ITP acoustic barriers reduce construction noise on city site

Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd, who are Associate Members of the Scaffolding Association, have been providing noise reduction solutions at Westminster Council’s headquarters building.

In most city centre developments, noise reduction capability, ease of installation and fire retardancy are all highly desirable. Scaffold contractors that are able to offer a combination of those attributes in their solutions are well placed to secure business in city centre developments, refurbishments and renovations. Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd (ITP) have recently provided acoustic barrier sheeting in busy city centre.

In the past few years, apartment developments have been meeting rising demand for urban living in city centres across the UK. Many high-rise buildings are undergoing cladding replacement to meet post-Grenfell building regulations, adding to the intensity of activity. Current regulations do not specify noise control by law, but many planning and construction professionals are taking a lead with measures to minimise noise pollution. Such measures are commonplace for companies signed up to the Considerate Contractors Scheme (CCS), an independent, non-profit organisation that aims to encourage best practice in the industry beyond statutory requirements.

waterproof protection, excellent heat retention properties and flame retardancy to BS 476 Part 12C – an additional safety benefit which has been recognised as critical in high-rise development in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster.

Powerclad Sound Barrier

• The lightweight solution for minimising noise pollution

• Proven noise reduction Independently tested

• Lightweight alternative to bulky materials

• Supplied as panels or rolls for easy installation and transportation

• Custom branding and printing options

Powerclad is lighter and easier to transport and install than traditional bulky acoustic panels, making site activities easier and more efficient – a valuable advantage at this busy Westminster location. The system was independently tested at the Acoustic Testing Laboratory at the University of Salford Manchester, which recorded an acoustic performance sound reduction which was 40–60% better than other acoustic barrier products tested at the same time in controlled, like-for-like installations.

Protecting hearing with acoustic barriers

The £60 million refurbishment of Westminster Council’s headquarters – a 19-storey tower block built in the 1960s – required an energy-efficient makeover with new cladding and windows.

The council moved to a temporary home on The Strand, but a neighbouring high-rise property had an elevation overlooking the façade renovation, carrying the risk of disturbing the building’s occupants or, worse still, damaging their hearing.

To protect against that risk, ITP’s Powerclad Sound Barrier temporary containment sheeting was installed by principal contractors, ISG Construction, an associate member of the CCS. Offering an acoustic performance sound reduction of up to 16dB, Powerclad sheeting was used to minimise noise pollution and the environmental impact of the project as well as providing