Sound, in general, is any vibration transmitted through some medium. Noise, however, is simply unwanted and intrusive sound that often interferes with communication, especially in an office setting.
Sound, when propagated by a medium such as air, expands equally in all directions. This is why noise control is especially important for wide spaces, such as metal buildings used as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and the like.
Previously, I talked about the points you have to watch out for, in the aptly titled article “Know When It’s Time for Noise Control”. So once you’ve gone through the fundamental steps, now you only have to worry about installing your noise control systems.
For metal buildings, you always have the choice between do-it-yourself installation and hiring an expert to do the job for you. Both materials have been tried, tested, and proven effective, depending of course on the extent of the project.
If you’re trying to soundproof your personal studio at home, you might consider doing it yourself. Installing soundproof wall systems actually requires only a few tools. In fact, an electric drill, tin snips, and hole saws will allow you to get the job done in no time.
The beauty of metal buildings truly lies in their flexibility. Imagine, you can further customize your space by simply trimming panels to appropriate lengths, drilling a few holes, and fastening furring strips and carriers to your wall. And voila! You have yourself a soundproof room.
On the other hand, if we’re talking large scale projects such as industrial metal buildings, I suggest you don’t think twice about asking for professional help. For example, most contractors know best about resilient channel applications. In fact, many of them don’t need any special tools to do the installation and they can even finish the job faster than if you would do it yourself, or if you’d choose a different noise control solution. Resilient channel applications require certain angles and measurements during installation in order to perform at its best. For instance, the metal-to-metal contact should be minimized in order to ensure that the sound vibrations are also diminished.
Nowadays, combining noiseproof solutions for both walls and ceilings is increasingly becoming popular for metal buildings. In general, it is best if you ask expert for advice before proceeding with any installations, in order to maximize your return on investment.
Archive for the ‘Steel Buildings’ Category
Creating Noise-Proof Metal Buildings
Monday, April 2nd, 2012Metal is a Sound Choice
Sunday, April 1st, 2012Decades ago, the acceptable noise level within a working environment was set by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Following this, industries were required to monitor noise levels within their facilities and, wherever workers are present, keep these levels within the set limits.
In order to comply with this mandate, industries employed both engineering and administrative noise control measures. Some companies decided to use technology and the latest equipment, while others resorted to limiting workers’ exposure time.
Now, in terms of noise, metal buildings are the “sound” choice. This is because metal buildings, from the name itself, is almost 100% made of metal – and metal is known for its various benefits, including noise control. Metal can be used for walls, in place of mineral fiber or fiberglass, when you want to achieve optimal noise control. Unknown to many, metal is actually excellent for sound absorption and this material has been widely-used in Europe for many decades, even before it became popular in the U.S.
Today, perforated metal walls are the emergent trend for noise control in metal buildings. Perforated aluminum or steel – the most common types – can absorb sound by up to 95%, when reinforced, say, with acoustical fleece panels. And while other combinations of materials can match this acoustical absorption rate, metal is more resistant to damage and is easily more sustainable.
Another standard technique for metal buildings in commercial applications is the use of resilient furring channels. Simply said, these metal channels reduce noise by breaking the path of sound waves that attempt to pass through spaces within the structure.
For some metal buildings, however, the first two techniques are not enough to mitigate the noise. For larger scale noise control, which is common in the industrial setting, the use of reflective metal interlocked systems is popular. This is somewhate similar to the first method discussed, with perforated metal sheets, except this time they are reinforced with an amalgam of mineral wool and solid steel panels.
There are many ways around a noise problem, and these are not mutually exclusive solutions. Of course, the choice depends largely on the level of noise that you have to deal with. Take time to define your environment before employing noise control measures for your metal buildings.
Know When It’s Time for Noise Control
Sunday, April 1st, 2012When you notice how your head aches after your daily plant visit, or how the rumbling and pounding of machines rhythmically turns your good morning into a bad one, don’t even wait for to get complaints from neighboring establishments about the noise from your warehouse – it’s time for noise control.
Simply said, noise can be disruptive to any environment, be it a theater or a church. Exposure to constant noise is scientifically proven to affect temperament, performance, and health. This is basically why the OSHA requires establishments to, let’s just say, quiet down.
Since OSHA’s release in 1970, several methods have been developed in order to meet this new requirement. Acoustical walls, ceiling panels, and combinations of all sorts have been used for noise control in metal buildings. But the first step to controlling noise is determining what the noise is all about.
You have to determine what’s causing the noise before you can identify just how much money and effort you have to put in to reduce it. For metal buildings in industrial applications, they may be machinery, indoor vehicles, or specialized equipment. For metal buildings in commercial applications, noise may be caused by the number of people talking at the same time. The primary causes of noise are extremely variable and largely depend on the nature of your business.
Once you have determined what’s causing the noise, you have to define the geographic locations of these causes. When you’re in manufacturing, it’s likely that your machinery is concentrated in a single large portion of your warehouse. For most metal buildings, it is also likely that part of it is used for administrative functions. The proximity of the two areas and the structures that separate them, such as walls, are crucial information to determine the appropriate noise controls. This is how you know not only what type of acoustic walls and reinforcements you will have to install, but also exactly where you have to put them.
Lastly, you’ll have to prioritize. Noise is a collective result of many factors. Dealing with causes that relatively contribute less noise will reduce the overall noise level insignificantly. For example, both the boiler and the exhaust are noise contributors. Reducing the noise from the exhaust first will have little effect on the overall noise level. Only when you deal with the noise from the boiler will you notice the difference. So as a final check, you must rank the causes and know which ones to address first, in order to enjoy the benefits of noise control inside metal buildings, within the shortest time possible.
Retrofitting The Roof of Metal Buildings
Saturday, March 24th, 2012Leaks are possibly the universal problem that comes with aging metal roofing. But leaks are actually just the nd result of several underlying problems that come together over years of wear and tear.
The common causes of leaks of metal roofing for metal buildings are metal corrosion, expansion and contraction, condensation, and design areas that are innately prone to water penetration. Some people resort to resealing, re-coating, or totally replacing the roofing. However, these solutions are more costly than you realize, especially the latter, as it involves a complete overhaul. But the good news is, there is a more cost-effective and time-efficient method especially designed for metal buildings – metal retrofitting.
Retrofit roofing is one of the most popular solutions for fixing metal roofing for metal buildings. Currently, there is a wide array of companies offering this service. But since the method is relatively new, a lot of people are naturally sceptical about employing this solution.
Ignorance is a common cause of fear. It is but ordinary to doubt something you are not familiar with. This kind of doubt is actually beneficial to some degree but it also pays to take time to give something a chance before jumping to conclusions.
So what is retrofitting anyway? Essentially, “retrofitting” means installing a new roof framing system while maintaining your current roofing structure. To be more technical, the new framing and cladding system will be installed using your current structural grids, which distribute loads from the roof to the foundation of the metal building. All metal buildings have this basic design and that is primarily why retrofitting is an especially efficient solution.
Apart from being efficient, you also get the quality that you require. Of course, after repairing your roof, you expect your building to be impermeable. Retrofitting means watertight, hot-air welded seams. This translates to quality that meets standards as mandated by ASTM primarily because the method produces virtually non-porous seams, flashings, and details for metal buildings and therefore no room for water to penetrate.
What’s more, retrofitting translates to low life-cycle costs. Hot-air welded seams require no maintenance. With retrofitting, you can say goodbye to resealing and re-coating your roof for the rest of your building’s service life – and considering metal buildings, that would be no less than for decades on.
American Steel Building Kits
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012American steel buildings are more attractive solutions to most construction needs because they combine the strength and durability of steel with contemporary designs that are never before seen in metal structures. Unknown to many, steel framing is compatible with traditional building materials such as bricks, masonry, stone, siding, stucco, etc., making American steel buildings indistinguishable with neighboring structures.
American steel buildings are made of prefabricated and pre-engineered components that have been precision cut to their exact measurements, resulting in structures that are tight and designed to stay straight and true even after long years of use.
For those who are on a budget but who still want to take advantage of the many benefits, which American steel buildings provide, there are steel building kits available that are applicable to small structures such as a garage, a workshop or a storage space.
Steel building kits are popular to enthusiasts of “do-it-yourself” projects because they can be assembled quickly and easily even by people with no experience in construction and using only the basic tools.
There are two major styles of metal building kits available for American steel buildings – the “Q” and the “A”. Each kit comes with erection manuals that are easy to read and follow.
The “Q” style or more popularly known as the Quonset Hut style is an epitome of what strength and durability is all about. This style became popular during World War II because it provided versatility and maximum protection for the troops during bombing raids.
Characterized by a single radius and clear span arch, the style is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
Assembly is very straightforward and can be accomplished easily by two people. The arches are raised and put in place one at a time. Then the steel corrugated panels are attached to the frame and the elements are bolted together with steel studs. With this design, expansion is as easy as attaching new panels into additional arches.
The Quonset Hut design is popularly used as garages, barns, repair shops, riding arenas, indoor swimming pools, livestock, grain and crop storage, and many, many more.
The “A” style American steel buildings are for customers who prefer the more conventional look – straight sides and peaked roof. These designs are typically used as garages, hobby shops, RV storages, boat storages, etc.
However, it must be emphasized that American steel buildings are highly customizable. You can have your own steel building designed based on your specifications and preferences.
Insulation Equals Savings for American Steel Buildings
Monday, March 19th, 2012The cost-effectiveness of American steel buildings is much talked about, Although some consumers may find that they are slightly more expensive than traditional construction methods, it is heartening to know that they have been proven to provide more savings in the long run.
Savings when choosing prefabricated construction are many including reduced labor costs since most of the tedious jobs are done at the factory, lower insurance costs since steel framing is non-combustible, lower materials costs because you pay only for the exact dimensions of the steel used and minimal maintenance costs due to steel’s inherent strength and durability.
There’s another form of savings in American steel buildings – insulation. Because of modern insulation systems, American steel buildings have evolved into various applications and configurations including churches, schools, business and commercial establishments and even residences.
Insulation of American steel buildings spells savings for building owners. Savings come in the form of a significant reduction in energy costs since the use of heaters and air conditioners to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures are lessened.
Heat transfer between the building’s interiors and the outside environment is the primary cause of discomfort of the occupants. Installing insulation to the walls and roof of American steel buildings minimizes heat transfer. In addition, insulation also rules out the presence of moisture, thereby prolonging the life of American steel buildings.
Insulation stabilizes indoor temperature at more desirable levels. Other advantages offered by insulation include improved overall appearance of the building’s interiors and reduced condensation and noise transmission. And since you don’t have to buy a lot of heating and cooling equipment, there is more space available for you to use.
And when you speak of insulation, the concept of U-values is not far behind. In laymen’s terms, the U-value is a measure of the heat flow between a building component such as a wall or roof. For American steel buildings located in warm climates, U-values measure the amount of time it takes to keep the buildings cold. For those located in cold climates. U-values measure how building components keep heat inside the structures.
Whatever the case may be, the higher the U-value, the more heat flows through. Therefore, a low U-value is desired.
Indeed, insulation for American steel buildings saves money, provides greater indoor comfort and improves the health of building occupants. Choosing the right insulation system and hiring professionals to do the installation is the best option that will ensure a quicker return on the investment.
Insulationn Brings Warmth to Your Modern Home
Sunday, March 11th, 2012Metal buildings have grown in popularity as modern homes. But although home-owners are okay with using the latest technology for building, they still want to maintain a certain ambience inside their residence. Installing insulation is one of the best ways to give a traditional feel to your contemporary home.
Foam insulation is one of the most widely used insulation systems for metal buildings. This rigid foam insulation is typically integrated into the metal building envelope. Its basic function is to retard heat transfer from in and out of the building’s walls. This type of insulation is also doubly effective when used with metal facings or panels, as it also acts as air barriers.
When outdoor air infiltrates a building at a natural, uncontrolled rate, it does more damage than help since it affects the air quality inside the building. So instead of cutting on air conditioning costs, you actually use up more energy than you should. And that’s exactly what you want to keep from happening.
Fiberglass cavity insulation on the other hand is popular as a cost-effective, energy-efficient insulation material for metal buildings. This type of insulation has benefits other than ensuring top thermal performance. Fiberglass cavity insulation is also good for controlling sound – it can absorb sound and reduce sound transmission. However, one of the main drawbacks of this type of insulation is the deteriorating R-value, whereas foam insulation is known to have a stable R-value for the long-term, usually up to the end of the useful life of the metal building.
Cellulose insulation is probably the emergent type in the market today, although foam and fiberglass are still very much available. Cellulose insulation’s eco-friendly characteristic makes it especially attractive for today’s metal buildings. Post-consumer recycled paper makes up 85% of cellulose insulation, while maintaining other features as fire-safety, sound-control, and an R-value to match that of other types of insulation.
By choosing cellulose insulation for metal buildings, you are essentially recycling and putting to good use as much as 40 years’ worth of post-consumer paper, such as newsprint. Moreover, cellulose insulation is good for both wall and attic insulation – the primary functional areas that make foam insulation distinct from fiberglass insulation.
All in all, the three types have advantages and disadvantages relative to each other. But the choice depends on your needs and your priorities. Needless to say, all three will bring you the basic function of giving your metal building cozy warmth.
Encourage Community Involvement Through Recreational Centers Made Of American Steel Buildings
Thursday, March 1st, 2012Sports and recreation give community members the motivation to stretch their skills in activities aimed at improving health. This also puts emphasis in worthy undertakings that encourage the locals to get involved. To do this, authorities have to decide on setting up recreational facilities for all resident members.
Local communities always work on limited budgets where infrastructure projects are concerned. In line with this, American steel buildings are offered by companies at prices that are reasonable and lower than those made of conventional materials. These structures are highly recommended as venues for sports and recreation.
American steel buildings work great as centers for recreation because of the benefits they bring. Steel components are excellent for structures with multi-functional use. These can include spaces for swimming pools, basketball courts, skating rinks, workout rooms and others.
American steel buildings are built column-free providing extensive space to house diverse activities. Professional architects have the skills to design the structures with a lot of creativity, helping optimize the size and dimension for maximum usage of space. Aside from spending less, communities can expect that structural projects are done faster because the materials are prefinished already.
American steel buildings used as recreational facilities may be provisioned for expansion in the event a community grows. The installation of additional wall panels makes this possible. These prefabricated structures may also have separate rooms for administration, children’s events and other activities designed even for senior members.
Recreational centers offer locals the opportunity to maintain their good health through sports and worthwhile activities. And with American steel buildings, safety and stability of the structures are ensured. These state-of-the-art platforms also need minor upkeep through their years of use.
Expert builders continuously upgrade their systems through the latest technological concepts so as to build high end prefabricated structures to answer various needs of customers. Construction of prefabricated American steel buildings allow for reduce. Also, the utilization of American steel buildings can substantially bring down all related expenditures when the time to occupy comes because they are energy efficient.
Recreational centers made of steel can also be venues for local residents to discuss issues and concerns that affect the entire community. They offer an arena for everyone to share their ideas and contribute what they can. This will help raise community awareness where the locals can bond together as they regularly see each other.
American steel buildings utilized as recreational centers aid in slowing down ecological degradation. When the structures reach their maximum use, the steel components can be taken apart for the recycling process. Somehow, our natural resources are preserved with less toxic elements that are released into the air.