New Construction and Acoustical Isolation Systems

If you are building or remodeling a rental property for residential or commercial use, then you may contemplate what type of soundproof insulation to invest in. While you must invest in enough soundproofing to comply with local building ordinance, you may consider taking things to the next level.

A Proactive Approach to Noise Complaints

Noise disturbances are a common cause for tenant-to-tenant complaints. By taking additional measures to soundproof your building, you can greatly reduce managing noise complaints within your building. 

Inquire About Your Commercial Renters Daily Operations

Even if you invest in additional soundproofing, your retailers, and commercial renters may produce more noise than usual. This does not mean you should turn down a new renter, but you should clearly outline your expectations, regarding how they further soundproof their space. This includes any renters who perform theater, play musical instruments, sing, play loud music, or operate heavy machinery. Some athletic and sporting facilities will also produce more noise than average.

Don’t Forget the Small Details

Sound can transfer through the ceilings, floors, and walls, but tenant-to-tenant noise transfer must not be your only concern. When soundproofing your remodeled space or new construction, don’t forget:

• Soundproof Water pipes;
• Soundproof Ducts and HVAC systems;
• Invest in noise-reducing doors and windows;
• Consider placement of doors and windows that may face areas of high exterior traffic or noise;
• Consider the soundproofing benefits of carpet;
• Walls that border hallways and stairwells may require additional attention;
• Attics and basements that may be turned into more traditional living spaces.

AcoustiGuard offers acoustical isolation systems to Toronto, Canada home and business owners. We offer solutions for pre and post construction of both residential and commercial. We even offer DIY products to noise proof your home theater or music room.

Keeping Your Private Life Private

Whether you rent or own, you have the right to your privacy. This includes privacy from nosy neighbors and fellow residents. There are several simple ways to improve privacy, even if your bedrooms and living spaces are close together.

Upgrade Your Doors

Doors play a large role in minimizing the transfer of sound from one room to the next. If your doors are made of lightweight materials that easily transfer sound, upgrade to a thicker door or a door designed to reduce sound. This includes room doors, exterior doors, and bedroom closet doors.

Strategically Place Your Sound Systems

The layout of your room must be conducive to function and flow, but also consider your furniture’s role in improving your privacy. Where you place and how you angle your TV and in-room speakers can drastically improve privacy. Even if you play an ambient noise, the placement will help minimize outside noise, providing you with a peaceful oasis.

Add Sound Absorbers

Think of the last time you were somewhere that echoed. It was likely an empty house, room, or even an outdoor canyon. The reason the sound echoed is because nothing absorbed the sound. Some fast and easy sound absorbers include:

• Area rugs, even when placed on top of carpeted flooring,
• Upholstered furniture,
• Upholstered window treatments,
• Fabric and textured walls,
• Temporary or permanent sound absorbing panels.

Soundproof Your Rooms

Another option is to soundproof your rooms. Even if you are renting, there are many soundproofing solutions to choose from, including temporary acoustical isolation systems, permanent sill plate installation, and soundproofing floors.

AcoustiGuard offers the DIY sound absorbing and sound proofing solutions you require to improve your privacy at home. Improve your peace of mind by making a few adjustments; the impact will be immediately beneficial.

4 Ways To Make Your Bedroom Quieter And More Comfortable

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being, but if outside noise keeps you up at night, you may be searching for a soundproofing solution. Below are a few noise barrier materials to consider in your bedroom.

Soundproofing Your Windows

Even if you have quality windows and sound resistant window treatments, it may not be enough to keep the noise out. Consider adding DeAmp transparent sound absorber panels. These panels can be removed when you move out, and can remain open during the day so that you can still enjoy the sunlight.

Soundproofing Your Ceilings

Sometimes the footsteps above your head are what keep you up at night. If the floor above you is owned or rented by someone else, consider adding panels or an added layer of drywall that is soundproofed with green glue, and maybe even a resilient sound isolation clip.

If you own your home, you can start by adding an area rug to wood floors. If that isn’t sufficient, add a soundproofing layer to either the above floors or your ceiling.

Reducing Wall-to-Wall Vibration and Noise

If the sound that keeps you up at night is coming from within your house, or within your apartment complex, then you may be looking for a more permanent noise barrier system. Wall-to-wall noise reduction systems are similar to the solutions mentioned above in the ceiling solutions. Choose your solution dependent upon the noise that is the most disruptive. For example, if your HVAC or plumbing is waking you up at night, wrapping with pipe and duct noise reduction solutions may be your best option.

Aside from the tips above, consider ear plugs and white noise machines to drown out a sound. All of these soundproof solutions are available at our online store!

Not So Good Vibrations—What Is Sound?

Our job at AcoustiGuard is to provide acoustic insulation materials to Toronto, Canada home and business owners. Our DIY noise barrier systems address a multitude of noise concerns, for both general and commercial use. While we process sound every waking minute of the day, most of us fail to give the science behind sound much of a second thought.

What Is Sound?

Sound is actually airborne vibration. Our ears receive vibration, and our brain translates that vibration into something we can identify or communicate. Everyone has a unique response to how sound effects their mood or level of productivity. While some can simply “block out sound” others are sound sensitive. Something as simple as a ticking wall clock may go unnoticed by some, but is obtrusive to others. Generally speaking, some sound vibrations are more irritating than others—while some are more calming and soothing. There are also times when we simply aren’t in the mood for certain sounds.

Think Of Day-to-Day Sound As You Would Music

 
We all have our own taste in music. Some music calms us, while other motivates or energizes us. For example, you may not mind listening to sounds of nature while you sleep, but you may not be able to sleep with a pop station playing in the background—even if it is something you like to listen to while you are awake. The same concept can be applied to all types of sounds.

Managing Day-to-Day Sound With Sound Barrier Materials

 
With the understanding that we all respond to sound in a unique manner, you must search for ways to make your home or business “sound-comfortable” for as many people as possible. There are multiple sound barrier materials to choose from, you just have to determine which solutions address your needs.

Yes, You Can Soundproof Rental Properties!

 
While some soundproof systems are designed to be part of your initial construction, there are multiple solutions for rental properties too. Browse through our soundproofing systems now to determine your best options.

Sound Control Underlayment for Wood Floors

Underlayments are used under wood floors for two reasons.  One is to make the floor sound better inside the room by reducing the clicking sounds.  The Second and often the most important function is to reduce the Impact Sound of ‘Footfall Noises’ to the living space below.  There is a big problem however in that decisions about flooring materials are often made based on price – especially when large amounts are being purchased by builders and developers.  Even for home owners, price is understandably an important consideration.  But like nearly everything in life, you get what you pay for!  Sound Control Underlayments are no exception.

The first issue is that the underlayment is not seen so it’s deemed less important than the finished floor you see and walk on.  Fair enough, but the functionality and longevity of an underlayment is so important that if not considered carefully it can compromise the entire installation.  This can cause early floor failure and possible legal problems in the case of underlayments used in condominiums. 

The underlayments that are being offered today consist of: cork, felt, foam and rubber. 

Cork – is an old school underlay.  It has been used for so long it’s been ‘grandfathered’ into many specifications.  The issue with cork is that it is the bark of a tree and it dries out, crumbles and cracks over a short period of time.

Felt – does a reasonable job, but if there happens to be a spill of any kind, it will seep through the joints where the felt will wick it under greater areas the floor with disastrous results.

Foams– These are the real problem in the flooring choices today.  As this market is so ‘price driven’,the sellers of foams are happily offering up re-purposed packaging foam to be used as floor underlayment because they are so cheap.  Back to the ‘you get what you pay for’ – foam underlayments often crush out in a very short period of time compromising floor joints and the whole installation.  Along with the diminishing thickness, so goes any acoustic performance claim.  Foam underlayments are generally considered ‘temporary’. 

Rubber– This class of underlayment is currently the King-of-the-Hill as they offer the highest acoustic performance and unsurpassed life span.  These underlayments are manufactured from reclaimed tires and will never crush out under residential loads.  The ones manufactured with polyurethane and acrylic binders offer zero smell and zero off gassing.

Iso-Sep PM Sound Control Underlay is made right here in North America.  It is one of the highest performing and lowest cost underlayments made today.

Wilrep Ltd.  www.acoustiguard.com has been supporting its clients with Sound and Vibration Control Solutions for over 39 years. 

Need a Soundproofing Floor in Toronto Canada?

If you live in Toronto, Canada and need to add a soundproof floor to your home or business, AcoustiGuard has multiple solutions for you to choose from. Our soundproofing materials are easy DIY solutions; you just have to determine the one that best meets your needs. We have soundproofing floors that can be added to preexisting flooring, as well as soundproofing designed to be part of the original construction.

Floor-to-Floor Soundproofing Floors

If you live in a multi-story home or building, the noise of footsteps above head may be a bit of a nuisance. To help eliminate the sounds of kids playing, or high heeled shoes, and even the transfer of voices—add floor-to-floor soundproofing floors. This type of flooring is designed to be placed underneath flooring, but we have options for all types of flooring.

Freedom Step Panels

Our freedom step panels are ideal for athletic flooring. These dual purpose panels are not only designed as a soundproofing floor—but they also absorb shock. Freedom step floating subfloors are the flooring of choice for gyms, athletic centers, martial art studios, and dance schools. 

Soundproofing for Acoustics

If you will be adding a home recording studio, music room, home theater, dance club, etc., then soundproofing for acoustics must be considered. Our Iso-Sep PM Privacy Mats reduce noise by an average of 80%. This solution may not be needed for every room, but will make a world of difference in rooms that have a higher than average volume.

Not sure what you need? Our flooring services are designed to address a variety of sound control solutions. If you aren’t sure which type of soundproofing floor you need, just ask. We will gladly talk you through the differences, and help you to select the best solution for your individual needs.

 


 

Does your Gym need floating floors? Here's 3 reasons why.

Floating floors and sprung floors are the flooring of choice for many dance studios, martial arts studios, gyms, and other athletic businesses. If you are considering adding a floating floor, you might be wondering what the benefits may be. Below are the top 3 reasons to add a sprung or floating floor.

Improved Performance

Sprung floors do not need to be nailed or glued to the preexisting floor, making for easy installation and removal. They are a popular flooring choice for dance studios, martial arts studios, indoor gyms, or any other indoor sport and fitness centers. The flooring creates a softer and less jarring surface, which improves both comfort and performance. It also reduces the likelihood and severity of injury. While the floor is “sprung” it is a solid, even, and smooth landing and performance surface.

Soundproofing

Athletic endeavors require jumping, leaping, and sometimes rhythmic sounds—such as tap dancing. On top of that, treadmills and other fitness machines are noisy. This noise can be quite disruptive to your neighbors, especially those who operate on the floor beneath you. This is why you need a good noise barrier system. Adding a removable sprung floor will help to absorb much of the sound, keeping you in your neighbor’s good graces. It will even help to manage your internal sound control.

Shock Absorption

Athletes and dancers train hard, so you want to do what you can to ease the stress, strain, and shock placed on their bodies. Adding a sprung floor will absorb much of the shock when landing from acrobatic and aerobic activities. This is especially important if your business has cement, laminate, tile, or other jarring floors. However, floating floors are also of benefit when added to wood floors. Even if your sport of choice requires participants to wear shock-absorbing athletic shoes, your floating floor will further lessen the shock.

Easy-to-Install Floating Floors

While gyms and fitness centers are some of our top clients, our soundproof subfloors are ideal for multipurpose spaces. Floating floors are fairly easy to install, and only require a handful of tools—a mallet or hammer, plywood, and a wood block. In order to best meet your needs, we offer two different models of Freedom-Step Sub Floor Panels—standard and pro.

To learn more about our floating floors, or any of our other soundproof subflooring solutions, head over to the AcoustiGuard website to take a closer look.