Acoustics and fibrous plaster

Ambient noise is a problem that can affect an environment and the quality of life of the people there. Depending on how long we are exposed to ambient noise, it can cause health problems like hearing impairments. Fixtures and ceilings made of fibrous plaster offer the advantage of reducing ambient noise and improving a room’s acoustic comfort.

Acoustics: definition and regulation

Loudness (or sound intensity) is measured in decibels. Here is an example of a decibel scale:

0-50 dB
Light noise
50-70 dB
Intrusive noise
70-90 dB
Irritating noise
90-110 dB
Dangerous noise
120-130 dB
Pain threshold

Fibrous plaster is considered to be an acoustic material, as it results in sound reduction and a decrease in impact sound levels by more than 10 decibels.

The weighted sound reduction index Rw comes from the European harmonization of acoustic indices. The normalized impact sound pressure level index Ln is important for measuring impact sounds.

Usefulness of fibrous plaster in public spaces

Fibrous plaster is particularly popular for its acoustic qualities when building and renovating sites which are open to the public, such as shopping arcades and museums.

This material does not diffuse sound, so noises are not amplified.

This acoustic performance gives fibrous plaster an undeniable advantage in historic monuments and old buildings, where echoes are magnified. Both technically effective and aesthetically pleasing, it retains the architectural foundations of sites steeped in history whilst enhancing their acoustics.

Reduced ambient noise

Ambient noise includes the sounds of footsteps, falling objects and noise pollution from the building’s surroundings.

Reduced airborne sound

Indoor and outdoor airborne noises are nuisances that are not connected to the building’s structure. This form of noise pollution corresponds to noises from roadways and railways, as well as sounds from the neighbourhood.

Fibrous plaster can also provide soundproofing for your ceilings below an upper floor. 

It is particularly useful, for example, in hotel lobbies, private homes and multi-storey museums.

Establishments located near a major road or a railway experience more external nuisances. 

When installed as wall cladding or ceilings, fibrous plaster can help to reduce airborne noises.

Another acoustic solution

Our ornamental plasterers have another acoustic solution to offer you: Rockfon Mono® Acoustic ceilings.

Our teams of certified installers can set you up with seamless, resolutely modern solutions. This monolithic system is made up of rockwool panels which considerably reduce ambient noise.

A look at our acoustic solutions

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