Measured Noise Conditions Before a Solution

Legal conversations are not loud—but they are highly intelligible, which is what creates the problem.

Typical sound levels:

• One-on-one legal discussion: 60–65 dB
• Group meeting: 65–70 dB
• Multiple overlapping rooms: 65–75 dB combined

Because these are speech frequencies, even moderate levels carry clearly through standard partitions.

Why This Is More Than Just Noise

This is not just a comfort issue—it is a business risk.

• Confidential information may be overheard
• Clients lose trust in the firm
• Staff become hesitant to speak freely
• Meetings become less effective

Traditional accordion partition systems fail because they don’t control speech transmission.

Why Basic Accordion Doors Don’t Work

Most folding accordion doors are designed for space—not acoustics.

Common problems:

• No perimeter sealing
• Low acoustic accordion partition STC rating
• Lightweight panels
• Air gaps that allow sound to pass

👉 Result:
 They divide rooms visually—but not acoustically.

OSHA Context – New York Offices

While offices rarely exceed OSHA thresholds:

• 85 dB(A) Action Level
• 90 dB(A) PEL

The real issue here is speech intelligibility, not just volume—something OSHA doesn’t directly address but still impacts workplace performance.

The Solution: FoldaSil® ANC-AP33 Acoustic Accordion Partition System

The FoldaSil® ANC-AP33 Acoustic Accordion Partition System is designed to reduce speech clarity between spaces, not just overall noise levels.

What Makes It Effective:

• Engineered acoustic accordion doors
• Improved accordion doors soundproofing performance
• Integrated sealing system
• Designed for commercial accordion doors applications

Before vs After

Before:

• Conversations heard across rooms
• Noise levels: 65–75 dB combined speech
• No real privacy

After:

• Reduced to 45–50 dB perceived in adjacent rooms
• Speech becomes muffled and unintelligible
• Clear separation between meetings

Why ANC-AP33 Is the Right Fit

Compared to a high STC accordion partition or operable wall:

• More cost-effective
• Faster deployment
• Ideal for moderate speech privacy needs

FAQs

What are accordion doors?
 Accordion doors are flexible movable accordion partitions used to divide interior spaces efficiently.

Are accordion doors soundproof?
 Acoustic models like ANC-AP33 significantly reduce sound, especially speech transmission.

Accordion door vs operable wall?
 Accordion doors are better for flexibility and cost, while operable walls provide higher isolation.