What is Noise?

* Noise as a nuisance is a very subjective matter. Some may consider any perceptible sound from a

neighbor’s residence to be a nuisance, while others just consider it a part of everyday life in multi-tenant living. In any case, nobody ever complains about it being too quiet. Therefore, building codes have taken steps to further their intent of providing for the “general welfare” of the public by incorporating provisions in the building codes to minimize sound transmission through building walls and floors.

The two current model building codes, the

International Building Code (IBC) and the Building

Construction and Safety Code

(NFPA 5000), have similar requirements, with one noticeable exception:

The IBC limits its requirements to only multi-family dwellings, while the NFPA 5000 additionally applies its requirements to hotels, dormitories, lodging and rooming houses, and residential board and care facilities.

*part of an article from www.specsandcodes.com

Why is noise a problem?

The need for noise-reduction solutions in residential and commercial projects are increasing due to a variety of factors. High prices of single-family homes mean more Americans are living in condos, apartments and townhomes, and higher-density development is putting them in closer proximity to their neighbors. In San Diego, building permits for multifamily housing exceeded those for single-family homes in 2006 for the first time since 1990. Also, a recent study shows that the hospital environment noise levels have increased by 25%  since 1960 making recovery time more difficult for patients.  In some cases noise levels exceed 90db, which is equivalent to standing 3ft away from a food blender.  Other factors, including federal patient privacy laws and competitive market forces, have increased the need for privacy and noise control in schools, healthcare facilities and hotels.