How long have Soundsorba supplied acoustic solutions?
Soundsorba has been supplying quality acoustic solutions for over ten years however our acoustic engineers have over 35 years experience in this field.

Do Soundsorba carry out installation work for the products they supply?
Soundsorba do not carry out installation work as we are manufacturers. All the products are designed to be simple and easy to fit so that any competant D.I.Y. person can install these products. This helps to reduce installation costs for the customer as specialist trades are not normally required.

How do I get a copy of the brochures?
All of the Soundsorba products and technical brochures are available for free download on our web site. Alternatively you can contact us directly and request that the information is sent to you in the post.

Can I obtain samples of the products?
Yes, Soundsorba will be happy to supply samples when requested. This can be done online via our website which is www.soundsorba.com or by telephone request.

Do Soundsorba products meet building regulations?
Most Soundsorba acoustic absorbers are Class C absorbers which is the highest class required in the building regulations. We carry out an acoustic assessment which will determine how much absorption is required to meet the relevant regulations and which is the most cost effective way to meet them.

I need some panels to install into an area of high impact?
Soundsorba have products which are suitable for installation into high impact areas. These are Woodsorba Pro and Steelsorba. Woodsorba Pro is an attractive 18mm thick timber acoustic panel used in sports halls, multi-purpose halls, police interview rooms. Steelsorba is mainly for industrial environments such as workshops, plant rooms and test bays and comprises of sound absorbent insulation core enclosed in an acoustic perforated steel tray sheet.

What is the sound absorption coefficient?
The sound absorption coefficient of a product is the amount of sound energy that can be absorbed by a product. The absorption coefficient can take values in the range of 0 to 1. A surface that absorbs no sound (i.e. totally reflective surface) has an absorption coefficient of 0 (i.e. 0%) and a surface that absorbs all sound incidents upon it has an absorption coefficient of 1 (i.e. 100%). Thus the higher the value the more sound will be absorbed.

What is the NRC of a product?
The Noise Reduction Coefficient or NRC is the arithmetic average of the products sound absorption coefficient measured over four octave bands. Like the sound absorption coefficient the NRC is often expressed as a percentage, the higher the value the more sound will be absorbed.

How much absorption do I need?
The amount of absorption which is required will be different for every room and will depend on the size and shape of the room as well as the surfaces of the wall, floor and ceiling. It will also depend on what the room is used for and therefore what reverberation time is best for that purpose.

What is reverberation time?
Reverberation time is the time taken for a sound to decay by 60 decibels once the original sound has ceased. The best reverberation time is different for each room depending on its size and purpose. For larger rooms a longer reverberation time is usually required and for smaller rooms a shorter reverberation time is preferred.

How do I know if I am complying with part E of the Building Regulations?
Soundsorba's technical department can advise you on any technical matters. An acoustic report will be carried out when using Soundsorba products which will show the reverberation time before and after treatment and will demonstrate compliance to the relevant regulations. Soundsorba also have free literature available on the web site which gives guidance on how to comply with the relevant building regulations.

What is the difference between sound insulation and sound absorption?
Sound absorption can often be mistaken as a suitable treatment for sound insulation. Sound transmission is when sound travels from one room to another therefore sound can be heard in the next room or next building. A good example of this is when you can hear the television in the room next door or from the flat below. To treat this type of noise problem high density materials with isolation are required.

Sound absorbing materials are used to reduce echo and reverberation in individual rooms. These materials absorb sound and therefore reduce the amount of reverberation in the room. They do not however stop the sound from passing through them into the next room and cannot be used to treat sound transmission problems just as a sound insulation product cannot be used to reduce reverberation as it will reflect the sound more than it will absorb it.

If I install wallsorba or another acoustic absorption product on the walls and ceilings will this prevent the sound travelling to neighbouring areas?
Wallsorba is an acoustic absorption product and is used to treat echo and reverberation. Applying this to walls and ceilings will have a very small effect in terms of preventing sound from travelling into or out of the room to neighbouring areas. However for significant improvements sound insulation products should be used.

Ordering/Delivery

How do I place an order with Soundsorba?
To place an order with Soundsorba you will have to send the order in writing. This can be done by fax, e-mail or post.

Can I open an account with Soundsorba?
Soundsorba only open accounts with those who purchase products on a regular basis. Please contact Soundsorba directly for more information on accounts.

What is the delivery time on Soundsorba products?
Delivery times vary depending on which product is being ordered. Wallsorba acoustic panels are made to order and have a delivery time of 5-7 working days usually. For other delivery times please contact Soundsorba as these may vary depending on requirements. Please note all deliveries are made between 9am to 5pm.

Are there any minimum order quantities?
Although there is no minimum order quantities products which are sold in boxes will have to be sold as full boxes and cannot be split. Woodsorba Pro has a small order surcharge for orders below 300m². Wallsorba can be ordered in any quantity however if only one panel is required we will also have to supply a 'packer panel' in order to prevent damage, this is charged extra. This will not apply to deliveries which are collected by customers themselves.

How are Soundsorba panels delivered?
Soundsorba acoustic panels are usually delivered on pallets. When they are delivered to site there must be somebody there to unload the panels. Soundsorba use pallet companies for their deliveries and therefore failure to have someone on site to off load the delivery may result in a second delivery charge. Smaller orders are dispatched via next day couriers and are not palletised.