Low noise spaces are desirable and often required by regulation. So it’s important for developers to know how to create them. To achieve optimum sound insulation, the following key components should be considered.
1. Room layout/floor plan
Designing an effective floor plan should be the starting point. To get this right, there are several practices that can be applied to building layouts:
- Rooms where potable water/drainage noise occurs should be located adjacent to each other in single-story projects.
- For apartment buildings, hotel buildings, and multi-story residential construction, these rooms should also be located on top of each other.
- Pipes should never run through walls that border bedrooms, which should be the quietest areas in the building.
2. Installation walls
By using installation walls that meet certain requirements according to DIN 4109-1 standards, a building acoustics test can be avoided. Below are two such requirements that must be met. A full list of DIN 4109-1 requirements you can access here. - INSERT LINK TO PAGE 35
- The single-shell solid wall should have a mass per unit area of ≥ 220 kg/m2, under consideration of plaster layers.
- Structure-borne sound-insulating sheathing must be used for the installation of drinking water and wastewater pipes in wall slots.
3. Lightweight walls
It is also possible to use lightweight walls, also known as gypsum plate walls, as installation walls without the need for further building acoustics testing. To make this possible, certain requirements must again be met according to DIN 4109-1. Two examples are given below, a full list can be find here: INSERT LINK TO TWO EXAMPLES PAGE 36
- The verification based on the lightweight sample installation wall is only permissible if the area-related mass of the ceiling is ≥ 450 kg/m2 and fittings of fitting group I are used.
- At least a two-layer planking of 12.5 mm plasterboard or gypsum fiberboard with ≥ 11 kg/m2 per board layer and cavity damping must be provided for the additional curtain wall installation.
4. Single-shell solid installation walls
If using a single-shell solid installation wall, it must be planned and executed as a "single-shell solid construction sample installation wall". According to section 6.4.4.2.2 of DIN 4109-36, such an installation wall must have a mass per unit area of at least 220 kg/m2.
For the installation, technical and structural boundary conditions of these walls, the provisions of sections 6.4.4.2.3 to 6.4.4.2.5 of DIN 4109-36 must also be met. More detailed information regarding these provisions can be found by consulting the DIN 4109-36 standard.
5. Pipe system and mounting
After a particular pipe system has been installed, it is difficult to improve its sound emission value. Choosing the right sound insulation pipe system and related components has a decisive influence on the structure-borne and airborne sound that will eventually be emitted.
So, it is best to install a low noise emission pipe system to begin with. Making sure the system is installed properly and professionally is also crucial for avoiding structure-borne sound bridges.
Wavin provides low noise solutions and free technical consultation
If you’re looking to achieve optimum sound insulation in any building project, Wavin can provide effective low noise solutions, as well as advice and technical sound insulation training.
Specifically designed for use in low noise systems, Wavin SiTech+ is a versatile option with unique installation features. It is compatible with all projects, from small renovations to large-scale. The premium option is Wavin AS+. This is a high-segment low-noise soil and waste pipe solution, made from mineral-reinforced polypropylene. It guarantees optimal sound reduction due to the high density of the material.
Both of these solutions, and the free technical consultation Wavin provides, will help you achieve maximum noise reduction in any project.
To get started with your sound insulation today, download our sound insulation checklist and brochure just below.
