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Sound Absorption

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STC Rating Description of Performance

30
35

Loud speech understood fairly well
Loud speech audible but unintelligible
42
45
Loud speech audible as a murmur
Must strain to hear loud speech
48
50
Some loud speech barely audible
Loud speech not audible


Quiet Comfort
A quiet home is relaxing and serene - with a peaceful aura of quality and solitude. Homeowners realize that unwanted noise affects comfort, concentration, and behavior. That is why it is crucial to insulate the ceilings, walls, and floors with a material that effectively controls sound.

And since noise from within the home can be equally disagreeable, it is a good idea to insulate interior walls and floors — so that several people or groups can simultaneously enjoy different activities (such as watching TV, reading, and using the computer). Controlling noise is clearly important, but how can a homeowner or builder know which insulation is best at keeping a home quiet?

Tested
The best way to determine effectiveness is to conduct reliable, scientific tests. Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a laboratory measurement used to study the resistance of a wall, ceiling, or floor to the passage of sound. The higher the STC number, the more sound is deadened. The table below gives examples of STC ratings.

Open Cell Foam Insulation  Performance

ASTM E 413-87

Sound Transmission Class (STC) 39
Closed Cell Foam Insulation Performance

ASTM E 413-87

Sound Transmission Class (STC) 37
Cellulose Insulation Performance

ASTM E 413-87

Sound Transmission Class (STC)  49
Fiber Glass Insulation Performance

ASTM E 413-87

Sound Transmission Class (STC)  39
Empty Walls Performance

ASTM E 413-87

Sound Transmission Class (STC)  33
Open Cell Foam/Cellulose Combination Performance

ASTM E 413-87

Sound Transmission Class (STC)  51

The Winner
As you can see, testing shows that  Foam/Cellulose design quiets a home better than fiberglass or spray foam.  This is due to the porosity of the two materials in separate layers.   We have found that the two materials complement each other in ways not previously tested.  

Custom Fit Every Time
Different installation methods dramatically affect how well noise is controlled. Fiberglass batts leave gaps and voids since they are cut and patched to fit the countless variations throughout a home. Open Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation and Cellulose together completely fills the spaces in walls and ceilings.  This  application helps to reduce the sound transmittance because it is sprayed in and provides a custom fit around wiring, plumbing, and other obstacles. A Real Improvement For Every Home Spray Foam Insulation and Cellulose together will help keep your home quiet and energy effect.  This results in a quitter more comfortable environment.

Ideal For Multifamily & Commercial Use.
In situations where sound control is even more critical, Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation and Cellulose has proven extremely effective.

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Sources (1) “Noise Control Design Guide”, Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. (2) “Noise Control Design Guide”, Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. (3) Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance.

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