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In the Netherlands, the quality of the soundproofing is expressed as an insulation index. In doing so, a distinction is made between airborne sound and impact noise. With airborne sound a sound source transfers its energy directly to the air surrounding it, which transfers the energy to the partitioning structures, which in turn radiate the energy into the adjacent space. With impact noise, the partitioning structure is directly impacted, such as when walking on a floor. The insulation index is a single figure unit which is a measure of the average deviation in relation to the standard values. This concerns the physical and technical measurement significant units which will have little meaning to the average housing consumer. What makes the situation even more complicated is that, in fact, every dwelling partitioning situation has to be considered. Even noise from the sanitary fittings and the soundproofing of the facades has to be treated in such a way. To make all of this a little more understandable for the consumer, NEN 1070 introduced a system of soundproofing classes. The expectation is that because of this approach, the demand for a higher acoustic quality will increase naturally from within the market. This demand can be capitalized upon with a high quality supply, as there is a clear control system associated with the soundproofing classes.
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There have been one or two changes to the Buildings Decree 2003 in relation to soundproofing. The most significant change relates to tightening-up the requirement in relation to impact noise insulation for dwellings. Until the current Buildings Decree came into force, the specification was an insulation index for impact noise insulation of at least 0 dB. The standard has been increased to +5 dB, which specifically has consequences for dwellings that lie above each other in residential buildings. In most cases, a type of floating covering floor will be needed here in order to satisfy the performance requirements of the Buildings Decree. In addition, the Buildings Decree will be extended with a large number of use functions, for which limit values will apply or for which the limit values that currently apply will also be included in the Buildings Decree.
In the light of practical experience, Xella Calcium Silicate distinguishes three acoustic performance levels.
| Acoustic Perfromance Levels |
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| Basic quality: Buildings Decree Level |
0 dB |
+ 5 dB |
| Improved quality: new comfort class |
+ 5 dB |
+ 10 dB |
| Higher quality: comfort class plus level |
+ 8 dB |
+ 15 dB | |
Brochure – Soundproofing and calcium silicate
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