Episode 4: Understanding the ratings behind acoustical wall, ceiling and roof assemblies

Noise pollution can have harmful effects on human health, ranging from simple annoyance and distraction to increased blood pressure and stress.* Effectively reducing the distance sound can travel is critical to creating pleasant spaces where people live, work and play. The first step toward designing quality acoustical assemblies is understanding the differences between Sound Transmission Class (STC), Impact Insulation Class (IIC), Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) and Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC).

Listeners will learn:

• Why noise reduction is important
• What the four acoustic ratings — STC, IIC, CAC and OITC — measure and how they are tested
• Real-world examples of noise challenges gypsum board acoustical assemblies solve
• The role National Gypsum’s Fire & Sound Assembly Selector can play in selecting assemblies that meet both acoustical and fire ratings

Want to know more?

• Check out our sound and acoustic solution resources
• Explore our Fire & Sound Assembly Selector to streamline planning and estimating
• Download The SoundBook^®, the industry’s leading resource for technical details and sound-rated assembly drawings
• Download the CAC assemblies mentioned in the episode
• Take a deep dive into acoustical design by reading our library of acoustics-focused blog posts:
  • Making sense of acoustical ratings alphabet soup
  • 6 variables that affect STC ratings
  • Using roof coverboard to reduce outside sound transmission
  • Choosing building materials for better acoustics
  • How to reduce sound transmission in floor-ceiling assemblies
  • Understanding acoustical assemblies with The SoundBook

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Do you have a question you’d like us to answer or a topic we should cover? We want to hear from you. Email your ideas to podcast@nationalgypsum.com.