Decoustics Solo Acoustical Tile
Jan. 13, 2011 — Gotta say, we're with the Grinch on this one, as most co-op board members and condo directors probably are, too: "And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise! That's one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!" Outside of lobby redecorating, what's probably the biggest bone of contention and complaint in a co-op or condo? Yes, as you know, it's the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!
You're going to get noise complaints. It's inevitable. Sometimes it involves residents living above the laundry or compactor rooms. Other times it involves residents living next to, y'know, each other. Here's what might help.
Acoustical tiles. Sound-absorbing acoustical tiles. Just try and tell us you wouldn't want to muffle the chug-uhta, chug-uhta, chug-uhta of washing machines if you thought it could help muffle the whaddya-gonna-do, whaddya-gonna-do, whaddya-gonna-do of residents who keep waving that "quiet enjoyment" clause around.
Plus, this could be a great, Solomon-like suggestion to give when one shareholder or unit-owner complains about another one's blaring TV set at a common wall. It may not work in all situations, of course, but look at it this way: By making a reasonable suggestion, you can help avoid the potential liability of a resident saying they complained to you and you did nothing.
This particular model, the Solo, is an acoustical wood plank with a wood-veneer finish — beech, cherry or maple, available raw or pre-finished — with both ceiling and wall applications. Its acoustical absorption comes through what the 35-year-old Canadian company Decoustics calls a "unique perforation technology" in which V-shaped grooves create a two-sided funnel effect that swallows sound from a variety of angles.
In terms of tech specs, the Solo plank consists of a medium-density, fire-rated fiberboard with no added formaldehyde, and with an acoustically transparent black fleece
lamination to the back. You can design custom applications by by curving or segmenting the planks. Which is a lot better than curving or segmenting residents for getting all up in your face about noise, right?
Decoustics Limited • 61 Royal Group Crescent, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada L4H 1X9 • (905) 652-5200 • toll-free (800) 387-3809 • E-mail contact form here, or sales@decoustics.com