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Acoustic Insulation in Timber Construction with OSB
Unfortunately, many owners, builders and architects still have doubts as to whether it’s possible to achieve genuinely effective acoustic insulation with timber construction methods. But there’s absolutely no reason for them to be concerned, because the truth is that soundproofing is quite feasible and straightforward with this relatively lightweight building approach. Even strict noise attenuation requirements can be effortlessly met. In this article we explain why this works so well with SWISS KRONO OSB and similar materials. They not only meet but in fact considerably exceed the minimum requirements stipulated by the relevant standard, DIN 4109 – Sound Insulation in Buildings. The sound reduction levels achievable with SWISS KRONO OSB are established, verifiable facts.
Selected Minimum and Target Values for Sound Insulation
Source: INFORMATIONSDIENST HOLZ, “Sound Insulation in Timber Construction – Basics and Preliminary Measurements”, page 9
A tried-and-tested approach is to define target values for sound insulation which are within the achievable range for the chosen construction method. INFORMATIONSDIENST HOLZ recommends the following target values in its publication “Sound Insulation in Timber Construction – Basics and Preliminary Measurements”:
Source: INFORMATIONSDIENST HOLZ, “Sound Insulation in Timber Construction – Basics and Preliminary Measurements”, page 13
Architects and planners should begin by talking to clients to find out how important soundproofing is to them and whether certain rooms need to be specially insulated to minimise noise. These requirements should then also be entered in the contract to ensure that special wishes are taken into account while drawing up the plans.
Achieving good acoustic insulation depends not only on careful planning, but also on selecting and professionally installing the right products. Among other things, it’s very important to block secondary sound transmission paths, for example where stairs meet walls or via plumbing etc.
High Bulk Density: the Basis for Good Acoustic Insulation
Building materials with a high bulk density are well-suited for meeting acoustic insulation requirements. SWISS KRONO OSB/3 has a bulk density of at least 600 kg/m3, SWISS KRONO OSB/4 of at least 620 kg/m3, and SWISS KRONO MAGNUMBOARD® OSB even 640 kg/m3. A value of 600 kg/m3 is a must for these engineered wood materials, and SWISS KRONO OSB comfortably clears this hurdle.
SWISS KRONO System Modules with Tested Noise Attenuation Values
To make it even easier for planners, architects and timber builders, SWISS KRONO has developed wall and ceiling modules which deliver the required values, in most cases by a wide margin. It’s not only about high mass, but also and crucially about intelligently structuring and precisely executing these modules. Many of them boast tested acoustic insulation values. Here are some examples:
Party Walls
DIN 4109-1 requires walls that separate buildings to attenuate airborne sound by at least 53 dB. This is achieved with various modules incorporating the SWISS KRONO MAGNUMBOARD® OSB solid timber construction system. A 558 mm-thick party wall, for example, reduces noise by at least 67 dB for superior results.
The module with a thickness of 615 mm even achieves 83 dB, making it much more effective for reducing noise. It also exceeds the spectrum adaptation value for traffic noise (76 dB).
Exterior Walls
Various modules for exterior walls also demonstrate the outstanding acoustic insulating values achievable with SWISS KRONO MAGNUMBOARD® OSB. For example, a wall 325 mm thick attenuates sound by an acoustic insulation factor (Rw) of 65 dB.
Interior Walls
Acoustic insulation is especially important in blocks of flats. Widely varying sound intensities can occur within and between flats – caused, for example, by children playing, instruments being practised or dogs barking. Under these circumstances, it’s especially important to ensure effective insulation. SWISS KRONO has tested various wall modules to see if they meet especially high expectations.
Ceilings
Impact sound also plays a role where ceilings are concerned. SWISS KRONO has tested various modules for this. For instance, an appropriately structured ceiling 175 mm thick containing SWISS KRONO MAGNUMBOARD® OSB mitigates airborne sound (Rw) by 73 dB and impact sound (Ln,w) by 43 dB.
Ceiling modules with good sound attenuation can also be made with SWISS KRONO OSB/3:
Principles for Multi-Layer Constructions
Good acoustic insulation is the combined result of many details, all of which need to be taken into account. Not even the best structure will work as intended if it’s sloppily executed. It’s therefore essential to follow these rules:
- Avoid acoustic bridges that could transmit sound between structures.
- Reduce sound propagation via flanking structures.
- Make sure to properly execute joints between structures.
SWISS KRONO PLANNING: Find the Right Modules in This Tool
More than 300 different modules are available to choose from at timberplanner.com, more than 130 of which incorporate MAGNUMBOARD® OSB. You can filter them based on the acoustic insulation and fire protection requirements in different German states, take advantage of tools for planning moisture protection and thermal insulation, and calculate the loadbearing ability of walls. The modules include text descriptions and can be downloaded in IFC4 format for editing in CAD programs. You can save a selection of modules in your personal profile and use them for other purposes. This invaluable tool helps planners and architects find the right modules for their projects that meet all relevant requirements and wishes.
Acoustic Insulation Activities
In addition to conducting our own tests, at SWISS KRONO we’re also involved in the acoustic insulation project of the Swiss trade journal Lignum and acoustic insulation tests with Wolf Bavaria. We’re fully aware of the enormous importance of effective soundproofing and are therefore committed to ensuring the best possible conditions in timber construction.
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‘ONE-BLOCK’ acoustically insulating party wall, jointly created by Wolf Bavaria and SWISS KRONO
