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Industrial Soundproof Curtains: How to Decide Between Floor-Mounted and Ceiling-Mounted Curtains

Noise pollution is a bitter truth that industrial workers often face. Excessive noise can lead to hearing loss, stress, low productivity, and even workplace accidents. This is one of the reasons why OSHA recommends employers implement soundproofing initiatives if the noise level reaches 85 Db or above (during an eight-hour work shift). Therefore, it’s essential to use specific measures to control excessive noise exposure in the workplace. A cost-effective way to do it is by installing industrial soundproof curtains.

There are two most prominent options to achieve sound control in your specific industry:

1. Floor-mounted industrial soundproof curtains
2. Ceiling-mounted industrial soundproof curtains

Undeniably, both curtain types play an effective role in absorbing industrial noise. However, choosing the right one (according to your unique business needs) can create a noticeable difference in terms of achieving the required level of sound control in your work facility.

If you’re wondering which one is the perfect choice for your business, reading this detailed guide will help you clear any confusion while deciding between floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted curtains.

Let’s explore this in detail.

How Industrial Soundproof Curtains Work

Before heading towards floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted curtains, it’s important to know how they absorb sound. Industrial soundproof curtains are manufactured with mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) as a sound absorbing-material that enables the interior layers to absorb sound. The exterior layer of these curtains blocks sound with its quilted fiberglass – another sound-blocking material that effectively soundproofs any premise.

Since its impossible to control loud noise generated from heavy machinery, compressors, blowers, and other noise-producing equipment in an industrial setting, MLV and fiberglass play a crucial role as soundproofing materials.

These industrial soundproof curtains’ materials possess specific thickness levels and a higher capacity to block sound waves. That’s what makes them highly preferable as compared to conventional sound control methods (such as constructing multiple walls between different work zones or installing ordinary curtains or dividers within an industrial setting).

Floor versus Ceiling: How to Choose the Right Option

Choosing the right industrial soundproof curtains can drastically improve a business’ productivity as well as profitability. That’s why it’s important to dig deeper, understand the differences between floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted curtains, and then, choose accordingly. Let’s explore the characteristics of each one in detail.

Floor Mounted Industrial Sound Curtains

Floor-mounted curtains require a supporting base so you can directly install them on the floor of any workplace. These industrial soundproof curtains can be easily mounted on movable tracks or rollers for smooth repositioning. Depending on your sound suppression requirements, you can choose these in various configurations, thicknesses, and sizes.

Purpose

Floor-mounted curtains are ideal for mobile partitions. Workplaces or manufacturing work zones with flexible setups can use these curtains to achieve noise reduction. These curtains also work well in industrial settings where noise sources change frequently.

Some examples of industries that might prefer floor-mounted curtains include the following:

• Construction sites: Since floor-mounted soundproof curtains are portable, they act as temporary barriers to separate noisy construction activities (such as cutting and drilling) from quiet workplaces within the same construction sites.
• Manufacturing plants: manufacturing layouts change frequently. That’s why temporary noise control is required. Floor-mounted curtains help fulfill this purpose well because you can reposition them as required.
• Laboratories and research facilities: enclosed, quiet spaces are a priority in testing facilities. Floor-mounted curtains are used in research departments and labs where test configurations require silence in various work zones. These curtains can be moved easily to workplaces where noise pollution might affect the performance and outcomes of specific tests.
• Assembly plants: floor-mounted curtains work well in assembly zones where it’s necessary to block horizontal noise. Such curtains are also commonly used in assembling electronics and automotive parts.
• Warehousing facilities: Workers transporting fragile and sensitive items to and from a warehouse require adequate concentration. Placing floor-mounted curtains in such specific zones can block excessive noise and contribute to an improvement in their performance.

Pros

• High flexibility: it’s easy to relocate floor-mounted curtains from one work zone to the other. The added flexibility makes these industrial soundproof curtains a perfect option for businesses that require frequent change of layouts.
• Easy installation: Floor-mounted curtains are easy to install. Requiring minimal setup (including a track system or brackets), the installation goes through a simple assembly process. Since they are mounted on ground level, frequent cleaning is highly practical.

Cons

• Occupies floor space: Flooring is considered a primary space in certain workplaces where workers can carry out important tasks in a specific timeframe. However, floor-mounted curtains might hinder their performance as they take extra space. This can disrupt the overall workflow. That’s why such curtains are not the right choice for businesses that have cramped floor space.
• Not ideal for blocking vertical noise: Floor-mounted curtains are designed to block horizontal noise efficiently. But they might not be a perfect option to absorb sound in a high-ceiling workspace.

 

Ceiling Mounted Industrial Soundproof Curtains

Ceiling-mounted curtains are mounted by using a variety of curtain track hardware including plain curve, inline connectors, and rollers. They can be connected directly to beams, special ceiling mounts, or studs. Besides using screws, it’s also possible to weld the mounts to girders or I-beams.

Purpose

Ceiling-mounted curtains are installed in environments that require vertical coverage of sound absorption. These workplaces often have high ceilings. So, they are a wise option for businesses that consistently need to deal with extreme noise on a vertical level. These industrial soundproof curtains work well in workplaces that prefer permanent installation of noise barriers without the need to relocate them.

Industries that can benefit from ceiling-mounted curtains include the following:

• Industrial kitchens: Ceiling-mounted curtains can block noise coming from loud kitchen equipment (such as industrial mixers, blenders, and compressors) without taking any floor space. These industrial soundproof curtains also help in maintaining hygiene by preventing contaminants from entering the kitchen.
• Manufacturing units with fixed equipment: Heavy machines (such as industrial mixers, stamping presses, extruders, and milling machines) generate high-frequency sound. To reduce noise, these machines cannot be relocated from one work zone to the other. In this situation, ceiling-mounted curtains can control excessive noise by providing vertical coverage.
• Pharmaceutical organizations: Pharmaceutical manufacturers prefer to isolate and soundproof different processes (including blending, compression, and coating) to achieve optimal quality. Ceiling-mounted curtains help soundproof each work zone while maintaining a clean and undisturbed floor space.
• Auditoriums: Echo is the main concern in auditoriums as sound travels vertically. Ceiling-mounted curtains contribute to minimizing echo.
• Data centers: Servers with high-speed fans, HVAC units, and backup generators in data centers produce noise that brings a lot of workplace distractions. Ceiling-mounted curtains are a cost-effective solution to block unwanted sound waves in such setups.

Pros

• Maintains spaciousness: By saving floor space, these curtains leave ample room to accommodate additional machinery or personnel. It makes them suitable for workplaces where floor space is highly required for carrying out industrial operations on a frequent basis.
• Good for vertical coverage: Tall spaces often require industrial soundproof curtains that effectively address vertical noise. Ceiling-mounted curtains are specifically manufactured to fulfill this purpose.

Cons

• Requires professional assistance: For installing ceiling-mounted curtains, you’ll have to hire a professional who will ensure that the weight of the curtains aligns well with the mounting points.
• Permanent setup: It’s not feasible to frequently relocate and reinstall these curtains from one workspace to the other. This makes them a less practical choice for businesses that have changing soundproofing needs.

The Takeaway

Each industry has unique noise control requirements. Therefore, the key is to identify your space utilization requirements, operational layout, noise source, and the differences between floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted curtains before finalizing a purchase decision. Besides, you should also evaluate your budgetary needs.

Interestingly, there’s no hard-and-fast rule to choose just one option. Industries having larger workspaces often require additional support to control noise. It’s especially applicable if the noise travels from horizontal as well as vertical spaces. That’s when comprehensive coverage should be implemented. In this situation, you can install both floor-mounted and ceiling-mounted curtains.