AIA/CES Program –

How to Optimize the Acoustical Performance of Rooms with Operable Partitions

How to Optimize Acoustical Performances in Rooms with Operable Partitions is a comprehensive presentation that shares Hufcor’s decades of experience in achieving optimal acoustic performance of your operable partition system. The Hufcor AIA/CES program was designed specifically as an educational tool and to assist American Institute of Architects members in obtaining their required learning units. However, the content is certainly beneficial to all design professionals, acousticians, owners and others interested in increasing their knowledge of acoustics and obtaining the highest performance from their operable partitions. The program is approximately one hour and consists of a 34-minute video, handouts and a discussion period.

Upon completion, AIA members will earn 1 Health Safety & Welfare Learning Unit and a certificate of completion.



Important things you will learn include:
1. Understanding the difference between a laboratory test (Sound Transmission Class, a.k.a. STC) and an on-site sound test (Noise Isolation Coefficient, a.k.a. NIC). Expect the installed partition to perform 5-12 db lower than those tested in the ideal conditions of a sound laboratory.

2. How to read and understand a laboratory sound test.

3. How to properly prepare the surrounding construction (floors, walls, and ceiling) to prevent flanking paths (sound leaks):

4. Headers:

• A sound barrier equal to that of the partition is required above the track to the roof deck.
• Insulate the header with mineral wool or other sound deadening material.
• Tape all joints and around penetrations (including sprinkler heads, speakers, recessed lights and access panels).
• Provide access for future track adjustment.
• HVAC ductwork - Locate the main feeder outside of the divided rooms.

5. Floors

• Floors under the partition must be level + or - 1/4" [6] in 10' [3048] non-accumulating.
• Sound travels through carpet loops. For optimum sound control, replace the carpet under the path of the partition with a smooth surface such as wood or vinyl.
• Hollow floors require a sound barrier below the partition.

6. Walls

• Walls are to be plumb + or - 1/4" [6] in 12' [3658] non-accumulating.
• Make certain the area the partition seals against is plumb and smooth. Mortar joints, crown molding, base board, chair rails, grass cloth and carpet are potential sound leaks.
• Provide solid blocking and insulation behind the closure point.

7. Liveload Deflection

• Deflection created above the partition can cause the track to bow which could create gaps between the panels and result in poor sound sealing. (Liveload examples include HVAC equipment, roof gravel, a filled swimming pool, occupied ballroom, and snow loads).
• Deflection created at the floor, may create gaps, sound leaks and poor operation. Consider models with retractable seals that provide additional seal extension.

8. Small rooms (those under 6,000 sq. ft.) provide lower NIC ratings.

9. For special conditions, such as band rooms or areas where privacy is essential, consult an acoustician.

10. Pocket Conditions:

• Pocket doors require a STC rating similar to the partitions.
• Be certain to insulate above the pocket door the same as above the track.

11. Pass doors in the partition should be of the same thickness as the panels. Expect each pass door to provide a sound loss of 2 db.

12. Partitions with mechanical retractable seals and closures provide constant force for optimum sound control.

To schedule the "How to Optimize Acoustical Performances in Rooms with Operable Partitions" presentation, just contact your local distributor or Hufcor directly. There is no charge.