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The Importance of Acoustic Ratings
At Monowa, we supply, install, service and maintain movable walls, acoustic movable walls and sliding folding partitions for schools, offices, hotels, conference centres and commercial spaces across the UK.
Movable walls are often chosen because they make buildings more flexible. They allow larger rooms to be divided, opened up and adapted without permanent construction. However, flexibility is only part of the specification. If rooms are being used at the same time, acoustic performance is just as important.
Acoustic ratings for movable walls help show how well a wall system can reduce sound transfer between adjoining spaces. This matters in meeting rooms, classrooms, hotel function rooms, conference spaces and open plan offices where privacy, concentration or simultaneous use needs to be protected.
What do acoustic ratings mean?
Acoustic ratings indicate how much sound a wall, partition or door can reduce. In general, the higher the rating, the better the expected sound insulation.
For UK movable wall projects, acoustic ratings are usually shown as Rw. Rw stands for the Weighted Sound Reduction Index. It is a single-number rating measured in decibels (dB) that indicates how well a building element (such as a wall or door) reduces airborne sound transmission. The higher the number the better the sound attenuation.
The rating is useful, but it should not be read in isolation. An Rw (or laboratory specification) figure does not automatically guarantee the same acoustic performance once the wall is installed. You can expect a drop of up to 15dB in a site situation due to sound flanking paths in the fabric of the building that would not occur in perfect conditions.
Why acoustic performance matters
A movable wall should do more than divide a room visually. In many spaces, it also needs to reduce noise and help each side of the divided room function properly.
Poor acoustic performance can lead to:
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Conversations being heard in the next room
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Meeting rooms feeling less private
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Teaching spaces disrupting each other
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Events or presentations clashing
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Reduced focus in offices
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Lower comfort for guests, staff or building users
Good acoustic performance helps the rooms feel properly separated when the movable wall is closed. This is why acoustic requirements should be considered early in the project, before the system is selected.
What affects the acoustic performance of movable walls?
Several key factors influence how well movable walls perform once installed. These include the panel construction, the quality and type of acoustic seals used, the precision of installation, suitable surround and ongoing maintenance. Each of these elements plays a significant role in the wall’s ability to reduce sound transmission effectively and maintain its acoustic rating over time.
Panel construction
Movable wall panels need the right internal construction, weight and material build-up to achieve higher acoustic ratings. Heavier, well-constructed panels usually provide better sound insulation than lightweight partitions.
MonoWall is Monowa’s higher-performance operable wall option and can be specified with acoustic solutions, surface finishes and track layouts to suit the project requirements.
Seals and alignment
Acoustic seals are critical. Even a high-rated wall can underperform if sound leaks around the edges.
Monowa explains that movable wall panels use top and bottom acoustic seals. These retract when panels are moved and extend when they are set into position. This is why correct operation, seal condition and panel alignment all affect acoustic performance.
Installation quality
Installation has a direct impact on acoustic performance. The wall system needs to be correctly fitted, levelled and adjusted so the panels meet properly and the seals engage as intended.
Maintenance
Acoustic performance can reduce over time if the system is not maintained. Worn seals, damaged rollers, poor alignment or incorrect operation can all affect how well the wall closes.
Monowa’s servicing process includes checks to panels, tracks, trolleys, retractable seals, silicone acoustic seals and operating components, helping support long-term performance and smooth operation.
Orthogonal element design
Sound can also travel around the wall through ceiling voids, floor cavities or adjoining construction. This is known as flanking transmission. It is one of the reasons the building structure should be reviewed before installation.
The surrounding structure should be built to the same or better specification than the movable wall. This will include suitable baffle / bulkhead and stud partitioning (built by contractor)
Movable walls or sliding folding partitions?
Movable walls and sliding folding partitions are often grouped together, but they are not the same system.
Movable walls usually consist of individual panels that are moved separately, positioned in the opening and sealed to create the room division. They are always top hung (supported from structual soffit) and are generally used where stronger acoustic performance is required.
Sliding folding partitions use hinged panels that fold together and are generally floor supported and used in situations where a structural soffit is not available.
The right choice depends on:
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Acoustic requirements
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Opening size
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Ceiling height and structure
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Whether a floor track is suitable
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Frequency of operation
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Budget
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Interior design requirements
Choosing the right acoustic rating
The right acoustic rating depends on how the space will be used.
A general meeting room may not need the same level of acoustic separation as a confidential office, exam space, hotel function room or boardroom. Choosing the highest available rating is not always the most practical or cost effective approach if the surrounding structure will limit the installed performance.
Before specifying movable walls, it is worth considering:
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What type of sound needs to be controlled
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Whether speech privacy is required
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Whether adjoining rooms will be used at the same time
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How often the wall will be opened and closed
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Whether sliding doors or pass doors are required
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How the wall connects to the floor, ceiling and side walls
The aim is to match the wall system to the room, rather than selecting an acoustic rating as a standalone figure.
Our systems for acoustic projects
For projects where acoustic performance is important, Monowa can advise on suitable movable wall systems, operable walls and sliding folding partitions.
MonoWall – Movable Wall Systems
MonoWall is generally the preferred option where stronger acoustic separation is required. It uses individual panels and is typically top hung, meaning the weight is taken from above. It does not require a floor track and can be useful in commercial, education and hospitality environments.
For more information on The Importance of Acoustic Ratings talk to Monowa Operable Wall Systems Ltd