FIRETIGHT Firetape: Sound Test Successful!
20 august '24The fire-resistant properties of FIRETIGHT Firetape have been thoroughly tested, but is it also sound-insulating? This is a question we've received from several customers. To provide an accurate answer, we had the Firetape tested last week at the Peutz Acoustics Laboratory.
Although FIRETIGHT Firetape is primarily designed as a sustainable fire-resistant sealant, it has additional properties that are quite interesting. The Firetape is an advanced version of our AIRTIGHT Airtape, a tape that ensures an airtight connection between building components. The Firetape offers the same airtightness, but with an added essential feature: fire resistance. Until recently, the sound-insulating qualities of the Firetape had not been tested. Thanks to the recent test, we now know that the Firetape excels in this area as well.
Although the official test report is still pending, we are already very satisfied with the results. It confirms that FIRETIGHT Firetape is a versatile all-rounder, excelling in airtightness, smoke tightness, fire resistance, and now also sound insulation.
Although FIRETIGHT Firetape is primarily designed as a sustainable fire-resistant sealant, it has additional properties that are quite interesting. The Firetape is an advanced version of our AIRTIGHT Airtape, a tape that ensures an airtight connection between building components. The Firetape offers the same airtightness, but with an added essential feature: fire resistance. Until recently, the sound-insulating qualities of the Firetape had not been tested. Thanks to the recent test, we now know that the Firetape excels in this area as well.
Sound Insulation Regulations
Strict regulations for sound insulation apply to new residential buildings. According to the NEN 5077 standard, the airborne sound insulation between living spaces in different residences in the Netherlands must be at least 52 dB (DnT,A,k ? 52 dB - see Article 4.3.4 of the Dutch Building Decree). For living spaces within the same residence, the minimum requirement is 32 dB (DnT,A,k ? 32 dB).Preventing Flanking Sound Transmission
When it comes to sound insulation, mass is crucial. A heavier wall typically provides better sound insulation than a lighter one. However, sound leaks must be avoided, as they can partially negate the wall's insulating effect. Sound leaks often occur at the connections between building components, a phenomenon known as flanking sound transmission. To prevent this, it is important to pay attention to the connections between building components. The recent sound tests show that FIRETIGHT Firetape performs exceptionally well in this regard.Firetape Sound Test Results
During the test, various cavity widths and configurations of the FIRETIGHT Firetape were tested. The most common application, where Firetape was used in a 20 mm cavity, resulted in a sound insulation of no less than 28 dB! In certain constructions, where Firetape was placed side by side for fire resistance or sound insulation, a reduction of even 44 dB was achieved.Although the official test report is still pending, we are already very satisfied with the results. It confirms that FIRETIGHT Firetape is a versatile all-rounder, excelling in airtightness, smoke tightness, fire resistance, and now also sound insulation.