Scottish building regulation change 'will bring benefits'
2010-04-23
Traditional timber-framed house construction in Scotland can result in more sound reverberation, but steps are being taken to improve noise reduction, an expert has said.Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding and Renovating magazine, said that the issue of sound proofing has been a pertinent one in Scotland, and that the move to address the issue through a change in regulations is an "interesting" one.
He said that while the timber-frame industry has been looking at ways to improve sound insulation between different rooms in timber-framed homes for a number of years, the move to put regulations in place means that standards are likely to rise.
"The way that houses perform and the quality of houses is more important than ever these days," he said, adding that the ability to live comfortably in a property while other people are making a noise is "absolutely crucial".
Sound problems have been more of an issue in Scottish properties than in English and Welsh homes because they traditionally have timber frames, whereas those in England and Wales conventionally use masonry blockwork.
