The building industry has evolved enormously in the past 20 years. While labor rates have increased, the amount of skilled labor available for many construction jobs is extremely limited. This is even more true for highly-skilled jobs, such as welding, carpentry, plumbing, and other trades. When this occurs, Architects and Contractors are forced to find […]
Author Archives: Acoustics Expert
07
Aug
Aug
Drywall contractors are often tasked with ensuring constructed walls reach or exceed minimum STC values. In order to do this, it may seem simple to add extra layers of drywall and reap the benefits. However, the fallout could mean lost contracts when competitors realize there are much cheaper ways to hit high STC values. Related: […]
Your IIC Rating, or Impact Insulation Class, is a major factor in how much sound tenants will hear directly below a floor-ceiling assembly. The rating is determined by using a tapping machine on an existing assembly, and measuring the amount of sound that comes through below. This test measures structure-borne, or vibrational sound – the […]
28
Jul
Jul
STC Ratings for Walls One of the ultimate trade-offs in wall design is structural load versus STC ratings. It’s a relatively straight-forward proposition to achieve an STC 50 on a 25-gauge stud wall, but if the wall requires shear strength or structural load capacity, then the gauge size and spacing become a major hindrance. For […]
25
Jul
Jul
Fins Restaurant in Venice, FL was dealing with excessive noise complaints from their patrons. This high-end restaurant in Sarasota has an amazing view overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and is surrounded by boutiques and other fine dining establishments. However, the noise issues were still significant, even after the restaurant had acoustic panels installed last year. […]
24
Jul
Jul
A corporate office client in Tampa FL was experiencing conversation sound transfer in their closed offices. The offices were designed with a proprietary modular wall system (STC range 31 – 48) and Armstrong Calla ceiling tiles (CAC 35) with a Lencore sound masking system is in place. Prior to determining what modifications needed to be […]
22
May
May
Having already performed training for over 50 architecture firms in Florida and Georgia, and over 500 architects and designers, Commercial Acoustics has continued to develop its Architectural Acoustics curriculum. Acoustic Training and Services for Architects We’ve grown beyond our initial territory in the Southeast, and now offer CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) to AIA-certified architects across […]
07
May
May
When it comes to acoustics, there can be times when absorption and blocking aren’t enough, or even the right solution. In doctor’s offices, counseling centers, and other medical facilities, speech privacy is of the utmost importance. Not only to provide a peaceful and quiet environment for both patient and caregiver, but to protect confidentiality. In […]
16
Apr
Apr
Hospital Acoustical Assessment Overview: Healthcare facilities have a number of unique sound requirements, from speech privacy between patient rooms to acoustic treatment in lecture halls. Remember that STCs of 40 or higher are required in a number of partitions in hospitals, clinics, and labs, while even stricter isolation is required where doctor-patient confidentiality is needed. […]
28
Feb
Feb
Of all the office acoustical issues that we address on a weekly basis, one of the most common issues is excessive reverb in conference rooms. This happens most commonly in conference rooms because they’re larger, and generally have hard, reflective surfaces. Conference Room Acoustics can be treated with acoustic panels, fabric-stretched wall systems, or other […]