As urban areas become more population-dense, cities and developers are challenged to find quiet locations for new apartments, hotels, offices, and commercial spaces. Effective use of acoustic products has become essential to creating quiet spaces.
The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating is one way to measure the level of sound that products are able to block. STC ratings are not new. They originated in the 1960s as a way to compare how well doors, windows, walls, and ceilings act as sound barriers and were updated in the 1990s.
STC rating determines the level of sound that can move from one room, through the product in question to another room. The more effectively the sound is blocked, and transmission is reduced, the higher the STC score.
The STC score can then be used to select and compare products needed to achieve the desired outcome. For example, a hotel with a highway on one side and a lake on the other may choose products with the STC score best suited to optimize the respective conditions.
It’s not enough to just rely on STC ratings when selecting products. The process of specifying sound-dampening products requires accurate testing and rating protocols, and should also include measurements for transmission loss (TL) and outdoor-indoor transmission class (OITC) in addition to STC.
Additionally, it is important to understand the noise frequency. Air traffic has a lower frequency while train/subway noise has a higher frequency. Products with high STC ratings may not be effective with specific frequencies. Third-party independent product test results are a great way to evaluate the entire sound spectrum, at multiple frequencies.
So when your design calls for specific acoustic attenuation — be it hospitality, education, medical, residential or other — our experts can help you specify and detail the design components necessary to meet your most demanding STC/OITC performance requirements.
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At St. Cloud Window we know every project begins with a challenge or an idea of what a building might be. We bring that vision to life with our distinctive design aesthetics, precision performance, and design-to-delivery support. Learn more about how our products can deliver on your design objectives and site requirements here. Then, check out our full line of historic replica and acoustic window products, and get in touch for more details about any of our high-performing commercial window products.
