Sound insulation: why is it essential in a noisy world?

In an increasingly noisy world due to different sources, mainly vehicular traffic, it is essential to promote safe listening environments, that is, environments that do not put hearing at risk. "This protection is not only necessary because of the health effects that noise causes in people such as anxiety or insomnia, as several studies have shown, but also help to build safer and more comfortable cities. Advantageously, technological advances in the construction industry provide solutions to achieve effective sound insulation in all kinds of buildings, from homes to industries or recreational complexes," explains Mauricio Beltran, Imptek Saint-Gobain's Light Construction Business Developer.

Some key figures to understand the reality of noise in cities:

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) identified city noise as one of the three new environmental problems facing the world today (Frontiers 2022 Report).
• In Ecuador, 63.1% of the population lives in urban areas (Census 2022), where noise pollution is increasingly high.
• In Latin America, around 217 million people live with hearing loss and it is estimated that the number will continue to increase, according to data for 2022 from the World Health Organization (WHO).
• According to the latest National Survey of Living Conditions (INEC), 3 out of 10 households report being affected by some type of noise.

What is sound insulation in buildings and how does it work?

• According to the Imptek expert, acoustic insulation systems allow noise control, creating quieter and more pleasant environments in homes, offices or industries. These solutions are also combined with thermal insulation, that is, they also control the ambient temperature.
• These solutions mitigate noise and also provide energy efficiency by reducing electricity consumption, but mainly provide comfort, privacy and security in interior spaces.
• If spaces are properly designed, in terms of acoustics, they generate several advantages. For example, in schools it helps students to concentrate and learn more effectively, in hospitals it helps patients to recover faster and the stress caused by this effect decreases.

How is it applied?

• "These solutions are applied to the enveloping surfaces of buildings, i.e., walls, ceilings, doors and windows, which are the main routes for noise to enter the interior," says Beltrán.
• In the Ecuadorian market there are effective and sustainable solutions for construction, one of which is Frescasa Eco fiberglass mineral wool, a green roll that combines acoustic and thermal properties. As a complement, FAZBAND double-sided asphalt band, which, due to its acoustic and self-adhesive properties, facilitates the installation of profiles and sheets in light construction. These solutions work together to provide a noise barrier and improve energy efficiency.

About Imptek:

Imptek-Chova del Ecuador S.A. is an Ecuadorian company of the Saint-Gobain Group with 45 years in the waterproofing, road and light construction market.

Its commitment to quality and innovation, the application of processes, its national and international certifications, its qualified personnel and environmentally responsible practices are some of the reasons why it is part of the 1000 most important companies in Ecuador. Since 2021 and to date it is a Great Place to Work certified company. Imptek has been exporting its products for 30 years to more than 8 countries in Latin America.

18 million in sales in 2024

100 employees, locations in 1 country

Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050

For more information about Imptek, visit us: http://www.imptekcorp.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram,YouTube and Tiktok.

About Saint-Gobain:

A world leader in lightweight and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, lightweight construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a process of continuous innovation and deliver sustainability and performance. The Group, which celebrates its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose, "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023  

160,000 employees, presence in 79 countries  

Committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050  

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit us at www.saint-gobain.com.