A Quick Guide To Finished Basements And Acoustical Consulting
Many people choose to expand the space in a home with a finished basement. A finished basement can include a home office, a play area, or a workout room. When you finish a basement, you want to ensure you do not hear noise from above like footsteps, pets, or appliances like dishwashers.
Block out excess sound with the services from acoustical consulting. Every location is different, so a deep analysis of your living space will ensure a finished basement reduces noises and distractions from the rest of the home. Check out a quick guide and learn what to expect.
Ceiling Analysis
The barrier between a finished basement and the floors above will make a big difference in the sound transfer between the spaces. The noise from above is often referred to as "impact noise" because the noises are based on the impact of feet and other objects.
To help damper the impact noise, an acoustical engineer may want to install thicker panels and insulation between the rooms. A larger hollow space that uses utility lights may have more vulnerable areas to noise. An engineer can plan out recessed lights that take up less space and do not leave big gaps for sound to travel through.
The ceiling changes will make some of the biggest differences in the area.
Staircase Analysis
An engineer will also focus on the stairs that lead down to the basement. The door that leads to the stairs can leak a lot of sound from upstairs. An engineer could install a thicker door that blocks out more sound. Also, consider a staircase enclosure. The stairs would feature an insulated wall on each side and a door at the bottom and the top.
The reduction of sound will also help reduce echoes in the area and increase privacy for the space.
Outdoor Connections
Noise disruptions in a finished basement could also come from the outside. Engineers will analyze windows, doors, or basement hatches to see how noises come in. Winds, traffic, and general outdoor noises can all impact your experience in a baseball. An engineer will use tools to reduce noise and select the best products to keep the space quiet.
For example, insulation and thicker windows will reduce the way various forms of weather create noise in the basement area. Simple fixes will also help keep the temperature controlled in the basement as well.
Ask about consultation options and completely transform the noise pollution in a finished basement. For more information, contact a local consulting firm, like D.L. ADAMS ASSOCIATES.