Tag: acoustical interior ceilings

Interiorgame

Organic Cotton Apparels
Few of the benefits of organic cotton apparels include well-being of farmers and consumers, conservation of environment, and savings in cost for farmers. In the organic cotton industry there has been a growth in the past few years due to these benefits. There has been an increase in parents buying organic cotton baby clothes. This includes organic cotton baby blankets and organic cotton diapers. Both old and young consumers, and also men and women are switching to organic cotton pyjama, organic cotton jeans, organic cotton t-shirts, organic cotton shirts, organic cotton bedding, organic cotton towels, organic cotton pillows, organic cotton mattresses, organic cotton sheets, organic cotton blankets and many more.
Benefits to the Consumer
Those manufacturing organic cotton aggressively advertise that wearing organic cotton apparels are better, particularly for babies. Many parents and consumers also have the same opinion. It is excellent to use organic cotton for the tender skin of a baby. There is a belief that compared to conventional cotton clothing, organic cotton clothing is softer.
Also, since chemicals are not used for producing organic cotton, the allergies caused by it are lesser. Organic cotton apparels have a pleasant smell and also reduce respiratory problems. It has to be noted that the beliefs that organic cotton have these benefits are perceived, and for backing them up there is no strong scientific proof.
Environmental Benefits of Organic Cotton
It might be surprising to know that for protecting conventional cotton it needs almost 10% of the pesticides and 25% of the insecticides used throughout the world, although only 3% of the total cultivated area is used for growing it. Over the years, numerous pests and diseases have destroyed cotton crops. This includes ascochvta blight, bacterial blight, leaf spot, southern blight, white fly, boll worm, crown gall, white fly, and many more. In the list of crops that are most heavily fertilized it ranks fourth.
Lot of environmental pollution is created in the production of conventional cotton due to the use of chemicals excessively. Organic means are used for growing organic cotton without using pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and insecticides. This helps to prevent water contamination, improve the quality of the land, and conserve biodiversity.
Improved Health for Farmers
Like producing conventional coffee, producing conventional cotton also leads to poisoning. This causes varied health problems for cotton farmers. The problem of pesticides and insecticides causing poisoning is so severe that in developing countries poor farmers in thousands end up losing their lives. It ensures better health for farmers and their families.

Cost Savings for Organic Cotton Farmers
Growing organic cotton is cheaper than growing Bt cotton, since Bt cotton is more susceptible to pest attacks.
The above mentioned benefits of organic cotton apparels make it an obvious choice.

Interiorgame

Operable Walls
Operable walls are a set of panels which are interlocked and suspended from an overhead track on the ceiling. They are extended up to the floor and fixed with seals at the floor to provide acoustical separation. When they are retracted they can be stacked against the pocket in the ceiling. Extra rooms can be created by using an operable wall. Your available space can be divided by an operable wall for creating meeting rooms, function areas, extra offices, and even outdoor dining areas. They use a system of individual interlocking panels. Once these are in place they give the same aesthetics, quality, and sound reduction like a permanent partition wall. Noise reduction of up to 56dB can be achieved by having seals at the top and bottom of an operable wall, multiple infills having high performance, and a good panel assembly design. Each panel has vertical channels that have polymer inserts which act as an acoustic seal when the panels act as a wall. Panels are available in three thicknesses, 100mm, 85mm, and 110mm. It is dependent on acoustic rating (from 37dB to 56dB). Also, there are many ways of configuring or stacking the individual acoustic wall panels for giving full versatility on how the area is utilized.
Applications
The operable walls can be used wherever full utilization of room space is needed such as conference centers, hotels, offices, educational establishments, restaurants and cafes, training areas etc.
Operations
Retraction of operable seals make the panels glide quietly and easily along the unique aluminum overhead track system. For completing the acoustic sealing, the telescopic end panels will make it possible for the wall to be locked off. Easy operation and directional flexibility is provided by the track and carrier system. This allows stacking of panels in innumerable configurations.
Benefits of Operable Walls
• Individual panels can be stored away for maximum space utilization.
• For increasing acoustics, isolated aluminum frame construction is used.
• Unique track and carrier system ensuring easy and quiet operation
• For effortless operation, top and bottom seals can be operated.
• It has numerous panel stacking options for complete flexibility.
• High performance multiple infills for maximum sound attenuation.
• It is available in three panel sizes for accommodating a wide range of acoustic requirements.
• No floor track ensuring free threshold without obstruction.
• Extensive range of surface finishes can be applied.
• Suspension of movable, interlocking panels from an overhead track system.
• Sound rated panels for controlling noise effectively.
• It is available in individual (omni-directional) and paired (folding) and configurations.
• It can include access doors for easy entry and exit.
• Blends with the aesthetics of a room, similar to a permanent wall when extended.
• Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including vinyl, fabric, veneer, chair rails, wood moldings, etc.
The above benefits of operable walls make it an obvious choice where permanent walls cannot be used.

What’s that Noise? Office Environments

Millions of people all over the world spend more than 40 hours per week working in their office buildings. Unfortunately, a good part of this time is not spent productively by the employees because of disturbance caused by unwanted noise from inside and outside. It will be evident for anyone who has either worked in or even visited an office building, that the noises encountered there like clicking of keyboards, talking over phones with clients or between employees and blaring music are quite disturbing. But more disturbing are the noises from sounds transmitted from one room to another. This is the real problem to be tackled.

Sound and Building Design

It may be surprising to know that the real reason for sound transmission is the design and construction of the building itself. It can be seen that some buildings are designed such that the water pipes and parts of HVAC (heating and cooling) systems are laid along the ceiling. Also, to conceal these components a ‘drop-ceiling’ is added after walls are built. And then doors are fitted followed by finishing of the rooms. No thought is given to acoustics of the building. It is generally assumed that the main origin of sound transmission is the walls. The fact is that the speed of sound is so great that it is impossible to determine its exact location. Irrespective of location, anyhow, such sounds do disturb the work in an office and productivity apart from causing confusion.

How to Resolve the Problem?

To solve the problem, the first step is to identify the area where the problem generally exists. The selection of sound control materials and method will depend upon the nature and size of the space. For controlling echo and reverberation inside a room we can start with the ceiling. Tiles which can absorb sound on one side and with a sound barrier on the back side for blocking sound from outside and to stop sound leaving the room are considered ideal. There are several products available for sound absorption and for blocking. Door seals are to be used for office doors. Adjustable door seals are preferred. Door seals are the best solution to prevent sound leakage through gaps under the doors. Door seal kits are also available and they are easy to install and are durable. Flooring plays an important part in improving office environment. There is a wide variety of flooring acoustic materials and underlays to choose from. Acoustic adhesives and seals are used to treat corners and joints of walls, floors, doors, windows, and ceilings. Fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels made as per your requirements are best suited for sound reduction anywhere in the office. These panels with heavy vinyl core can be used to block sound.

Offices are enclosed areas that need a quiet environment for facilitating intelligible communication between employees and with customers as well as to ensure better employee health and productivity. To ensure this the best possible acoustic treatment of the office space is the solution.

Office Automation with Raised Access Flooring
Office automation with raised access flooring is the current trend in many business organizations and public offices which use extensive computer and telecom equipment. A raised access floor is an elevated floor above a solid substrate creating a hidden space for the passage of electrical and mechanical ducts cables, and channels for telecommunication and other services. Modern offices need automation of its activities and are dependent on supporting information technology and communication. The under floor service space provided by the raised platform facilitate power supply, data, voice, and HVAC, to the location where they are needed. This makes it possible for quicker layout alterations in offices and adapts to possible future occupier and new technology demands.
Areas where Raised Access Flooring can be used:
• General office area, Conference rooms/Auditoriums, Meeting rooms.
Raised access flooring is economical and provides flexible viable solutions for a wide range of business areas either in new build or renovation situations. Because of this raised access flooring solutions are often used in situations where there is demand for significant application of computer/telecom eqpt.
• Data Processing Centers and Call Centers.
Large computer facilities installed for processing of electronic data like financial information, customer information, etc.
• Telecom exchanges, Educational facilities, Distribution centers and Light and specialized industries where it is advantageous to have flexible under floor services.
Factors that Influence Raised Access Flooring
In the case of modern style of offices any future development is around the open offices and workstations. Frequent changes in the desk layout becomes necessary and this necessitates modifications in services. That means that the initial cable design and layout will have to be modified substantially. Every time such changes become necessary the distribution system will also have to undergo changes. Office automation with raised access flooring can save up to 50% in costs. The alterations required for implementing the changes in services is not complicated. You just have to lift a panel, make the changes in the cables and then replace the panel. This would not have been possible with the old system. The job of creating new floor trunking in the concrete sub floor, re positioning the slabs etc., are time consuming and messy.
Advantages
They are cheaper to build, flexible space, increased tenancy opportunity, lower operating costs with superior quality.
Occupier and Tenant Benefits are: Building obsolescence is avoided, improves quality of air and improves employee absenteeism, adapts to any technology changes and occupier needs because it is ‘future proof’. It improves productivity by a better working atmosphere.
Other benefits are: Generally most of the office space need anti-static carpet tiles but natural finishes can be used inside public areas and lobbies. Office automation with raised access flooring is amenable to any kind of floor finishes, including floor carpet tiles, natural material finishes and laminates.

Noise Pollution
Noise pollution or noise disturbance is the troubling or excessive noise which will damage the balance or activity of human or animal life. The origin of most outside noise worldwide is principally caused by machines and transportation systems, aircraft, motor vehicles, and trains. The word environmental noise summarizes outside noise. Poor urban planning might bring about noise pollution, since side-by-side residential and industrial buildings may end up in pollution within the residential areas. Outdoor noise will be caused by building activities, machines, and music performances, particularly in some workplaces. Noise-induced deafness will be caused by outside (e.g. trains) or within (e.g. music) noise.
Causes of Noise Pollution
1. Industrialization: Industries mostly use huge machines that are capable of producing great deal of noise. Besides that, varied equipment like generators, compressors, grinding mills, and exhaust fans also participate in producing huge noise. Hence, you more likely have seen employees in these industries and factories wearing ear attachments to minimize the impact of commotion.
2. Poor Urban Planning: In developing countries mostly, poor urban planning also play a significant role. Crowded homes, fight over parking, huge families sharing small house, frequent fights over basic amenities ends up in sound pollution which can disturb the environment of society.
3. Social Events: In many social events noise is very high. Whether it is parties, wedding, disco, pub, or place of worship, people commonly break rules set by the native administration and create nuisance within the space. Folks play songs on full volume and dance until midnight that makes the condition of individuals living close pretty worse. You can see people in markets selling garments by making loud noise for attracting the attention of people.
4. Transportation: Sizable amount of vehicles on roads, underground trains, airplanes flying over homes, make significant noise and people find it difficult to accustom with it. The high noise ends up in a state of affairs whereby a standard person loses the ability to listen to properly.
5. Construction Activities: For activities in progress like construction of bridges, mining, dams, roads, stations, buildings, flyovers occur in practically all aspects of the world. These construction activities occur every day as we want a lot of buildings, bridges for accommodating a lot of people, and reduction in traffic congestion. The drawback is that construction equipment makes a lot of noise.
6. Household Chores: People use gadgets extensively in their daily life. Gadgets like mobile, TV, pressure cooker, mixer grinder, vacuum cleaners and more are minor contributors for producing the amount of noise.
Effects of Noise Pollution
In humans high noise levels will contribute to cardiovascular issues, hearing problems, sleeping disorders, health issues, and trouble in communication. Animals will be forced to leave their usual habitat due to the impact of noise pollution resulting in usable habitats becoming unusable, endangered species may become extinct due to this.

Noise Pollution Solutions
Noise pollution solutions are needed since noise pollution is risky and in modern life escaping from noise is impossible. Noise pollution causes many health problems like hypertension, annoyance, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbance, high stress levels, aggression, etc. You can soundproof your home if needed for getting some peace and calmness. You and your family can be healthier and happier if you take measures for preventing noise pollution.
Different Noise Pollution Solutions
Tree Plantation
Noise pollution can be effectively controlled by planting trees and shrubs around the sources creating sound. The dense trees and shrubs block the passage of sound. For living peacefully trees can be planted in the enclosing locality.
Soundproof Homes
For blocking undesirable noise from outside, soundproof windows and doors can be installed. In the event that you stay in populous city locality these soundproof alternatives are significant for complete unwinding.
Loudspeaker Prohibition
In public areas loudspeaker is the main reason for noise pollution. For the welfare of the general population it ought to be banned at any expense. Strict laws ought to be enforced against individuals who violate the law and play loudspeakers in populous localities and public places.
Factory Location
Industries and factories must be located at distant places from the residential areas. Sound detectors should be installed for helping in analyzing the frequencies of sound regularly.
White Noise Machine
For defeating the impacts of noise pollution the most recent technology is utilizing white noise machine. This device changes the intolerable noise into a pleasing sound. A white noise machine is put between the receptor and source of noise. It creates soft sound like that of a fan, waterfall, and soft music.
Machine Quality
There should be an optimization of the quality of machines for reducing sound production. The machinery needs to be lubricated and serviced for minimizing noise generation.
Other Noise Pollution Solutions
At home noise pollution is due to usage of television sets and music systems with high volumes. Rather than playing these devices with the high volume; keeping it at moderate level is better.
Noise can be effectively managed by wearing ear protection during work in noisy conditions. There must be proper maintenance and checking of factory machines and vehicles from time to time. There will not only be an increase in noise levels due to lack of maintenance but also the efficiency of these machines will be decreased.
Aircraft noise will be reduced if the top of the roof has sound insulation.
A layer of wood or plasterboard has to be added to the dividing wall for protecting yourself from the noise caused due to neighbors.

By following the noise pollution solutions mentioned above you can control noise pollution to a great extent.

Noise Control Solutions – The Best Outcome For Everyone

One of the major reasons of hearing loss is noise at work, and contributes to higher turnover of staff, increase in absentee rates, and lower productivity. Thus if noise at work is not resolved it will become very expensive for the employer. All the applications available for control of noise at the workplace can be considered cheaper than what your business will cost you if left unattended. Around the world in many countries Workplace Health and Safety Laws need that noise levels are assessed, and where they have to take appropriate steps for reducing or completely eliminating the problem. And once again, for excess noise levels not being addressed and non compliance with the relevant laws cost would be high in comparison to the cost of fixing everything.

Noise Levels

A busy road creates a noise level of around 85 dBA. In many countries where legislation exists, in the workplace the allowable exposure to 85 dBA per day is 8 hours. The problem is that any level of sound around that must be considered as unacceptable noise, for example a disco emits approximately 100 dBA, a chainsaw 110 dBA and a jet engine 1120 dBA. Only exposure of 4 hours is allowable at 88 dBA and half an hour at 97 dBA. In a day considering all the noise created in your workplace or factory, almost it is certain that noise control of some form will be needed.

Noise Control

Many sources have guidelines for helping you in deciding if there is a noise problem in the working environment. If you decide that there is need for undertaking proper assessment, for going about this, one of the most efficient ways is hiring an acoustic consultant for undertaking a comprehensive Noise Assessment. Many suppliers and manufacturers of noise control products are qualified for undertaking noise assessments. A very efficient way to do this is to hire the services of an organization. After the assessment has been done, the supplier or manufacturer can then recommend what actions to take and also supply any solutions for acoustic control. The equipment and techniques available presently for helping in noise reduction does not end: soundproof window, acoustic curtains, attenuators, acoustic foam, and baffle silencers, for mentioning a limited few. Suppliers and manufacturers of noise control products can supply you with equipment that can be installed by yourself or a complete service will be provided, of quote, supply, and fit according to whatever suits you.

Considering all this, it can be easily concluded that ensuring that all possible action has been taken by your workplace in reducing noise levels is a cost effective and sensible step in the right direction.