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Anthony Barne, technical markeng manager at Armacell, looks at why closed cell acousc insulaon could be the answer to geng a good night’s sleep in muloccupancy buildings


‘ These new


materials have very good acousc damping and acousc isolaon properes across the frequency range relevant for building acouscs.


’


uArmaComfort AB and ArmaComfort AB Alu is a new range of acousc foams designed specifically by Armacell for noise control in plumbing applicaons


building is a commonly cited reason for sleepless nights. Although acoustic measures are routinely applied to reduce noise from external sources such as traffic, more often than not, when it comes to noise from plumbing and rainwater systems, little regard is given to tackling the issue. Pipework leading from bathrooms can be a particular source of noise disturbance in multi-occupancy buildings especially for those working, caring or simply trying to get a good night’s sleep. When it occurs in hotels and care homes it is often viewed as intolerable by residents even during the day. The fact that noise from these sources is an invisible problem means that it is often not thought about until the building has been completed, by which time fixing the issue can require considerably greater expense. This noise disturbance is often exacerbated by having pipework in direct contact with structural elements, which allows sound waves to reverberate and travel easily to other parts of the building. Soil pipes are notorious for causing disturbance, especially where water impacts as it changes direction through a bend or junction. It’s not helped, either, by the flow rate varying from zero to several litres per second when a toilet is flushed or a bath is run, whilst the volume of water travelling through a straight section of pipe generates noise in itself. Drainage pipes in multi- occupancy buildings may serve many storeys, meaning the noise travels between floors.


N Systembased approach


Latest flexible technical insulation materials are designed specifically to tackle these sources of noise. They are manufactured from a 2mm thick foil faced acoustic EPDM-EVA barrier with 4kg/m2


weight and a 9mm thick


ArmaFlex elastomeric foam layer for decoupling, which makes it more effective compared to traditional acoustic insulation products. Independent tests showed that flexible insulation foams achieve a much greater reduction in sound level and with a thinner wall thickness. These independent tests, carried out


COMMUNAL LIVING BSEE Could acoustic foams help a good night’s sleep?


oise disturbance in hotels, care homes and university accommodation or any other kind of multi-occupancy


by CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment), confirmed that our new acoustic foams are able to reduce airborne sound pressure level of a Geberit roof drainage system by 16dB (A) at 2l/s water flow. Similar tests on a PVC pipe, where the vibrations caused by flowing water are stronger because of the lighter weight PVC, achieved a noise reduction of 12dB (A). The human ear perceives a reduction of 10 dB (A) as halving the volume. By choosing the correct flexible acoustic foam it is possible to achieve a weighted sound reduction index (Rw) up to 28dB when pipe and elbows are insulated.


These new materials have very good acoustic damping and acoustic isolation properties across the frequency range relevant for building acoustics – irrespective of whether it is installed on cast iron or PVC pipes. They also display very good fire behaviour, achieving the best fire class for organic products in the European SBI test. Contractors will find that the thinner thicknesses required to achieve the required decibel reduction is an advantage because it makes installation in tight spaces much easier. Where insulation is specified to tackle noise nuisance it should be of the waterproof, closed-cell type, such as nitrile rubber foam. This will prevent it absorbing water, allowing it to be used internally, where condensation on pipework could be an issue, and externally for rainwater systems. In comparison to traditional products for this area, multi-layer materials achieve the desired noise reduction with much lower thicknesses. It also means the products are highly flexible and are easy to fit, without any need for special tools or accessories. The handy formats and self-adhesive backing allow fast and simple installation. It is available in roll format along with a tape for fixing around corners, edges and small gaps to reduce structure-borne noise extremely effectively.


Comfortable nights


Exposure to noise is linked to sleep deprivation and increased stress levels, which can lead to health issues such as raised blood pressure and heart disease. Effective sound insulation using closed-cell acoustic foams can address noise emanating from plumbing and rainwater systems, increasing both the


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comfort and desirability of a multi- occupancy building.


Specifiers and installers that choose flexible insulation foams specifically designed for acoustic applications can demonstrate to their client that they have considered the needs of the occupiers. Effective sound insulation can be retrofitted on existing plumbing and rainwater systems.


Taking steps to correctly specify acoustic foams before the building is occupied can avoid any post- handover issues with the landlord. Increased awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of a good night’s sleep mean that more specifiers are now choosing closed- cell acoustic foams. The ArmaComfort AB and ArmaComfort AB Alu acoustic insulation materials are available to view on YouTube.


www.armacell.com CASE STUDY


uArmaComfort material is highly flexible and easy to fit, allowing it to be installed in ght spaces


Refurbishment of listed hospital


rmacell recently worked with Saint Antoine Hospital in Lille during its refurbishment. The listed building, dating from 1880, was last used as emergency accommodation by the Salvation Army and the child welfare association. In recent years it had fallen into disrepair.


A


Behind the historic façade, a state-of-the-art building is now being created. When completed it will house a 325-bed nursing home. The architects specified ArmaComfort AB Alu to acoustically insulate the waste water pipes. These run above suspended ceilings and in shafts. The new acoustic materials will mean that the residents won’t be disturbed by the wastewater pipes.


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER DECEMBER 2018 25


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