The certainty of acoustic performance, in new construction and renovation

Urbanization, an increase in the number of complex projects, free layout and new forms of housing, which must meet ever higher quality requirements: these are just a few of the current themes in construction, which call on the creative agility of architects and designers. An important part of these challenges is the acoustic performance of buildings. Corporations, property developers, owners and municipalities are setting the bar ever higher than required by the 2012 Building Code, which also requires more acoustic insulation. Moreover, innovative, innovative applications of materials are desired, which Fonofloor B.V. is happy to provide.

Since 2002, Fonofloor B.V. has been supplying acoustic insulation membranes to reduce impact sound in floating screeds. "Acoustics and noise are tricky subjects," manager Martin van den Bersselaar knows. "After all, noise pollution can occur in various ways. In our view, residents and users deserve optimal acoustic comfort. The 'Fonofloor Formula' can provide this perfectly. With this formula, we guarantee the acoustic performance in advance. Moreover, we supervise all phases of the project. We provide advice during the design process, inspect the structural floor for imperfections that can negatively affect the insulation value and work exclusively with recognized preferred processors, who far exceed the minimum requirements of the 2012 Building Code. Proof is provided by independent measurement after completion."

Acoustic performance exceeds Building Code

Dutch people still experience noise pollution too often. Research shows that with the acoustic requirements of the Building Code, < 25% of people can still experience nuisance. "In fact, noise nuisance from neighbors is annoyance number one," said Van den Bersselaar. "Over the past three years, the number of reports in this area has actually increased by 10%. In particular, housing corporations and VvEs are struggling with this problem and are actively looking for robust, affordable and comfortable solutions. The Fonofloor products fit perfectly within this ambition and are based on the mass-spring-mass principle, in which a 'springy' insulation layer is applied between the structural floor and sand cement or anhydrite screed which absorbs sound waves and vibrations. All Fonofloor products are composed of a (largely recycled) bituminous layer and a springy underside of polyester non-woven. The products come in rolls and can be easily rolled out over the floor. The insulation membranes are vapor-tight. If required, floor heating can also be applied to the insulation layer. We recommend using the Fonofix click rail, which can be glued directly onto the insulation layer. This prevents penetrations of the insulation layer - which negate the insulating properties."

Robust: working through after application is not a problem 

Mineral wool or EPS boards are still regularly used in floating screeds in the year 2020. However, the floor insulation membranes from Fonofloor B.V. have a bituminous top layer, which makes the product less vulnerable than traditional products. "Fonofloor^® for example, has very high resistance to dynamic and static loads. You can just walk over it without affecting its function. And water is not a problem either," said Van den Bersselaar. "Fonofloor^® is only 8 mm thick and has a dynamic stiffness of 18 MN/m³. Very good acoustic results are achieved with the insulation membrane, from LnT,A ≤ 49 to well ≤ 39." For renovation projects, where there are often limitations in mounting heights, he recommends the thinner phonofive^® (6 mm). "Especially for wooden floor structures, we developed fonoblock+^®, a 9 mm thick membrane that combines the extremely high density and acoustic properties of lead foil with a springy layer, making it suitable for both impact sound and air insulation. With this, we offer a suitable solution for every project."