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