How Much Mechanical Noise Is Acceptable?

Condominium Noise | January 18, 2024  | Ivan Koval

Condo residents often complain to condo management about mechanical noise, hum, or vibration in their apartments and demand that management take action to fix it.

Read More
How Much Mechanical Noise Is Acceptable?

The Trouble With Party Wall Soundproofing

Soundproofing | January 8, 2024  | Ivan Koval

Party walls, also called demising walls, are essential to any multi-family building.  Party walls provide separation between dwellings.  They must provide fire and noise resistance specified in the Ontario Building Code (OBC). The noise resistance (level of party wall soundproofing) is specified in the OBC as minimum Sound Transmission Class (STC) 50 or, if tested

Read More
The Trouble With Party Wall Soundproofing

A Dispute Over Sound Attenuation Of Party Wall

Noise Control Case Study | September 18, 2023  | Ivan Koval

My recent client owns a semi-detached house, he was renovating it. The renovation was almost completed when I was hired to assess the sound attenuation of the party wall. The client’s neighbour, on the other side of the party wall, was unhappy with the renovation next door. The dispute The neighbour hired a lawyer and

Read More
A Dispute Over Sound Attenuation Of Party Wall

Noise Problems In New Homes

Acoustics of Interiors | September 2, 2023  | Ivan Koval

Recent design trends in modern homes, such as open-concept layouts, large windows, hardwood flooring, glass stair railings, and granite countertops, cause noise problems in new homes. Open concepts have increased noise transmission and reverberation within and outside the homes. In modern homes with these features, paying attention to noise issues is more critical than ever.

Read More
Noise Problems In New Homes

Confidentiality For Psychology Professionals

Soundproofing | August 14, 2023  | Ivan Koval

Creating a soundproof office is crucial for maintaining confidentiality and providing a quiet atmosphere for psychology professionals. Often the offices were incorrectly designed and soundproofed by inexperienced contractors. Sometimes psychologists are unaware that their privacy is insufficient until there are complaints from clients. Soundproofing for psychology professionals Here are some soundproofing strategies psychology professionals should

Read More
Confidentiality For Psychology Professionals

Acoustical Problems In Wood Buildings

Condominium Noise | August 1, 2023  | Ivan Koval

When requesting my soundproofing consultation, some clients do not know if their buildings are constructed from concrete or wood structures. This may explain why they are surprised when they find a noise problem in their new condo.  Wood buildings “sound” differently from concrete buildings.  Let me explain. Wood Buildings and the Building Code Almost all

Read More
Acoustical Problems In Wood Buildings

Is Your Condominium Soundproofing Good Enough?

Condominium Noise | July 20, 2023  | Ivan Koval

Condo buyers and owners need to understand that meeting the NBCC’s minimum requirements for condominium soundproofing does not guarantee high soundproofing or noise control between units. The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) is a model for Canadian provincial building codes. Ontario Building Code includes acoustic requirements specified in the NBCC. Condo soundproofing in Building

Read More
Is Your Condominium Soundproofing Good Enough?

Mechanical Noise Complaints In Condos

Condominium Noise | June 11, 2023  | Ivan Koval

Condominium managers and property managers often receive complaints from condo residents about noise. Managers must investigate and try to address the complaints.  Mechanical noise issues can arise in any building, but mitigating them in modern wood structures can be more challenging.

Read More
Mechanical Noise Complaints In Condos