Noise is a problem in any environment; loud noises are even worse given their impact on a person’s hearing and emotional well-being. Noise not only affects employee morale and productivity but can also expose employers to potential liabilities.

Some businesses, by their very nature, demand isolation from the intrusive sounds of the outside world. For instance, concert halls and theatres would not be able to deliver the full experience of a performance if the audience is subjected to noise intrusion from outside. Recording studios cannot function unless external sounds are completely shut out.

In commercial buildings too, employees need to be shielded from noisy HVAC plants as well as other heavy equipment operations. Offices need private spaces for confidential discussions. Similarly, health clinics, hospitals and counselling centres need to ensure privacy to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality. Religious places frown upon noisy disruptions. Hotel noise often causes guests a lot of irritation if rooms are not equipped with sound-rated entrance or communicating doors.

Beyond the commercial space, even home environments need peace and quiet. A good home theatre system cannot be enjoyed if routine household noises intrude into one’s listening pleasure.

Mitigating the noise problem involves understanding the science of sound, or acoustics, the study of which has yielded corresponding sound management techniques. Their application is determined by the nature of the particular noise problem:

Absorption is the process of removing sound energy from within a room, typically accomplished using soft, porous materials to soak up sound.

Transmission is the movement of sound through a medium. This can be prevented in door openings by focussing on clearances and gaps around the doors, which requires specialised expertise and techniques.

Allegion specialises in door security solutions with products ranging from residential and commercial locks, door closers and exit devices, door seals, steel doors and frames, to access control and workforce productivity systems.