We are constantly inundated with various levels of noise. Often, these are sounds that bounce around our interior space. Untethered, echoing vibrations which, even though we become desensitized to them, could affect our health.
Soundproofing companies like FSorb are able to rebalance interior noise, bringing relief to this desensitization. Once the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system no longer needs to constantly fire, the body can actually work on internal cellular healing and stress relief. This is where FSorb steps in.
Through acoustical expertise, FSorb technicians bring soundproofing to the next level, using state-of-the-art, recycled, safe, non-toxic materials for soundproofing. This is achieved through not only interior applications but exterior management as well.
Tackling exterior noise is something that may not seem so important. However, even when your interior noise solutions are addressed, exterior sources can begin to leach in. This is especially a concern when temperatures change and windows may open or outdoor equipment might engage such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) units, cooling towers, generators, etc.
Imagine quieting the deep hum of an outdoor air conditioning unit so it can be replaced with the sound of chirping birds instead. Exterior FSorb looks at the whole picture, not just the interior. We understand how exterior noise can go above the legal limit. Most cities require below 45 decibels, so we offer many applications to find a solution specified to your needs. We also understand what it means to be a good neighbor when an exterior nuisance is addressed (like your loud heat pump when it comes on). Reducing surrounding noise is a win-win for everyone.
Risks of Exterior Noise Accumulation
It was found that reading comprehension and language skills diminished when children and adults were exposed to noisy classrooms. Even when the leadership in charge keeps classroom noise down, simple chatter from halls or other classrooms could even permeate certain closed doors. Add in exterior noise from open windows, open vents, or poor construction, and this accumulation of sound could make some people, over time, susceptible to possible health compromises.
Exterior noise impacts those in schools, homes, and workplaces. According to a study on the effects of traffic exterior noise from researchers at the Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, France, it was reported that “Traffic noise is found to be associated with an increased risk of CV [cardiovascular] diseases, including MI [myocardial infarction] and stroke and one meta-analysis has found that there is a linear relationship between exposure to transport noise and the incidence of ischemic heart disease” (1).
Exterior noise can also affect those exposed while sleeping. From the same study out of the Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, researchers cite the sympathetic (fight or flight) systemic response “Nocturnal noise exposure has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure through activation of the sympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate variability” (1).
Many other studies support this research proving how noise pollution is an underlying potential health risk that warrants more study. In fact, according to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Noise pollution adversely affects the lives of millions of people. Studies have shown that there are direct links between noise and health. Problems related to noise include stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity” (2).
Exterior Soundproofing Is Up To You
After an EPA study, the Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) was formed under the Clean Air Act in 1978. The mission was to “carry out investigations and studies on noise and its effect on the public health and welfare.” However, for various reasons, the ONAC was disbanded just three years later. The government determined that noise issues would be best handled by local and state authorities.
Unfortunately, without federal regulation, most states do not put noise control at the top of the list when it comes to the many other pressing matters at hand. As a result, noise pollution continues to linger in the background with few commercial or residential concerns being addressed. As health compromises could be a consideration, although further noise study is recommended, there really are not enough rules in place to make exterior soundproofing standard practice. Therefore, most need to take exterior soundproofing into their own hands. So, utilizing a company whose products are durable, safe, and fit into the available space is essential.
FSorb utilizes up to 81% post-consumer recycled, non-toxic, Class A fire tested materials in sourcing for interior and exterior soundproofing materials. These materials pose no VOC (volatile organic compounds) off-gassing or other toxic compromises that, over time, could be unsafe to human health.
Exterior FSorb goes beyond the standard recommendations to withstand outdoor elements.
Options for Exterior Noise Mitigation
When addressing outdoor sounds, there are many options for dealing with exterior noise mitigation. Some of these options include:
Exterior acoustic sound-absorbing panels
Sound curtains
Outdoor rooftop sound wall enclosure
Indoor/outdoor sound blankets
Window and door reinforcement
Sound masking (using soothing indoor sounds to drown out exterior noise)
Many people do not realize that, although constructing a concrete wall around rooftop noise-producing equipment will block the sound, the sound will bounce off the concrete and still be a problem. That is unless there is also a sound absorptive product like FSorb being installed to stop it.
It is essential to maintain precision exterior soundproofing while upholding material integrity. FSorb achieves this through materials that contain:
Weather-resistant components (heat and cold)
UV (ultra-violet) stability
Mold and mildew growth prevention
Two-inch thick insulation
Sheets stocked in 4’x8’ (can be custom cut to any shape)
Outdoor blended colors in grey or tan
Power wash (with bleach) safe at a maximum of 1,600 PSI at 12” from the surface
Due to high standard satisfaction, Exterior FSorb is the material of choice for cellular companies T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. This is because we go above and beyond. FSorb addresses the full spectrum of soundproofing so the job is completed properly.
Acoustic Engineering Expertise
Working with a soundproofing company to address interior sound issues is one thing but when exterior noise solutions are needed it is imperative to employ acoustic engineering expertise.
Some examples of what an acoustical engineer needs to take into consideration when exterior noise is a concern, include:
Utilizing flexible sound-blocking polymers
Sound power reduction by 6dB for every doubling of distance from the source
Sound transmission Clarification (STC) - Standard single-number metric to describe sound-blocking materials and how much sound is blocked from going through a product.
Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) - Used to measure the sound transfer between outdoor and indoor spaces. It uses decibel (dB) levels measured between frequencies of 80 Hz and 4,000 Hz.
FSorb works to find the best exterior soundproofing solutions that either comply with or go beyond these and many other sound rating systems. In addition, FSorb has a wellness and sustainability expert that works hand-in-hand with acoustic engineers to ensure full safety and environmentally friendly protocol. This includes the use of antimicrobial, long-lasting, durable, safe, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and LBC (Living Building Challenge) applications.
Working with FSorb means working with a team of specialists that surpass the industry standards. We consider soundproofing an environmental art that solves the many sound issues which can interrupt progress and creativity and embrace the full human element that is challenged by all levels of noise on a daily basis.
At FSorb, we are motivated by improving human health and do so by creating eco-friendly acoustic products. Our mission is to help designers build beautiful spaces that reduce excess ambient noise while calming the human nervous system. With over 25 years in the acoustic business we stand behind FSorb as a durable, environmentally friendly, and low-cost product. If you want an acoustic solution that is safe to human health at an affordable price, then we are your resource.
info@fsorb.com
(844) 313-7672
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