The goal of soundproofing exterior walls is to limit noise pollution or unwanted sounds. Lessening noise is vital to the comfort, health, and communication of the occupants of a home or building. An excellent product for soundproofing exterior walls is Fox Block insulated concrete forms (ICFs). Fox Blocks ICFs reduce sound transmission more effectively than either wood or concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall construction.

Why Soundproofing Exterior Walls is Important

Noise Pollution is on the Rise

The need to incorporate soundproofing features in the exterior walls of today’s homes and buildings has increased in recent decades. Urbanization, population growth, and an increase in air, rail, and highway traffic all have contributed to a widespread escalation of noise pollution. In fact, in 1991, it was estimated that environmental noise increased by 10 percent in the decade of the 1980’s. Noise reducing exterior walls are essential to preventing unwanted and disturbing outside noise from reaching the interior of a home or building.

The Adverse Health Effects of Noise Pollution

Soundproofing the exterior walls of a home or commercial building is essential for the health and well being of the occupants. There are many adverse effects of noise pollution. Noise pollution creates stress and hinders communication. Further negative health effects of noise pollution include hearing loss, sleep disruption, cardiovascular disease, reduced productivity, and impaired teaching and learning. Soundproofing exterior walls is essential for protecting the occupants of a home or building from loud and distracting sounds.

Soundproofing Exterior Walls with Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for exterior walls are known for their energy-efficient and disaster-resistant qualities; however, ICFs also have excellent noise reducing traits.

The foam insulation absorbs sound, and the concrete in ICFs reflects noise.

Notably, the EPS Industry Alliance (a voice for the ICF industry), reports that only about one-quarter to one-eighth as much sound penetrates through an ICF wall compared to a wood-frame wall. In addition, a study out of the University of Washington reports that ICF can reduce sound transmission 200 percent better than concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls. ICF exterior walls are a superb product for preventing noise pollution from disrupting the interior of a structure.

Fox Blocks ICFs Build Soundproof Exterior Walls

Fox Blocks is an ICF wall assembly that significantly lessens the transfer of sound from the outside to the inside of a building. Fox Blocks have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of STC 45-50+, which meets and exceed acoustic standards required in most commercial, government and educational building construction.

For instance, the ANSI S12.60 “Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements and Guidelines for Schools” mandates that exterior and interior walls of offices, conference rooms, and main corridors in schools achieve a minimum STC of 45 and that classroom walls obtain a minimum STC of 50. Fox Blocks walls ensure a quiet and peaceful interior for a home, hospital, school or any indoor space.

More Advantages of Fox Block ICF Exterior Walls

Along with Fox Blocks noise reducing qualities, Fox Blocks have many components today’s builders, and architects strive to include in the design of their new homes and buildings. Fox Blocks create disaster-resistant and energy-efficient homes and buildings.

Fox Blocks ICF are Fire-Resistant

Fox Blocks have a fire-resistance rating (ASTM E119) of 4 hours for the 6-inch blocks and 2 hours for the 4-inch blocks.

Fox Blocks Protect Against Strong Winds and Flying Debris

ICF wall systems, like Fox Blocks, build a strong continuous path that ensures a building can maintain its integrity against winds above 200 mph. ICF walls also can resist damage debris flying over 100 mph.

Fox Blocks are Energy-Efficient and Moisture-Resistant

Fox Blocks insulated concrete forms exceed ASHRAE/ANSI 90.1 energy code requirements, and create an energy-efficient structure with superb moisture resistance and energy performance. They also provide continuous insulation with an R-value of 23+, which create an airtight building envelope with better performance than wood- or steel-frame construction.

Fox Blocks high-thermal mass contributes towards a high-performing building or home by absorbing and storing heat energy. Fox Blocks provide a solid continuous monolithic concrete wall with a perm rating of less than 1.0, which controls moisture intrusion and prohibits the growth of mold, mildew, and rot.

Fox Blocks create soundproof exterior walls that contribute to the comfort and communication of a building's or home’s residents. Decreasing noise pollution inside a building or home also reduces the occupants stress level, and lessens the risk of hearing loss and heart disease. Fox Blocks insulated concrete forms are a best practice for soundproofing exterior walls.