Minimum requirements for sound (noise) insulation in buildings are specified in laws governing construction and in ordinances of regional and local authorities. The regulations apply for outside components, airborne sound insulation in buildings, and footfall sound absorption.

Noise insulation differs according to the type of sound. In addition to airborne noise, there is footfall noise from people walking and structure-borne noise that spreads in solid materials.

Protection against outside noise

Outside noise can spread to the inside via windows and walls. To assure good sound insulation for windows, triple-glass windows and special noise-protection windows and doors are availble on the market. The structure of walls is important for noise insulation. Lightweight construction is not ideal for noise protection, but increasing the wall thickness can compensate.

Protection against footfall transmission

Sound is reflected and influences the acoustics.

Airborne noise can be reduced with the following measures

• solid construction materials
• dense rebates for doors and windows
• tight connection of door and window frames to the masonry
• solid furniture and carpets that absorb noise
• soft cushions under sofas and chairs to interrupt sound transfer
• separation of floor and wall construction
• soft substrate for floating floor

Protection against structure-borne noise

Structure-borne noise is usually tranferred via solid connection to the sound source and is often noticed far away from the source.

The following measures can dampen the spread of structure-borne noise:

• separation of structural elements (e.g., concrete ceilings/floors, improperly installed devices, valves, pumps, etc.)
• avoidance of rigid connections between structural elements (e.g., stairways and walls)
• separation of floating floors from walls and other elements

Tip: Put machines and equipment (furnace, washing machine) on damping supports. Pump noise can be avoided by decoupling pipes.