Noise can be a problem when you live in a bustling region like the city, especially during the rush hour. Few days are simply too annoyingly noisy, what with honking and passing cars. At times all we want to do is turn off the unneeded noise so that we can completely relax and enjoy our time at home. Even if we close our windows, there is still that bustling sound that we can’t seem to escape. You would surely don’t like this unnecessary noise when you are conducting your live classes or taking online teaching app, having some personal time or resting to rejuvenate oneself.
In instances like these, we wish to give our homes a quieter touch so that we can unwind after a long day.Although your walls might act as a sound barrier, the disturbance outside our homes can nevertheless permeate our windows. As a result, getting the greatest window coverings in our houses is one of the best ways to solve this problem; closing your windows is one option, but curtains are also a smart choice.
This is a question that frequently arises in audio discussion forums and comments. People ask if so-called soundproofing drapes are worth the money and can genuinely provide a sufficient sound barrier against traffic, noisy neighbours, and other loud noises.
Yes, curtains do produce a significant sound barrier, but there are several telltale signals that are absolutely helpful with it.A soundproofing curtain is type that adds a lot of sound insulation between two partitions.
Many sound-blocking or sound-proofing drapes or window options are promoted as such, yet they have minimal effect on noise! A low-density, lower weight curtain will provide little or no sound insulation. True soundproofing drapes are dense, hefty, and frequently contain an additional middle layer for sound absorption. Vinyl or fabric materials can be used to create these intermediary layers. Curtains that have been overlaid with another curtain material are less effective. Fortunately, curtains can be scientifically tested to see how well they transmit sound.
SOUND BLOCKING AS A SCIENCE
Customers looking for soundproofing curtains should choose one with a high STC rating.An STC rating ensures that the promises made about the curtains have been adequately proven in the experimental settings.
The Sound Transmission Class (STC) of a building partition is a numerical assessment of how well it attenuates airborne sound. It is commonly used to grade interior partitions, ceilings/floors, doors, windows, and exterior wall configurations in the United States. Transmission loss is measured by testing partitions at various frequencies. These different frequency transmission losses are then standardised into an STC rating.
Curtains, like other dividers, can be evaluated for STC under authorised laboratory settings.
The STC rating gives an estimation to the amount of decibels (dB) that a substance can be said to block. A 10 dB reduction in noise is equivalent to halving the noise. At relatively lower frequencies, an STC rating loses its effectiveness. Although a material may be adequate at blocking voices, it may be ineffective at blocking low-frequency train rumblings.
The STC value of internal walls made up of drywall, studs, and insulation is 33. STC ratings of 20 to 30 are typical for the best curtains. The sound travelling through the unit is halved for every rise of 10 in the STC rating; the greater the STC, the better the device is at blocking sound.
There is a huge amount of variance in products, just as there is in anything else. Many sound-blocking or sound-proofing products are sold without any evidence to support their claims. Last but not least, sound masking isn’t always the answer. Absorbing sound is sometimes a better option.
SOUND BLOCKING VS SOUND ABSORPTION
Curtains can also act as sound absorbing materials. A sound blocker is a device that reduces the amount of sound that passes through a barrier. A sound absorber reduces reverberation or echo in a room. They improve a room’s reverberation or acoustics. Soundproofing material is often dense and heavy, however sound absorbent material is porous and light.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, seek for a product that appears to be heavy and dense, as well as one that has an STC rating to prove that their assertion isn’t simply marketing. If a product does not have an STC rating, it is unlikely to be worth investing in. Consult with the company to ensure that the curtain is appropriate for your noise issue.