Acoustical Products Made in USA.
REDUCTION
Educational environments require strict control of background noise to maintain speech intelligibility and learning effectiveness. Research consistently shows that elevated ambient sound levels reduce comprehension, increase listening fatigue, and negatively affect student performance. One of the most frequently overlooked contributors to classroom noise is duct breakout noise from overhead air distribution systems.
When airflow velocity increases within supply ducts, internal pressure fluctuations excite sheet metal surfaces. These vibrations cause the duct walls to radiate airborne sound into the classroom below. Because many school buildings utilize lightweight ceiling systems and open plenum designs, untreated ducts can significantly elevate the noise floor. This directly impacts classroom acoustic performance and teacher voice clarity.
Standard fiberglass duct insulation is not designed to meaningfully increase sound transmission loss. While it provides thermal control and condensation resistance, it does little to block mid- and low-frequency breakout noise. Effective educational facility soundproofing solutions must increase surface mass and incorporate vibration damping at the duct exterior.
The DuctaSil® B10Lag™ Pipe & Duct Barrier System addresses this challenge by combining a dense mass-loaded vinyl barrier with a decoupled insulation layer. The barrier significantly improves sound transmission loss (STL), while the insulation reduces structure-borne vibration energy. By lowering the overall background noise level, schools can improve speech intelligibility and maintain compliance with recommended classroom acoustic standards. Proper mechanical noise control in schools ensures that ventilation systems support — rather than compromise — the learning environment.
