Before committing to any brand of acoustic insulation, specifiers should insist on seeing the product’s test results signed by an independent test authority. This is the advice of Soundguard , who say that unquantified claims such as “soundproof” are too woolly to ensure meeting the Code unless accompanied by hard data on “sound transmission loss” or “insertion loss” that proves it.
To builders who don’t know a decibel from a doily, the claim could be enough for them to buy without further investigation. This can lead to some unpleasant surprises when the work is inspected, say Soundguard, who make over a hundred different noise control products spearheaded by Wavebar barium-loaded vinyl for walls and ceilings and Silentstep underlay for floors.
Soundguard says trade buyers are increasingly demanding hard data, aware that is their work doesn’t come up to the letter of the Code, it could fail building inspections.
Since the launch of Soundlag 452C, for example, over four hundred specifiers have taken up the offer of free laboratory and consultant’s reports proving that the pipe wrap’s proper installation will ensure meeting the STC45 requirement.
Source: Building Products News.