Sound attenuation for buildings (Aug. 2014)

The basics of acoustical performance standards

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is increasingly acknowledging the important role sound attenuation can play in enhancing quality of life.
Gypsum Association members have been touting the benefits of controlling noise and reducing sound transmission for many decades. In fact, the wall and floor-ceiling assemblies included in that first edition, and in every subsequent edition, were rated for both fire and sound attenuation. “Building code regulations with respect to control of unwanted noise are almost non-existent,” the 1966 edition explained. “However the demands for relief from tenants and owners from oppressive noise are being registered with the mortgage lending institutions, all of which introduce another dimension in design criteria for the architect.” Read the article