Acoustic Louvers and Noise Control for Schools

Teachers, administrative staff, parents, and visitors know the noise factor intrinsic to the school environment. The clanging of locker doors, the endless chatter, the pattering of racing footsteps found in the hallway; the joyful playtime shouting and whistles heard on the playground; the same couple of musical notes repeated again and again during band practice. Also known to distract teachers and students alike is mechanical equipment noise: the incessant, grinding variety produced by HVACs, transformers, and similar installations that (while essential to the school building) affect concentration. For this reason, many superintendents turn to installation-based methods to create a more relaxed environment. When it comes to noise control installations, there is no better solution than PalmSHIELD’s Silere Acoustic Louvered Screening.

Contact PalmSHIELD today for a free quote on acoustic screening!

How Does PalmSHIELD’s Silere Acoustic Screening Reduce Noise?

PalmSHIELD’s Silere panels use multiple layers of special materials—including Silk Metal micro-perforated aluminum—to reduce echo and reflect sound. In the acoustics field, there is a term called NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) used to measure sound absorption and represent the noise control factor a product has. NRC is measured on a one-to-zero scale (with one meaning complete sound absorption and zero meaning none whatsoever). Our Silere panels boast an impressive NRC rating of 0.80.

These panels come in three styles:

• Acoustic Solid Panel: PalmSHIELD offers an innovative solution by combining its solid panel infill with a cutting-edge mass-loaded vinyl noise barrier and the Acoustic Surfaces Silk metal box design. This design not only facilitates airflow for optimal noise reduction but also ensures durability and effectiveness. The Noise S.T.O.P. Mass Loaded Vinyl Sound Barrier, designed for exterior use, provides high-density protection against unwanted noise. Additionally, the silk metal micro-perforated material, positioned away from the solid architectural panel and vented at the bottom, enhances airflow and maximizes noise reduction capabilities.
• Full Air Foil Acoustic Louvered Panel: These panels feature 3” x 1” noise-dampening foam-filled foil louvers, achieving a 50% openness for optimal air circulation. The back of the panel is entirely covered with perforated Acoustic Surfaces silk metal material, offering approximately 10% openness. This design ensures efficient noise reduction by combining the airflow benefits of the louvers with the noise-reducing properties of the silk metal material.
• Semi Air Foil Acoustic Louvered Panel: Combining versatility with functionality, these panels incorporate 3” x 1” noise-dampening foam-filled foil louvers, allowing for adjustable openness based on airflow requirements. The incorporation of silk metal perforated material provides additional noise reduction capabilities while allowing controlled airflow. This design enables customization by leaving specified portions of the foil louvers uncovered at the top or bottom of the panel, catering to specific airflow needs.

Now that we’ve discussed the specifics involved in this product line, let’s discuss how these panels benefit schools.

Noise Control for Classrooms

Teachers know all too well how challenging it can be to commandeer the attention of a classroom of kids. Everyone’s itching to play on their phone or debate who won the recess ballgame. Persuading them to pay attention to lectures and what’s written on the blackboard is already tough enough—more so when there’s distracting noise pouring into the room from nearby. Especially when the classroom in question is situated near an HVAC or some other form of mechanical equipment. The incessant, grinding mechanical noises distract students, affects their concentration, and can with time cause them headaches. It is similarly irritating to the teachers, who must remain in their classrooms (grading papers, preparing for the next day) long after their pupils have gone home.

Strategic placement of PalmSHIELD’s acoustic panels around mechanical equipment helps control noise for an improved learning environment.

Containing Noise during Band and Sporting Events

Band events, by their very auditory nature, require minimal distraction for spectators as well as the performers. Installing sound-absorbent screens around mechanical equipment greatly lessens noise pollution and allows the players to concentrate and the audience to enjoy the performance. The same is also true of sporting events. No one wants to be seated in an area where they struggle to hear the announcer over the whining of mechanical equipment.

Noise Control for School Libraries

It’s long been a cultural stereotype, but librarians sincerely appreciate minimal noise in their domain—as do the students leafing through books and studying for exams. That said, there’s nothing more irritating to a librarian than the grinding noise of mechanical equipment. So as superintendent, you can improve their work environment by installing sound-absorbing louvered screens around the equipment and installation causing the noise.

Acoustic screening helps reduce noise and improve your school as a calm, educating environment. There’s no need to stifle school activities for the sake of class time. Contact PalmSHIELD today for a free quote on acoustic screening!