Tag Archives: Blocking

Why STC 50 Matters in Wall Construction STC 50 is the industry benchmark for acoustic privacy in multi-family, hospitality, and mixed-use projects. Meeting this rating ensures compliance and long-term occupant comfort. While it’s the code minimum, many developments aim for STC 55 or higher to provide superior acoustic separation and tenant satisfaction. Proper STC 50 […]

What Is 2 lb Mass Loaded Vinyl? 2 lb Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a dense, flexible membrane engineered to stop airborne and structure-borne sound. Twice the weight of standard 1 lb MLV, it offers enhanced low-frequency control—especially for mechanical equipment, HVAC systems, and spaces demanding quiet precision. While it’s heavier and more expensive than […]

Why STC 40 Matters in Wall Design STC 40 walls provide moderate privacy but still allow normal speech to pass through. In commercial or light industrial applications, this level may be acceptable—but for residential and hospitality projects, it’s the starting point for improvement. Understanding how framing choices affect STC is key to designing stronger and […]

What STC Means in Construction An STC rating (Sound Transmission Class) measures how well a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly blocks airborne sound such as speech, music, or television noise. The higher the number, the better the sound isolation. STC ratings are determined through laboratory testing that measures how much sound energy is lost as […]

What Is Flanking Noise Flanking noise is sound that reaches a space through indirect paths such as ceilings, floors, ducts, or framing instead of passing directly through the separating wall. Even high-performance walls with excellent STC ratings can fail in the field if flanking paths allow sound to travel around them. In laboratory tests, flanking […]

Why Factory Noise Reduction Matters Factory noise is a major challenge across manufacturing environments. Heavy machinery, metal impacts, and vibration create constant noise that can exceed safe exposure limits. Uncontrolled sound doesn’t just impact hearing—it also affects concentration, communication, and morale. Learning how to reduce noise in factories helps protect workers, extend equipment life, and […]

Why Machine Vibration Matters From manufacturing plants to schools and offices, nearly every building relies on mechanical equipment. When these systems run, they vibrate—creating both audible noise and low-frequency rumble that can travel through the building’s structure. Understanding what causes vibration and how to control it is the first step toward preventing costly downtime and […]

Why MLV Sound Barriers Matter Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is one of the most trusted materials for controlling airborne noise in construction. It provides a high level of sound isolation without heavy materials or complicated installation. Builders, architects, and acoustic consultants rely on MLV to meet strict STC requirements while saving on labor and space. […]