Soundproofing Regulations for a House

STC

• The term STC, or sound transmission class, is used to describe the effectiveness with which materials absorb sound. STC codes refer to the amount of sound in a certain frequency range that building materials block. An STC of 50 is considered quite high, and provides insulation from most noises. Although it is the most commonly used method of measuring sound blockage, it has limitations. The main problem is that an STC rating doesn't factor in sound blockage in the low-frequency range, such as rumbling produced by a subwoofer.

Shared Walls

• The International Code Council's International Building Code sets guidelines on the amount of sound insulation that certain kinds of homes should have. Although single-family homes are not included in this code, houses that have shared walls, such as townhouses and condominiums, are covered. Sound insulation in these walls must be rated at least 50. A similar level of insulation is required in floors and ceilings.

Keeping Sound Out

• Sometimes, soundproofing in a home is not designed to keep sound from the home in, but to keep sound from the outside out. For example, the city of El Segundo, Calif., has regulations that call for specific STC ratings in building materials used in new homes. The city requires a rating of at least 40 in windows and solid-core exterior doors. Different cities often have their own regulations.

Disturbances

• Some cities have no specific regulations covering the amount of soundproofing required for single-family homes. But most do have ordinances covering the amount of noise that can emanate from a home. If a resident makes makes noise that disturbs other people who live nearby, it is too loud. If you create a great deal of noise in your home, you need sufficient soundproofing to ensure that the noise does not disrupt your neighbor's peace.