Acoustical Testing Quote Request Form
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Facility Testing Quote Request Form
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Noise Complaints in Apartments, Condominiums, Commercial and Residential Neighborhoods
If there is one thing that is for certain, it’s that anytime you put a bunch of people together in one place (even a rural place) there are sure to be noise complaints!
It can seem to be an impossible task to determine who is at fault (a noisy neighbor or an oversensitive busybody, for example) but the truth is that it’s often a rather simple process to determine what is what…when you have the right combination of know-how and equipment.
That’s where we come in!
Using a combination of spot-testing (by a trained technician) and logged (time-based recording averaging a week) we are able to measure noise (and vibration) levels continuously to determine, when noise is occurring at what levels, and in which areas.
Typically we provide measurements in A-weighting, slow-response (which is what most community noise ordinances require) but we can also provide C-weighting, fast-response (as used in New York City, for example).
Small, unobtrusive monitors run continuously for a week-long period, taking measurements every second in order to provide a crystal clear picture of the noise levels inside or outside any building. All measurements are time-stamped, and we provide a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet of every measurement taken. That’s a total of 604,800 measurements!!
We can also provide vibration measurement equipment that will measure vibration once per second for a week as well.
While we’re on the subject, we have indoor/outdoor audio recordings that will provide a perfect digital recording for a whole week. This makes it very easy to listen to the recordings to determine whether the noise source was a motorcycle racing down the street or a neighbor’s screaming in-laws!
Contact us today using the convenient form below to learn more about how we can help:
Or speak with an acoustical consultant directly at 1-800-665-0080
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Flooring Material Recommendations for Condominiums and Apartment Units
Flooring replacements (and even the selection of flooring in new construction) is probably the sorest of sore spots, when it comes to condominium owners and apartment renters alike. With the exception of the lucky folks that live on the top floor, everyone else that lives in a multistory building is subject to the noises that come from above.
Especially for people who are not used to living in shared housing, noises from footsteps, vacuums, chairs, children, high heels, and animals can be downright shocking!
When flooring is changed from carpet to hard surface flooring the subjective (and measured) differences can be downright shocking. In today’s world carpet is viewed as a very inferior material compared to hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and tile flooring. People (rightly or wrongly) look at carpet as a dated floor covering that is difficult to keep clean. Similarly landlords look at carpet as a consumable that needs to be replaced every few tenants.
All of this drives the multifamily housing market toward hard surface flooring.
So what’s the problem?
Hard surface flooring (by its very nature) allows significantly more energy to pass through the floor/ceiling structure, leading to both noise and vibration complaints from the people living in the units below.
Apartment managers and HOA’s alike are no doubt familiar with the litany of complaints that follow when flooring is changed (or the wrong flooring for the construction type was installed in the first place).
On the surface it can be difficult to unwind who exactly is at fault, the unit owner changing their flooring upstairs or the oversensitive person living below them?
Luckily the question can be answered in a standardized, repeatable, and scientific way (it’s not sufficient to just have “impartial” people from the HOA or management company listen from the downstairs unit).
There are two testing methods that are used to determine whether a floor/ceiling complies with the required (in all 50 states) standards or not, they are:
- AIIC Testing – Testing is conducted by using a machine in the upstairs unit which taps on the floor according to a ASTM/ISO standardized method. The subsequent noises are measured from the unit below and a determination is then made whether the unit is in compliance or not. This test method tests for structure borne noise (chairs, walking, etc)
- ASTC Testing – Testing is conducted by using a special omnidirectional loudspeaker replaying pink noise which floods the upstairs area with a calibrated noise level. This noise level is measured upstairs and then again downstairs and then a determination is made whether the unit is in compliance or not. This test method tests for airborne noise (talking, music, televisions, etc)
Of course there is more to the process that as described above, but that is a basic outline of the testing.
All of that then brings us to flooring selection! We are able to assist with flooring selection by performing a combination of the two tests above along with sample patch testing (which involves laying a section of the proposed flooring type/s directly upon the upstairs subfloor and performing the AIIC testing. The sample patch testing allows for the assessment of different flooring types without the difficulty or expense of laying flooring in a complete room.
When we conduct the sample patch testing, we recommend testing multiple kinds of finish flooring and underlayment during the same site visit, in order to maximize the probability that one (or more) combinations will meet the required standards.
On-Site Acoustic testing has helped many HOA (and building management companies) define appropriate standards for their buildings.
Use the convenient form below to start the process:
Or speak with one of our specialists at 1-800-665-0080
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Building Plan Review for Acoustical Security and Resistance to Sound Transmission
Everyone knows that the best time to solve a problem is before you actually have a problem!
Unfortunately, in this age of shrinking budgets and expedited schedules the review of building plans for acoustical issue sometimes is neglected.
The ensuing results are entirely predictable:
- Acoustical performance goals go undefined and/or unmet
- Client (or building ownership complains)
- Costly rework is required (to fix issues that should never have happened)
- Liquidated damages compound (when spaces are not occupied on time)
Even a cursory review (from the perspective of acoustical security and sound transmission) can often disclose critical errors and omissions in building plans.
Between building partition types that are unfit for purpose (especially for SCIF and SAPF secure areas), substandard materials (ask us about door manufacturers), insufficient attention to structure borne noise transmission considerations, and HVAC system room interconnections, there are many easily avoidable pitfalls that can stall a project and drastically affect profitability.
On-Site Acoustic Testing has the ability to model in software the expected airborne (STC/NIC) and structure born (IIC) performance of building elements, along with a deep understanding of building materials, combined with a common sense approach to HVAC systems that has been proven to save time and money on many projects.
To discuss your project with us, simply fill out the convenient form below:
Or speak with one of our experts at 1-800-665-0080
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Speech Intelligibility Testing – STI and CIS
On-Site Acoustic Testing conducts speech intelligibility testing for a variety of purposes including:
- Proof of unintelligible speech index scores (CIS) in secure areas such as SCIF and SAPF areas (privacy applications)
- Proof of effectiveness of white noise systems for noise masking systems in secure areas such as SCIF and SAPF areas (privacy applications)
- Verification of speech intelligibility for evacuation systems (fire and emergency) both indoor and outdoor
- Verification of speech intelligibility for conference rooms, classrooms, and auditoriums
Speech intelligibility may be reported using two alternative measurement scales which are:
- CIS (Common Intelligibility Scale) – which is used for government and military applications
- STI (Speech Transmission Index) – which is used for most other applications
Both methods of speech intelligibility testing involve using pre-recorded sounds which are then amplified and measured within the room, or in adjacent spaces (for privacy applications).
We utilize industry standard equipment from Liechtenstein-based manufacturer NTI to conduct this testing.
To learn more, simply use the convenient form located below:
Or call one of our testing specialists at 1-800-665-0080
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Consulting Services for Homeowner’s Associations (HOA) and Apartment Management Companies
Homeowner’s associations sometimes get a bad rap in the media, but the fact is they are made up of folks who are looking out for their property values, and the property values of the neighbors.
HOA’s need to make decisions regarding noise, vibration, and air quality issues within the buildings (both in common spaces and in resident’s units) as well as outdoor spaces. Their responsibility doesn’t end there! Neighboring properties can also have major impacts on the quality of life for the residents of their community.
On-Site Acoustic Testing provides the services that HOA’s require in evaluating noise, vibration, and air quality complaints and concerns.
We provide the following services to homeowner’s associations across the United States:
- AIIC Testing of Flooring – Noise from above is the number one complaint in condominiums! Walking, moving chairs and vacuuming make lower level owners miserable.
- ASTC Testing of Demising Walls – No one wants to hear their next door neighbors go about their daily lives. We provide testing of shared walls.
- Flooring Recommendations – We provide recommendations on replacement flooring for buildings that are removing carpet and installing hard surface flooring.
- Generalized Noise Complaints – It can sometimes be difficult to determine who is at fault in noise related disputes between neighbors. We provide hard data.
- Pickleball Courts – We can test existing courts and help you plan locations and mitigation for new courts.
- Mechanical Equipment Noise and Vibration – We can evaluate and recommend mitigation (when required) for all building systems
- Elevator Ride Quality Evaluation – We can work with your elevator service company to diagnose and determine ride quality faults
Contact us today to find out how we can assist your Homeowner’s association:
Or call us at 1-800-665-0080 to talk to one of our professionals to discuss your HOA’s issues.
Pickleball Noise Testing for Condominiums and Apartments
Everybody loves pickleball, right?
It’s one of the fastest growing sports, offering a great mix of fun and fitness! There’s only one problem…and that is the noise!
If you’ve every been near a pickleball court, you can’t help but to notice the noise. If you’re playing the game yourself, it’s just another part of the experience. If you should happen to live next to the court, the noise can very well become maddening after a short while!
We offer consulting noise services for condominium associations and apartment management services to evaluate proposed locations for pickleball courts, as well as to provide noise monitoring (and remediation advice) for existing courts.
Contact one of our noise survey professionals today using the convenient form below:
Need to talk right now?
Call us toll-free at 1-800-665-0080
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Remote Testing – Noise Testing, Vibration Testing, Air Quality Testing, Acoustical Testing
- Noise Testing – Environmental noise testing to determine A-weighted, C-weighted, or octave band noise levels
- Noise Monitoring – Short term (or long term) noise monitoring for factories, building sites, municipalities, concert venues, and other noise sensitive locations
- Dosimetric Testing – OSHA compliant (time weighted average) personal noise exposure testing for factories and other industrial applications
- Vibrational Testing – Measurement of building, surface, and area vibration for industrial or environmental evaluation
- Air Quality Testing – OSHA compliant testing of airborne contaminents and particulate matter
- Acoustical Testing – Testing for ASTC, NIC, OITC, and room reverberation time (for SCIF, SAPF, and general acoustical compliance requirements)
It is important to note that remote services may require clients to provide live video conferencing during the testing process in addition to required training in advance of performing testing via remote access.
Not all protocols or test methods will be available for remote testing, but every effort will be made to adhere to ASTM and ISO required methodologies.
Please contact one of our consultants at 1-800-665-0080 (or click here to message us) to determine whether remote testing will work for your requirements.
A brief overview…
On-Site Acoustic Testing provides nationwide acoustic, vibration, indoor air quality, light intensity, thermal and spectrum testing to military, commercial, and residential clients.
We are proud to offer testing of SCIF and SAPF areas to ensure compliance with ICD 705 standards, and have conducted testing for all four branches of the United States Military. We have also conducted testing for the United States Nuclear Regulatory Agency, The Office of the Inspector General, as well as many other state and municipal governmental agencies.
Our noise testing services include: noise surveys for neighborhoods, municipalities, state and federal agencies to assure compliance to community standards. We provide ASTC and AIIC testing services to architects, construction firms, property management companies, and individual residential users. We can furnish ISO noise declarations for manufacturers for use in machinery destined for EU community installation.
We provide OSHA compliance testing (including noise dosimeter testing for employees), as well as general shop floor, and machine/machine room noise level and indoor air quality testing for our commercial and industrial clients.
We can provide testing to ASTM, ISO, and ANSI standards for many applications, testing your product at your location, our location, or an end user’s location.
We offer indoor air quality testing for a wide spectrum of contaminants ranging from common molds to compounds generated during the manufacturing process.
Testing is only the first step, we offer noise abatement services as well. We work with leading isolation materials manufacturers to custom tailor their products to your application, with an eye towards minimizing costly downtime and maximizing results.
Email us at: pr*****@os*****.com
Talk to us toll free: 1-800-665-0080
Acoustic testing, sound and noise level measurement, design, noise abatement, OSHA compliance for commercial, military, retail, house of worship, and residential customers throughout the United States.
