| Bars and nightclubs give people across America a | | | | construct a second wall surface that is separated |
| place to gather, relax and be merry. Atmosphere is of | | | | from the original, giving sound waves a space in which |
| utmost importance in such establishments, and can | | | | to collapse rather than transmit through the wall. A |
| make or break a bar or nightclub's ability to attract | | | | foundation for the second wall surface should be |
| patrons time and time again. Variety abound in the | | | | created through the application of a layer of |
| realm of nighttime entertainment, from high energy | | | | soundproofing vinyl, such as dB-Bloc, to the entire wall |
| dance clubs to casual bars promoting comfortable | | | | surface. This technique adds density to the wall. The |
| conversation among guests. Noise levels bleeding from | | | | second wall surface can then be constructed by |
| bars and nightclubs can be a major concern for club | | | | affixing a new drywall layer atop a series of horizontal |
| owners, the communities surrounding them and alas, | | | | furring strips. This combination of density and |
| law enforcement. In July 2007, a new noise code took | | | | disconnection provides an effective remedy for sound |
| effect in New York City, imposing limits on the decibel | | | | transmission through walls. |
| level that may be emitted from nightclubs into | | | | Untreated walls are not the only medium through which |
| neighboring homes and businesses. Whether a club | | | | sound escapes a nightclub. Windows and ceilings also |
| owner is motivated by courtesy, retaining clientele or | | | | provide means through which sound can escape. The |
| adhering to regulations, the elimination of excess noise | | | | need for window and ceiling treatments is determinant |
| is becoming a forefront concern for many in the bar | | | | upon the goal of the project as well as the unique |
| and nightclub industry. | | | | characteristics of the bar or club. For instance, |
| The goal in soundproofing a bar or nightclub is twofold. | | | | specialized panels are available for treating drop grid |
| The first major objective is controlling the amount of | | | | type ceilings. |
| noise generated by loud music and patrons that | | | | In addition to controlling sound transmission out of an |
| becomes audible outdoors and within neighboring | | | | establishment, many bar and night club owners wish to |
| homes and establishments. Additionally, club owners | | | | improve the quality of acoustics within. With the loud |
| seek to improve the quality of acoustics experienced | | | | music and multiple conversations characteristic of bars |
| within their establishments. | | | | and nightclubs, reverberations reflecting from the |
| Reducing the amount of noise that escapes a bar or | | | | numerous surfaces can interfere with intended sound |
| nightclub involves isolating the area to better control | | | | and diminish acoustical quality. Numerous products are |
| sound transmission. Sound transmission refers to the | | | | available to trap excess reverberations, from foam |
| tendency of a portion of a sound wave to pass | | | | panels to free hanging baffles to urbane suede panels |
| through when it reaches a new medium, in this | | | | in multiple colors designed to coordinate with existing |
| instance the walls, doors and ceiling of the club. Ideally, | | | | décor. The appropriate treatment again depends |
| treatments aimed at reducing sound transmission | | | | on the goals of the project as well as the unique |
| would target all openings as well as each wall, ceiling, | | | | characteristics of each establishment, for instance the |
| door and window of the bar or club, though | | | | presence of low bass tones. |
| improvement can be achieved without treating every | | | | Because of the individualized nature of each |
| means through which noise escapes. Several products | | | | soundproofing project, it is advised to consult with an |
| are on the market for night club owners who seek to | | | | experienced soundproofing provider prior to |
| minimize sound transmission, and many can be | | | | implementing any soundproofing treatments to ensure |
| self-installed. | | | | that all variables are addressed. |
| One option in controlling sound transmission is to | | | | |