How do you minimise the impact of ambient noise on health and comfort?

In fact, noise pollution is an increasing problem worldwide. Thus, continuous urbanisation brings a lot of traffic and other environmental noise . However, many are less aware of the harmful effects of noise pollution and poor acoustics on health and living comfort.

We are well aware of the consequences of poor acoustics and fight noise pollution daily by developing quality façade ventilation.

When is noise a nuisance?

When exactly noise becomes a nuisance depends on the individual. What is considered noise and thus a nuisance to one person is not necessarily the same for another. Someone living next to a school may be inconvenienced by children playing during playtimes. For someone else, this may not bother them at all and may even provide a certain peace of mind. 

However, research into noise pollution shows from how many dB noise becomes really annoying for the 'average' man/woman. The table below gives an idea:

Moreover, some 10 to 15 per cent of the population is noise-sensitive. They are even more affected by noise than others. It is therefore safe to say that taking decisive action to tackle noise pollution is necessary  for overall public health.

How do poor acoustics affect health and comfort?

Long-term exposure to noise and poor acoustics has quite an impact on people's health and comfort. These are some possible consequences of noise pollution:

•         Sleep disorder: Noise pollution while sleeping can lead to interrupted sleep and lack of sleep. This, in turn, results in overtiredness and concentration problems.
•         Bad mood: In turn, lack of sleep has a direct impact on mood. But constant exposure to annoying noise can also negatively affect your mood.
•         Stress and anxiety: Constant exposure to environmental noise, especially if it is unpredictable or disturbing, can lead to stress and anxiety. Noise increases the stress hormone cortisol, as well as blood pressure.

•         Cognitive developmental disorders: research shows that children who spend too much time in noise-polluting environments lag behind in their cognitive development.
•         Concentration and productivity: Too much distracting background noise can reduce concentration and productivity.
•         Living comfort: A noisy environment can reduce overall quality of life. It can lead to irritation, reduced well-being and reduced comfort at home, at work, at school or in public places.
•         Physical health: Research shows that chronic exposure to environmental noise may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart failure.

 Noise pollution is a major problem

What is the maximum permissible noise level for dwellings?

There are several laws and regulations in the UK that set requirements for sound insulation or noise levels, including ventilation requirements for dwellings and guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings.

More info on the UK Legislation

But in general, what you find annoying is mostly personal. Do you often suffer from the above symptoms? Then you may argue that noise bothers you.

How can DUCO reduce the impact of outside noise on health and comfort?

Addressing the cause of noise is not obvious. Policy-level measures and implementations are needed here. What you can do, however, is to protect your home as best you can against incoming noise. DUCO offers numerous solutions here:

1.       Solutions with acoustic window vents (damping boxes)

sound absorbing window ventilators are the ideal solution for intensive ventilation in noise-affected locations. For example city centres, buildings or houses close to a motorway, a railway, etc. This noise can be very effectively reduced thanks to ventilation grilles with increased acoustic insulation.

Experience the difference for yourself with the window vents!

High-rise

Creating a healthy indoor climate in high-rise and apartment buildings requires a specific approach. Ventilation plays an important role here. Because with thorough insulation, the natural supply of air has almost no chance. The SkyVent window ventilator is the ideal solution here. In addition, this vent is highly suitable for wind-loaded applications such as coastal high-rise buildings.

Low noise levels

When noise levels are limited but still enough to be a nuisance, the GlasVent 100 SR AK sound absorbing window ventilator with attenuation of up to 34dB can provide relief. This grille is designed for mounting on glass, transom mounting and 'invisible' mounting on the window frame.

High noise levels

For heavily noise-affected situations, DUCO offers the  DucoMax ZR or SkyMax ZR self-regulating, sound absorbing window ventilators. Attractive design and excellent acoustic performance are at the forefront here. SkyMax ZR is an upgraded version of the DucoMax ZR and applicable at heights of up to 70 metres.

Solution by type

We offer sound absorbing solutions for every type of application.  MiniMax ZR, for example, is a self-regulating, sound absorbing window ventilator for transom mounting and ‘invisible’ mounting on the window frame. This grille is optionally fitted with an extended outer cover in case of transom mounting, the ideal solution for use in a curtain wall. A sleek, streamlined finish is guaranteed!

Discover DUCO's acoustic window ventilators

2.       Solutions with intensive acoustic ventilation in the wall

Wall and window louvres combine intensive ventilation with an aesthetically pleasing design. With a wide variety of forms and colours DUCO offers the architect many recessed and surface-mounted options.

Architectural added value

The sound absorbing designer DucoGrille Acoustic wall louvre with high air throughput is made of aluminium extrusion profiles. On the inside, they feature additional acoustic damping in the form of sound absorbing, non-combustible mineral wool.

Heavy noise exposure

The recessed wall louvre with high attenuation, Duco Acoustic Panel, is always made to the required size and is ideal for heavy noise exposure. You have a variant with single and double row slats.

Shielding technical rooms

The DucoWall Acoustic sound absorbing louvre wall is equipped with sound absorbing, non-combustible mineral wool on the inside. This louvre wall is ideal for shielding technical areas. Moreover, it is highly wind and water resistant with high air permeability as well.

Discover DUCO's acoustic window louvres

3.       Solutions with ventilation through the wall

These solutions are highly suitable for renovation projects, where ventilation is integrated into the existing walls.

Designer wall damper

The Silenzio ZRis a designer wall louvre that is ideally suited for use in a renovation project. The Silenzio features a ZR valve so it can be effortlessly used in one of our ventilation systems. This sound absorbing window ventilator has been developed specifically for situations where high noise levels are an issue.

Grille for protected façades

The Silenzio Retro ZR was specially developed for heritage buildings with a protected façade. This ventilator can be built into the façade invisibly or be fitted with a discreet rosette grille.

Discover DUCO's through-the-wall ventilation solutions

4.       Solutions for ventilation through (pitched) roofs
   

   
   DucoMax ZR HD is applicable for pitched roofs from 25 degrees and up and is discreetly concealed from the outside behind a ventilation roof tile and placed in compact transoms.

A solution for every building situation

So anyone who thinks that opening the window is the ideal solution to ventilate your home, office or school is wrong. Ideally, you should opt for window or wall ventilation so that fresh air enters your home naturally . This improves indoor air quality significantly.

The above DUCO solutions are discreetly and stylishly integrated into the façade or above the window. Their acoustic damping provides a nice added value (for the ears). Whether for new construction, renovation, renovation-transformation, DUCO really does have a customised, tailor-made solution for every building situation.