Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) was introduced to provide a "regulatory framework for the acoustic design in schools in support of the Building Regulations". There will now be no overlooking BB93 when it comes to new build work for schools and specific levels have been set out for different rooms and activity areas in recognition that both teaching and learning are acoustically demanding activities.
This, of course, is fine for new build work, but not much help when it comes to existing school buildings. Impact noise within stairs and main circulation routes are the most common areas where noise can create particular problems for schools. You'll also, I'm sure, be all too aware that the movement of furniture in adjacent or overhead teaching areas can be a significant distraction to both teaching and learning. This can be particularly noticeable at lesson changeover, with several hundred pupils and teachers on the move at once, and be detrimental to those who are continuing with lessons in adjacent classroom areas.
The good news is that there are things that schools can do to reduce noise transfer within existing buildings. Careful planning when it comes to redecoration and selecting new floor and surface finishes can do a lot to minimise noise carrying from different areas of the building.
The selection of floor coverings is an important purchase for schools due to the sheer amount of surface area to be covered, making it a key factor in the fight against noise problems. Choosing soft yet resilient flooring such as vinyl, rubber or carpet can help to reduce impact sound from feet and furniture. However, it is worth remembering that carpets may be difficult to clean, especially once stained and dotted with chewing gum, and they are sometimes not considered suitable because of their effect on indoor air quality.
Modern vinyl and rubber floor finishes do not suffer from this problem, being specially designed to be both durable and easy to clean. They have some acoustic benefits in their own rights these can be further enhanced by using the floor coverings in conjunction with a specialised acoustic underlay such as Altro acoustic underlay 1101, which fully satisfies the requirements of BB93. Underlays are an important factor when it comes to reducing noise transfer. Altro 1101 is made from recycled rubber and is designed to be fixed to the subfloor in all cases prior to the flooring being installed on top.
Altro Everlay B is made from PVC, is fibreglass reinforced for added stability and designed to be loose laid over problem substrates including those where damp, grease or existing vinyl can create difficulties. At 4mm thick, Altro Everlay B has the added advantage of sound absorbency and gives good decibel reduction from both impact and airborne noise (echo). It is also cushioned and therefore useful in areas where injury from impact with the floor (or wall for that matter) is a concern, for example in a nursery or infant school.
Altro's durable Mondopave and Mondofutura rubber flooring ranges also offer superior acoustic properties. Mondopave has a unique studded appearance and is available in 20 different colours from soft cream to bright aqua, vivid red to bold black.
Mondofutura is a terrazzo style with a PU coating and is especially hard wearing and impact resistant. It is available in 12 different colours including light cream, deep red and midnight blue.
Another easy to implement, practical step that schools can take is to ensure all chair and table legs have rubber ferrules fitted to reduce the noise transfer from furniture being moved and scraped across the floor. Of course, this will have the added benefit of preventing the feet from cutting into the floor and causing unsightly and costly damage.
Use of soft furnishings is a well recognised technique to produce a sound deadening effect for building interiors. Indeed any fabrics or fixtures that will help soften and absorb noise should be considered for busy circulation areas. You might give consideration to the provision of soft surface notice boards in corridors, or perhaps to placing some soft furnishings in a busy reception area.
For further information on reducing noise in school buildings and Altro's full portfolio of interior surfaces, call 01462 707 600 or visit http://www.altro.com/
