise challenges, fostering a more tranquil and compliant working environment. Effective industrial noise control enhances employee well-being, increases productivity, and ensures regulatory compliance.

These solutions foster a safer and more comfortable working environment, reducing the risk of hearing damage and associated health issues. In addition, it improves community relations by reducing the impact of industrial activities on surrounding neighborhoods.

Selecting Appropriate Noise Control Solutions for Industrial Settings

Choosing the right noise control solutions for your industry requires carefully assessing the specific noise sources, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make informed decisions:

1. Conduct a Noise Assessment

The first step is to identify and quantify the noise sources in your facility. This includes machinery, equipment, processes, and other activities that generate noise. These assessments, or Noise Studies, are conducted by professional Acoustical Engineers who have the specialized skills and software programs required for this exercise.

Measure the noise levels using appropriate equipment to determine the frequency and intensity of the noise.  Determine the most effective mitigation treatments for the specific noise source and site conditions.

2. Understand Regulatory Requirements

Familiarize yourself with local, national, and industry-specific regulations regarding noise levels and exposure limits. Ensure compliance with these standards to avoid legal issues and potential fines.

3. Prioritize Noise Sources

Identify and prioritize the most significant noise sources based on their contribution to overall noise levels. Focus on addressing the most critical sources first.

4. Consider Engineering Controls

Explore engineering controls as a means of noise reduction. This may involve modifying machinery, processes, or equipment to reduce noise emissions. Examples include installing mufflers, isolating vibrating equipment, or using quieter technologies.

5. Evaluate Administrative Controls

Implement administrative controls, such as scheduling noisy activities during less sensitive times or rotating employees to limit their exposure to noisy environments.

6. Consider Acoustic Barriers and Enclosures

Install barriers or enclosures around noisy equipment to contain and redirect the noise away from sensitive areas. This can be particularly effective for outdoor machinery or industrial processes.

• Outdoor Noise Sources: Use reinforced noise barrier walls with aesthetics, strength, weatherproofing, and high-end noise reduction. Mobile noise barriers are compact, portable sound control option ideal for space-constrained sites. These barriers effectively reduce noise emissions, providing flexibility and ease of deployment in areas with limited space.
• Indoor Noise Sources: Use acoustical materials for walls, flooring and windows.
• High-Volume Applications: Certain solutions are best suited for high-volume situations where other solutions may not be applicable.

7. Evaluate Sound-absorptive Materials

Use sound-absorbing materials like panels, walls or baffles to reduce reverberation and control noise levels. These sound attenuation panels can be strategically placed where noise tends to bounce and amplify.

8. Consider Long-Term Maintenance

Evaluate the maintenance requirements of the chosen noise control solutions. Regular inspections and upkeep are essential to ensure continued effectiveness.

Periodically reassess the noise levels in your facility to ensure that the implemented solutions remain effective. Adjust as needed to address any changes in equipment, processes, or environmental conditions.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Noise Barrier Panel.

Consult with Noise Control Experts