Mechanical insulation is most well-known for its ability to reduce heat transfer. Another common way to use insulation is for soundproofing. In an industrial or commercial application, excess noise can have detrimental consequences. Acoustical insulation can control sound levels and help mitigate any sound-related issues.
A Little Noise Never Hurt Anyone
- Safety Concerns. Loud noises can be incredibly distracting. If these sounds aren’t kept under control, workers will have issues communicating effectively and these miscommunications can lead to serious safety concerns. For example, if the environment is too loud, a worker may not see or hear that a forklift is coming up behind them.
- Productivity. Studies have shown that excess noise in the workplace reduces productivity and increases absenteeism. Stress levels, the ability to focus and job perception are all directly affected by the sound levels in a given location.
- Hearing Loss. Extreme noise is reported to be one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Exposure to 85dB and above for long periods of time actually degrades the tiny hairs in your ears. Once those hairs are gone, so is your hearing, and they can never grow back.
Protecting Sound Transfer Through Walls and Ceilings
There are a number of ways to reduce noise through the use of wall and ceiling insulation. Harder materials like concrete slabs or gypsum board walls contain the sound within the room that the sound is being produced. The non-porous surfaces simply cause the sound waves to bounce instead of travelling through. Rock wool can also be used to effectively absorb the sound waves and dissipate their energy. Both blocking and absorption tactics can be helpful in eliminating sound transfer.
Limiting Vibrations in Equipment and Machinery
In some cases, insulation can be used to reduce the sound output at the equipment level. This is because vibrations are often the culprit of ongoing ambient noise. Foam insulation products can absorb those vibrations to effectively reduce those sounds. These are especially useful in plumbing applications where the sounds of rushing fluids can get increasingly loud.
Extremely loud and persistent noises don’t have to be your facility’s harsh reality. Simply investing in an acoustical insulation plan can reduce harmful levels of sound and allow your workers to be more safe and productive. The insulation experts at Westcal Insulation can help. Call us today for a consultation!
