Acoustic
Performance relating to sound transmittance and absorption.
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How do I upgrade acoustics on existing masonry walls?
To improve the acoustic performance of an existing masonry wall a number of steps can be taken. Initially, a check of the masonry wall can be carried out to identify any gaps which can result in an easy noise transfer route. Such gaps should be filled with suitable material. Blockwork inner leaf can take a parge coat to seal over the whole surface
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What does (Rw) and (Dntw) mean when acoustic performance is mentioned?
When acoustic performance is quoted, the letters after the dB value show how and where the sound insulation is measured—this is why the difference matters. dB (Rw) This is a laboratory test result. It shows how well a wall or system blocks sound under controlled conditions, with no influence from the rest of the building. Approved Document E (AD‑E)
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Can you install back-to-back sockets in a partition?
Standard industry guidance is to avoid installing back‑to‑back sockets where possible. Ideally, sockets should be located in separate stud bays, ensuring a natural stagger between socket penetrations on each side of the partition and helping to maintain the integrity of the construction. Where the use of separate stud bays cannot be achieved, back‑t
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What plasterboards should be used for framing out opening when installing dampers in partitions?
When creating an opening within a partition for a damper, the opening should be capped with the same number of layers and thickness of plasterboard as per the partition system with further consideration to the actual test data associated with the damper system. As a minimum both criteria must be met.
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How should a profiled soffit be detailed to maintain performance of a partition fixed to it?
When fixing the head of a partition to a profiled rib deck, the profiles must be fire stopped to maintain the same fire resistance performance as the partition below. There are specialised products that are available from fire stopping manufacturers to suit this purpose and guidance from the relevant manufacturer must be sought to ensure they are in
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How is glasswool insulation installed within the cavity of a partition?
Glasswool Insulation can be hung from the inside of the head track by trapping an amount with a 25mm x 25mm angle section and fixings through the head track. Where partitions, linings and shaftwall systems do not require a fire rating, and the insulation is only used for acoustic or thermal purposes, alternative suspension methods are acceptable suc