INTRODUCTION The benefits of reducing impact sound within commercial and residential interiors has been well researched and documented over recent years. Acoustics has fast become one of the primary focuses of builders, contractors and architects, as new standards are introduced to improve the overall acoustic performance of new and refurbished installations. Polyflor now offers an Acoustix collection of floorcoverings that has been specifically developed to reduce impact sound within interiors. The collection incorporates a contemporary selection of stylish mineral designs and authentic wood...

INTRODUCTION TO ACOUSTICS It is a growing understanding that noise can have an extremely detrimental effect in the workplace, in schools, hospitals and multi-dwelling residential properties, which can significantly affect an individuals well being and also hinder respective teaching, learning, working and recuperation. Polyflor acoustic vinyl floorcoverings have been designed and developed to assist in improving the acoustic properties within residential, commercial and public locations as well as providing the additional benefits of aesthetics, performance, hygiene and durability. General points...

SOUND AND THE NATURE OF SOUND Sound is usually generated by the vibrations of a surface, which increases the pressure fluctuations in the air or some other medium. Sound is transmitted through sound waves and may be described in terms of sound pressure, sound energy or sound power. Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. Impact Sound Noise is created when the sound energy transmitted either by impact or by air. Impact sound is energy produced by the collision of solid objects transmitted through the structure of a building such as footsteps, slamming of doors or dragging of furniture. Noise...

Stop moving feet... ACOUSTIC TESTING STANDARDS The Impact Test The impact test measures the sound level downstairs when a standard tapping machine is operating upstairs. This is intended to replicate noise such as footsteps and the moving of furniture which travels through the separating floor. The result is shown as the weighted standardised Impact Sound Pressure Level, or L’nT,w and the lower the sound pressure level downstairs the better the insulation. Impact sound insulation is measured in terms of an absolute sound level so that a lower number indicates that the standard of impact sound...

ACOUSTIC SECTORS & MARKETS With the growing understanding that noise can have an extremely detrimental effect on an individuals well being, a wider range of commercial and residential buildings are now being identified as benefiting from an acoustic floorcovering. Within the range of commercial buildings, the Education and Healthcare sections feature the most common areas where noise is considered a nuisance. Due to the number of high-traffic areas each can be expected to have throughout the building, both can benefit greatly from acoustic flooring to aid peaceful learning and patient recovery....

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION STANDARDS The learning environment is forever evolving. The creation of pleasant and comfortable surroundings facilitating various patterns of group working is bringing a new focus to school design and build. School buildings are often subject to detailed design checks and on-site inspections by building control officers. Acoustic flooring can be a necessary part of a school building specification from the outset, working alongside building regulations and end user requirements to prevent expensive remedial work after completion of the project. As the floor of any room represents...

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION STANDARDS Alongside the Building Regulations1 legislation in the UK, which specifies the impact sound reduction level that must be achieved in all new buildings and refurbishments, the Building Bulletin 93 standard was introduced specifically for the school and education market. The aim of this standard was to: Provide a regulatory framework for the acoustic design of schools in support of the building regulations Give supporting advice and recommendations for planning and design of schools Provide a comprehensive guide for architects, acousticians, building control officers,...

HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE SECTOR 21st century healthcare design is about achieving a homely, relaxed and professional environment for patients, staff and visitors. The choice of building materials and floorcoverings can have a major impact on the feel and performance of a hospital. When part of a complete design concept, floors can even aid the healing process and product choice can be key to achieving a positive contribution to patient care. Put simply, hospital floors must perform. Criteria such as hygiene, maintenance, durability, slip resistance and aesthetics are vitally important, as are...

HOSPITAL AND HEALTHCARE REGULATIONS Acoustic regulations have been introduced in many countries to help increase the positive impact on the well being of those occupying the building and the quality of care provided. Most standards are addressing the importance of room acoustics for a variety of healthcare building types. For example in the UK, HTM 08-01 looks at the acoustic performance of healthcare facilities, addressing acoustic issues including the provision of temporary facilities, refurbishments and construction. It works through important acoustic information including impact sound insulation...

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SECTOR Unwanted noise within multi-dwelling properties can play a huge part in contributing to an unhealthy, uncomfortable and unwelcome environment for those living there. Many of the noise issues faced by residents including furniture scrapping across the floor and footsteps, can cause heightened stress levels, discomfort and lack of sleep. To tackle the important issue of noise, and increase the well-being of all residents, the Building Regulations1 standard was introduced in the UK to address the noise level suffered by occupants, leading to separating floors having to...