Natural noise control Noise control at source, along the path and at the receiveBlocking the sound path what makes a good noise barrieSoaking up noise sound absorption materials Controlling noise by controlling vibration damping materials Common misconceptions about noise and noise control materials Bathtubs: to reduce splashing/squeaking noises transmitted to suite below, the space between bathtub and foor should be flled with fbreglass batt insulation, gypsum board wall sheets behind bathtubs should extend all the way to the foor. Sound insulation priorities Whenattemptingtoimprove theinsulationpropertiesoa residenceagainstexternal noise,theollowingprioriti!ed listotreatmentswillgenerally apply" Windows: provide airtight perimeter seals, reduce window si!e, locate larger windows on quiet side o house, use heavier glass and larger airspace between sheets o glass, add layer o heavy glass with large airspace to existing window #i.e., create a storm window$, i window must remain openable, consider using a solid screen or ba%e to shield the opening rom the noise source. Doors: use solid wood, solid core or insulated steel doors, provide airtight seals along top, bottom and sides, add a second &storm door' separated by an airspace ()) to (*) mm #+' to ,'$ deep - seal perimeters o both doors, create an entrance vestibule #entryway or &mud room'$. ents and !oles: locate ventilation openings on quiet side o house, cover with hood and acoustically line ventilation ducts, caulk or otherwise seal all holes and cracks #airtight$. Walls: increase mass o lightweight constructions with additional interior layers o gypsum board or heavy external materials such as cement stucco or brick, ully insulate cavities #with glass, mineral or cellulose fbre batts or loose-fll, blow-in insulation$, attach interior gypsum board #one or two layers$ to the raming using resilient channels, consider using staggered-stud or double-stud exterior walls. "oo#s $particularly when dealing with aircra#t noise%: install .)) to /)) mm #0' to (.'$ thermal/acoustical insulation in cavity between roo and ceiling, treat #attached duct section and acoustically line$ attic ventilation openings, keep freplace dampers closed when not in use, consider an enclosed freplace #insert$ or a wood stove, construct suspended ceiling using one or two layers o gypsum board mounted on resilient channels, &uidelines #or acceptable indoor noise levels 1eore discussing how to improve the sound insulation o a2ade elements, it is helpul to know 3ust what levels o interior noise are considered appropriate or residencesBedrooms 35 dBA Living, dining and recreation rooms40 dBA Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, utility rooms45 dBA Outdoor ecreation areas55 dBA !echanical "ystems and A##liances (. 4ppliances such as garburators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers should be located on interior or corridor walls within spaces which are located above other less sensitive spaces such as kitchens, laundries, storage, baths. .. Where such appliances must be located above noise-sensitive spaces #living rooms, bedrooms, dens etc.$, they should be vibration isolated rom the foor, walls or other supporting structures, /. 1athroom and kitchen exhaust ans should be selected or low noise output #maximum ..* 5ones or ** d14$, +. 6ucts rom the kitchen and bathroom ans o one suite should not traverse another suite on the way to the exterior wall or roo. 7hey should pass between the insulation in the ceiling space and the foor structure above without rigidly contacting either the gypsum board ceiling below or the foor structure above, *. Where mechanical rooms share common walls or foors with occupied spaces #suites, o8ces, activity rooms etc.$ steps should be taken to limit both airborne and structure borne an, pump or chiller noise reaching these sensitive spaces to appropriate levels, such as the 9oise :riteria #9:$ or ;oom :riteria #;:$ levels recommended by 45evels o exhaust an and air handling unit noise reaching the outside o the building should be controlled so as not to exceed relevant municipal noise bylaw limits at the nearest ad3acent residential premises. $lumbing (. ?eep water supply pressure to suites low - less than /* psi, .. ?eep water fow velocity low - less than , ps in branch lines and () ps in mains, /. @iping >ay-out"" locate supply and drain piping in interior walls within suite or in corridor walls, i possible avoid party walls, avoid walls and ceilings common to living room and dining room, supply each suite with a separate branch line rom main, common #to multiple units$ caste iron waste pipes are acceptableA caste iron waste pipes are preerred over plastic. $i#ing %nstallation: attach piping only to the wall o the suite its serves - do not attach to wall o ad3acent suite, plastic supply piping need not be isolated rom raming where it passes through studs but avoid direct contact with gypsum board walls, fll all wall cavities carrying supply mains or waste pipes with fbreglass batt insulation, support waste piping at foor level only and prevent direct contact with fooring using neoprene pads, non-setting caulking etc., prevent direct contact between supply/waste pipes and hanger straps using neoprene gasketing, heavy elt or corrugated cardboard, &oilets: prevent direct rigid contact between toilet bowls/mounting rings and the foor below using //(,B neoprene pad, select toilets with centriugal fushing action and bowls having relatively small water surace areas and large exposed porcelain areas.