Acoustic battens are typically used in both new build and refurb projects to reduce floor sound transmission. They are a popular acoustic solution as they can be applied to most types of floor construction including timber, precast plank, insitu concrete and steel composite flooring.
Whilst a simple and effective method of reducing impact and airborne sound, there are a number of issues that are associated with acoustic battens. The softwood used in the production of acoustic battens is at risk of warping and twisting, this can cause problems during the installation process. The completed floors can also feel very soft under foot, this is often described as “bounce” and is due to the very soft acoustic foam layers used in their production.
We wanted to address these issues with our new range of Isosonic Battens.
Achieving better building compliance, cost effectively
Wood warping and twisting is a result of stresses and uneven shrinkage. Whilst softwood can, and often is, treated to counter this and make it more durable; with the nature of softwood, it is still at risk of warping. Receiving a delivery of battens with some with warping can cause:
• Delays in the build if replacement battens are required
• Increased build time if using warped battens, as it takes longer to make right and install the battens
• Acoustic insulation performance reduction and an increase to floor bounce
• An increase in waste materials if not using effected sections of batten
Of course, the correct storage of the wood is high on the agenda for any manufacturer to prevent this from happen. But what if this problem could be addressed further?
Acoustic Battens – chipboard rather than softwood
Our new Isosonic Battens utilise chipboard instead of softwood. As well as being more resistant to warping and not splintering, there are many more benefits to using this material:
1. Reduced cost – it is an economical alternative to softwood
2. Environmental benefits – chipboard is typically made up of 70% recycled material, making it more environmentally friendly than virgin materials
3. Robust material – particularly relevant for floating floors – chipboard is a strong material that works well under pressure.
Maintaining acoustic performance while reducing bounce
Having addressed the warping with a different approach, we then looked to further improving the battens by reducing the amount of bounce in the finished floor. Typically battens will have one thick, soft foam acoustic layer. This provides a high level of impact sound insulation but is also the reason that the finished floor feels so soft under foot. Isosonic Battens have two, more robust acoustic layers bonded above and below the batten. This design maintains the high level of acoustic performance expected from a batten system, but allows the finished floor to be more rigid with less noticeable deflection under load.
Acoustic Battens for Floating Floors by Thermal Economics
At Thermal Economics, we utilise recycle materials in the manufacture of many of our acoustic products. We have found ways to turn highly problematic waste material to be benefit of the environment and reduce the amount of waste going into landfill. Alongside the chipboard used, the acoustics layer is a fibre board made from recycled material which is extremely durable.
We have 2 batten sizes available in our Isosonic Batten range. Both are 2.4m in length and 50mm wide. Both battens exceed Approved Document Part E and Robust Details requirements.
To read more about our Isosonic Battens, please click here.
If you would like to speak to our teams about our acoustic battens, please contact them on the details below:
To contact our Technical Team
[email protected]
01582 544255
To contact our Sales Team
[email protected]
01582 544255