Exposed steel structures offer attractive aesthetics as well as construction economies. This has led to more and more buildings constructed with exposed steel.

Steel structures are subject to movement under various loads such as thermal expansion, winds, and air pressure changes. When steel structures move, noises can be generated. Steel roof decks in these structures act like a drumhead, transmitting and amplifying these noises.

In sound sensitive areas, such as libraries, study areas, sanctuaries, chapels, media centers, theaters, etc., these noises can be annoying enough to make the space unacceptable for use.

THE DAMPENING SOLUTION:

Loadmaster Systems' unique Noise Dampening System* provides a means of reducing noises created by movements of the steel. Noises transmitted to the steel roof deck are dampened and their amplification and transfer by the exposed steel roof deck is reduced. Loadmaster stands ready to assist Design Professionals in designing thermally balanced structures that provide better noise control.

Loadmaster's Noise Dampening System* reduces sound producing energy that contacts the steel roof deck through the following 5 STEP PROCEDURE:

1. DECK TERMINATION SUPPORTS All termination supports for the steel roof deck must be constructed with expansion relief at a maximum of 20 feet. Perimeter expansion must not be allowed to accumulate in runs in excess of 20 feet. To accomplish this, Loadmaster's Terminator System is strongly recommended.

2. DECK ATTACHMENT Steel deck sheets are to be attached to the steel structure with non-welded connections. Steel drive pins or screws are recommended.

3. STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS All structural supports for the steel roof deck are isolated from the steel deck by the installation of self-adhering Loadmaster Noise Gasket.

4. STEEL DECK INTERFACE At all interfaces of the steel deck sheets, such as overlapping or butting end joints and side laps of adjacent sheets, self-adhering Loadmaster Noise Gasketing separates the individual steel deck sheets so that sheets do not contact each other at any point.

5. STEEL DECK / INSULATION INTERFACE Loadmaster Noise Dampening Sheets placed over the steel deck separate the steel deck sheets from the roof insulation. Roof insulation panels do not contact the steel deck sheets at any point.

The Loadmaster Noise Dampening System:

• Absorbs noise generating energy from steel movement
• Stops roof decks from acting like a "drumhead"
• Reduces amplification of noise producing energy by the steel roof deck
• Helps to quiet steel roof deck noise

U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,036B1

For more information, please contact the Loadmaster Technical Department at (800) 527-4035.


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