IT 
Hotels and acoustic comfort
Acoustic well-being is also included in the concept of comfort in hotels.
Vibrations and sound waves disturb guests and there can be many sources of origin: panoramic pools with adjacent rooftop bars, air conditioners, bathroom drains, laundries, lifts, but above all corridors and areas where people with upright suitcases are constantly passing through.
In Italy, for example, speaking of acoustic comfort and governing its implementation is Prime Ministerial Decree of 5/12/97, which establishes the limit values, calculation methods and requirements to be achieved in order to reduce exposure to excessive noise.
How can I soundproof high-frequency spaces from footfall noise?
Carpets and vinyl flooring or similar materials can add to the insulating effect, but the ‘bulk’ of the work is done by acoustic insulation systems.
Depending on the need to reduce decibels and the available time frame, under-screed or under-tile application can be chosen.
In the first case, the floating screed technique allows structural elements to be separated, preventing the transmission of vibrations. In the second case, instead, dry systems, ideal for less invasive and cost-conscious renovations, that do not require new screeds, allow you to reduce intervention times and install sound insulation directly under the floor. In exceptional cases, they can also be installed over an existing floor by re-laying tiles or other chosen surfaces.
The approach of TeMa Interior Solutions
T-Silence offers excellent acoustic insulation performance and can be applied under any finish, including wood, PVC, ceramic tiles and stone.
For under-tile applications, our range includes T-Silence dB21, the panel consisting of a polymeric inner core bonded on both sides with special fabrics, and T-Silence dB17, the roll consisting of a polymeric sheet bonded on one side to a resilient polypropylene non-woven fabric, and on the other side to a spunbonded fabric.
For under-screed applications, instead, we recommend:
- T-Silence 3.8 mm, the honeycomb membrane bonded with a waterproof membrane.
- T-Silence 5 mm, the closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam insulation.
- T-Silence 9.5 mm, the three-dimensional monofilament mat bonded to a breathable waterproof membrane, with butyl selvedge edge for overlapping.
- T-Silence 10 mm, in closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam.
The range is complemented with accessories such as tapes and adhesives for sealing joints.
- Published in Acoustic insulation, Acoustic insulation system - under tile, Acoustic insulation systems - under screed, INTERIOR
Soundproofing the bathroom: Why not?
Having a shower in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn, flushing the toilet, walking heavily barefoot, dropping bottles, a washing machine spinning, water draining or a jacuzzi in operation. All such activities often take place at times when your neighbours may not want to hear you.
Nothing illegal, but it’s most likely to be very annoying for any neighbours who are sleeping.
Don’t be surprised, there’s a solution to this too: install noise-reducing products in the bathroom.
Where does noise come from?
We are used to thinking that noise is transmitted through the air, but sometimes we forget that walls and pipes also transmit vibrations.
In blocks of flats this is even more amplified, as flats are generally designed in a similar way and systems run in sections between floors: this carries much more noise and rumblings.
Our solution
First and foremost, the ideal solution is to carry out a sound test in order to find out what noise is in that room and design a customised soundproofing system.
Environmental comfort can be taken care of by T-Silence dB21, the panel comprising an internal polymer core bonded with special fabrics on both sides, which reduces noise by 21 dB in a thickness of just 7.5 mm.
T-Silence dB21 is particularly suitable for renovations, as it can be dry-installed without having to a make a new screed (thus saving time, since long drying periods are not required). Furthermore, if not irreparably uneven, the old floor need not be demolished, as T-Silence can be installed over it. It can then be directly cladded with ceramic tile or wooden flooring, or a floating floor system can be installed. If, instead, you decide to remove the existing floor because it’s uneven and then lay T-Silence over the screed, as it is reduced in thickness, it isn’t necessary to intervene on the thresholds between one room and another, as no difference in level will occur.
Beware of acoustic bridges
An acoustic bridge is a critical issue that risks undermining all insulation work. It basically transmits noise and vibration. To prevent this, the joints between T-Silence dB21 panels need to be covered with dB-Strip, the paper adhesive tape impregnated with hot melt adhesive, and dB-Band, the self-adhesive band for perimeter insulation in contact with vertical walls.
Advantages
Insulating the bathroom brings the advantage of enhancing rest and therefore personal well-being.
Moreover, as it is relatively uncommon, it adds value to your property.
- Published in news
A new wellbeing range
As humans, one of our basic needs is to create a nest that is warm and dry, and protected from bad weather conditions, hoping that a woodpecker will not come along and live above this nest. Unfortunately, we do not always realise that what affects people’s wellbeing is not only the pleasure of the warmth that an isolated environment brings, but also the silence.
Silence has only recently been re-evaluated as a category
Silence has only recently been re-evaluated as a category of wellbeing. Modern culture has allowed it to be acknowledged as a pre-requisite for a peaceful life. The concept of health has extended its boundaries to include other areas such as noise, which, together with other factors such as light and temperature, influences people’s good living. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the concept of health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Enjoying good sound insulation in the home is therefore not an extra but a necessity. This is why TeMa Interior decided to create T-Silence to reduce footfall noise.
T-Silence, a universally valid option
To make T-Silence a universally valid option, Tema decided to use materials with narrow thicknesses, minimally invasive intervention methods and reduced on-site installation times. In this way, those who are building from scratch or renovating and those who already live in a building and cannot leave it temporarily can make use of the system. Dry applications are used that do not require new screeds and therefore a drying cycle is not necessary. A further advantage not to be overlooked is the option of applying T-Silence without demolishing the existing floor and/or the screed below. This avoids any inconvenience for tenants and ensures quick installation.
So, what is the advantage of soundproofing your home? You can achieve your own wellbeing.
Silence will accompany your daily routine, aiding concentration and avoiding any change in your mindset that normally leads to anxiety, depression and discontent. In the evenings, you will have no problem falling asleep, you will not be woken up in the middle of the night by noisy neighbours and you will allow your brain to re-work the stimuli collected during the day and peacefully fix your memories. Sleep considerably affects everyone’s ability to concentrate and promotes growth processes, which is why it should not be underestimated.
This is why a system like T-Silence becomes essential: because it preserves, protects and enhances your wellbeing. Spread the word and tell the neighbours above you and think about those below you.
If you want to learn more and discover the T-Silence application methods, browse the CATALOGUE.
