Gradient Flat Roofing has issued a new technical bulletin which illustrates how its single-layer, thermal insulation roofing solutions can be used to achieve impressive acoustic insulation levels.
The Flat Roof Acoustic Solutions publication shows how both airborne and rain impact noise can be reduced by a Gradient single-layer flat roofing solution, while still delivering significant benefits in terms of thermal insulation and project costs.
Airborne and rain impact noise can exert a large influence on the design of a flat roof. This is especially true when designing for education and health sector buildings where indoor acoustic comfort is a particular requirement.
The importance of this point is highlighted by the performance requirements for school buildings detailed in Building Bulletin 93, and the standards for healthcare buildings which are outlined in Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics.
The new technical bulletin explains that data drawn from tests carried out by the UKAS-accredited Sound Research Laboratories (SRL) confirmed that PIR flat roof insulation solutions can be used to achieve impressive noise insulation levels. The tests examined various aspects of noise, including the airborne insulation performance of various roof constructions in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-3:1995, and the noise generated by rainfall on roof constructions in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-18:2006.
A typical Gradient flat roofing solution can incorporate a number of different materials, and the SRL tests show clearly that this can deliver major benefits for a building’s acoustic performance. The Gradient acoustic membrane used in the tests was shown to significantly improve both airborne and rain impact acoustic performance. Details of the test parameters and construction types with and without various suspended ceilings are included in the publication.
In addition to delivering this type of impressive noise insulation performance, a Gradient single-layer tapered flat roofing solution can provide many other benefits. These include the ability to create a practical and effective solution for each project, while reducing installation times, construction schedules and project costs.
"We can support customers with a full design and specification service and this means we can help them consider noise issues right from the earliest stage of their project,” comments Gradient’s Richard Milward. “We have always been confident about the acoustic performance of our roofing solutions, but it’s especially pleasing to have independent confirmation from an authorative body such as the SRL.”
