Dow Polyurethane Carpet Backing Technology Absorbs Noise in Educational Settings

Silence is golden, especially in busy classroom settings where learning must take place. And no flooring helps silence a noisy room quite like commercial carpet backed with Dow polyurethane technology. Acoustic impact and other key benefits for educational environments will be highlighted by Dow at the upcoming APPA 2008 Conference & Exposition in San Antonio, Texas, July 9-11, booth #311. More

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, research shows that background noise from inside and outside the classroom negatively affects learning. Excessive noise and reverberation interfere with speech audibility, resulting in reduced understanding and learning. For example, in many classrooms in the United States, the speech intelligibility rating is 75 percent or less, according to the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics of the Acoustical Society of America. That means that, in speech intelligibility tests, listeners with normal hearing can understand only 75 percent of the words read from a list.

So the pressure is on for those in charge of school facilities to create a quieter environment that's conducive to learning. That's where Dow polyurethane carpet backing technology can help. Based on a study by the American Society of Interior Designers, carpet is deemed to be 10 times more efficient in reducing noise compared to other flooring options. When a cushioned backing made with Dow polyurethane is added, noise levels can be further reduced.

Polyurethane technology for commercial carpet creates a unique molecular structure, forming a polymeric bond between the primary and secondary backing. The result is a unified composite material that improves the performance of carpet. Polyurethane cushioned backing serves as an effective noise reducer by minimizing the sound of foot traffic, providing effective absorption of airborne sound and reducing sound transmission to rooms below. Based on acoustical studies and field experience, carpet with an integral polyurethane cushion can play an important role in a comprehensive noise management program.

In addition to offering acoustic benefits, Dow polyurethane backing technology improves the overall performance of commercial carpet, including appearance retention, durability and comfort. For educational environments, that means carpet backed with Dow polyurethane technology can stand up to the tough conditions students dish out including high traffic, spills, stains, snags and pulls. Carpet simply looks better longer when installed with a firm polyurethane cushion - an important characteristic for tight school budgets. Cushioned polyurethane backings also provide comfort underfoot for students and teachers, as well as help prevent slips and falls.

Choosing a carpet and backing system that make the grade for your educational setting contributes to the success of students and the facility. To find out more about how Dow polyurethane carpet backing scores high for education applications, be sure to visit us at APPA in San Antonio, July 9-11.

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