Britain's best source of building product information

Why should it be like this?  What do user groups require of the supplier companies?  This shouldn’t be a difficult question to answer.  Despite there being specific differences in their needs, there are a number of common elements.  All are looking for quality products, proven solutions and correct technical advice.  Yet, what are the messages coming back from the recipients of this information?

The main complaint from end-users is of that of receiving technical information that creates confusion,

leading to decision-making being a real problem.  There are many different methods and ways of expressing sound insulation performance and it is all too easy to confuse the layman, who may not have appreciated the difference between airborne and impact sound, yet alone the difference between laboratory and site test results.  Increasingly one hears of “fairy-dust” solutions being offered with guarantees of peace and quiet that simply cannot be achieved.

What can the specifier and end-user of the information do to remedy this situation?  One thing is certain; there is no one correct route to success.  

Just as every construction site is different, and that difference may result in a different acoustic performance from the identical product/system when used in it, there is no simple panacea. 

What we are all seeking is confidence in the choice of the “right” material/system for use in the “right” place and key to gaining that confidence is that the advice, recommendations and ongoing support is coming from the “right” people and is followed without specification erosion.

However, there are some simple guidelines that should be adhered to such as being aware that the longevity of product indicates that it has a proven success rate. Always try to ensure that a supply company has appropriately qualified technical personnel e.g. members of the Institute of Acoustics and,  when looking at companies claims for products/systems, ensure that you compare “apples” with “apples” e.g. DnTw with DnTw (site recorded data under real conditions) and not Rw (laboratory recorded data under perfect conditions).