The easiest way to soundproof a home is to build a soundproof home. ICF walls with 6 inch concrete cores have Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of 50+. STC is the measurement (decibels) of sound traveling from one side of the wall to the other.
How does ICF build soundproof homes?
Standard residential wall systems with with two ½” drywall sheets and fiberglass insulation have an STC of around 33, which means someone in the house can easily hear sounds in the adjacent rooms.
ICF is the first choice for hotels, theaters and multi-family projects for their ability to isolate and dissipate noise. The foam insulation absorbs sound, and the concrete reflects noise.
Noise Pollution and IEQ
An ICF soundproof home has excellent indoor environmental quality (IEQ). One way it does that is by reducing noise pollution.
Noise pollution creates stress and hinders communication. It causes negative effects such as sleep disorders, hearing loss, migraines and even cardiovascular disease. It can also disrupt productivity and impair a person’s ability to learn.
ICF has a positive effect on IEQ in other ways besides reducing noise pollution. It also keeps the air cleaner by reducing the flow of air from outside. Read more about ICF and IEQ here.
Ready to build your soundproof home? Let’s get started!
