Sound Absorption Average (SAA) is a test that measures the amount of sound energy absorbed by an object such as flooring, ceiling tiles, fabric or furniture.
When designing a commerical or living environment, this test allows you to measure how two different spaces with the same amount of sound energy will differ from one another. How quickly the sound dissipates and how it reflects will change occupants’ perceptions of their space.
Flooring plays an important role in SAA because it has the ability to assist in absorbing sound. The flooring solutions chosen for a space can impact the overall acoustics in the built environment. What you will experience is the difference between hard surface, 14–24 ounce EcoWorx® Tile/Broadloom and EcoLogix® Tile in three different room scenarios.
A soft surface flooring has a 300% increase in sound absorption when compared to a hard surface flooring. This difference can greatly impact the overall acoustics in your space. Additionally, adding an attached cushion to carpet tile or adding pad under broadloom results in a 67% gain.
In areas with resilient flooring, it is possible to overcome the acoustic challenges. The impact of sound can be reduced by layering your flooring with a soft surface flooring, like rugs. A rug inset into a resilient floor offers a softer surface to absorb unwanted sound and adds to the aesthetic. Rugs also evoke a feeling of warmth, inspire social interaction and create visual definition.
The first stop on your acoustics journey is this empty dining space. You’ll notice the space is intentionally left open, with no ceiling or finishes. Without furniture or acoustical panels to soften the soundscape, you’ll experience firsthand the impact of just flooring on the atmosphere. It’s the first in an exploration of absorption levels of a bustling space within the built environment.
EcoWorx® Tile
EcoLogix® Tile
The second stop on your acoustics journey is this standard dining space. With a standard gypsum ceiling and traditional hard furniture, the space is reminiscent of a typical dining area within a senior living community. Immediately, even with hard surface materials, the soundscape is drastically improved. As you change the flooring in the space, take note, the clarity of the person you are listening to. The background noises begin to fade away and you begin to lose the reverberation of the sound in the space.
EcoWorx® Tile
EcoLogix® Tile
The third and last stop on your acoustics journey is this upgraded dining space. With an acoustical ceiling, wall panels and the integration of softer furniture, the space is reminiscent of a dining area within a senior living community that had an elevated budget for sound mitigation. While the improvement may not be as drastic in this example as it was from empty to standard, the ability for you to hear the speaker has still improved. In this example, imagine being a senior with hearing loss or hearing aids. Can you imagine the difference sound mitigation would make in your day to day experience within the community?
EcoWorx® Tile
EcoLogix® Tile
Partnering with you to support our aging population is integral in our goals to fostering a greater future for people and the planet.
Learn more about acoustics and the built environment.