| Bars and nightclubs give people across America a | | | | construct a second wall surface that is separated |
| place to gather, relax and be merry. Atmosphere | | | | from the original, giving sound waves a space in |
| is of utmost importance in such establishments, | | | | which to collapse rather than transmit through the |
| and can make or break a bar or nightclub’s | | | | wall. A foundation for the second wall surface |
| ability to attract patrons time and time again. | | | | should be created through the application of a |
| Variety abound in the realm of nighttime | | | | layer of soundproofing vinyl, such as dB-Bloc, to |
| entertainment, from high energy dance clubs to | | | | the entire wall surface. This technique adds |
| casual bars promoting comfortable conversation | | | | density to the wall. The second wall surface can |
| among guests. Noise levels bleeding from bars and | | | | then be constructed by affixing a new drywall |
| nightclubs can be a major concern for club | | | | layer atop a series of horizontal furring strips. This |
| owners, the communities surrounding them and | | | | combination of density and disconnection provides |
| alas, law enforcement. In July 2007, a new noise | | | | an effective remedy for sound transmission |
| code took effect in New York City, imposing limits | | | | through walls. |
| on the decibel level that may be emitted from | | | | Untreated walls are not the only medium through |
| nightclubs into neighboring homes and businesses. | | | | which sound escapes a nightclub. Windows and |
| Whether a club owner is motivated by courtesy, | | | | ceilings also provide means through which sound |
| retaining clientele or adhering to regulations, the | | | | can escape. The need for window and ceiling |
| elimination of excess noise is becoming a | | | | treatments is determinant upon the goal of the |
| forefront concern for many in the bar and | | | | project as well as the unique characteristics of |
| nightclub industry. | | | | the bar or club. For instance, specialized panels are |
| The goal in soundproofing a bar or nightclub is | | | | available for treating drop grid type ceilings. |
| twofold. The first major objective is controlling | | | | In addition to controlling sound transmission out of |
| the amount of noise generated by loud music and | | | | an establishment, many bar and night club owners |
| patrons that becomes audible outdoors and within | | | | wish to improve the quality of acoustics within. |
| neighboring homes and establishments. Additionally, | | | | With the loud music and multiple conversations |
| club owners seek to improve the quality of | | | | characteristic of bars and nightclubs, |
| acoustics experienced within their establishments. | | | | reverberations reflecting from the numerous |
| Reducing the amount of noise that escapes a bar | | | | surfaces can interfere with intended sound and |
| or nightclub involves isolating the area to better | | | | diminish acoustical quality. Numerous products are |
| control sound transmission. Sound transmission | | | | available to trap excess reverberations, from |
| refers to the tendency of a portion of a sound | | | | foam panels to free hanging baffles to urbane |
| wave to pass through when it reaches a new | | | | suede panels in multiple colors designed to |
| medium, in this instance the walls, doors and ceiling | | | | coordinate with existing décor. The appropriate |
| of the club. Ideally, treatments aimed at reducing | | | | treatment again depends on the goals of the |
| sound transmission would target all openings as | | | | project as well as the unique characteristics of |
| well as each wall, ceiling, door and window of the | | | | each establishment, for instance the presence of |
| bar or club, though improvement can be achieved | | | | low bass tones. |
| without treating every means through which noise | | | | Because of the individualized nature of each |
| escapes. Several products are on the market for | | | | soundproofing project, it is advised to consult with |
| night club owners who seek to minimize sound | | | | an experienced soundproofing provider prior to |
| transmission, and many can be self-installed. | | | | implementing any soundproofing treatments to |
| One option in controlling sound transmission is to | | | | ensure that all variables are addressed. |