Acoustical leakage often occurs even when specific steps are taken to keep conversations private, like closing an office or conference room door. But, as sure as sound wants to migrate, outsiders want to hear...Aside from structural requirements, walls are built to provide privacy, primarily visual privacy. Little thought is given to privacy from acoustical leakage.
Thin walls and loose fitting doors are the biggest leakers, with open air plenum ceilings and duct work doing their share of leaking as well.
Ideally, acoustical leakage mitigation should be addressed by the architect and installed during the initial construction phase of the building project. Even when they do, a common misconception among contractors is that soundproofing means throwing up another layer of drywall. Wrongo.
Acoustical leakage can be mitigated two ways... more
