Reducing Noise Complaints in Commercial Properties
Noise complaints can be a persistent and costly issue for property managers, landlords, and facilities teams overseeing commercial premises. Whether it’s offices, retail units, hospitality venues or mixed-use developments, poor acoustic performance can lead to tenant dissatisfaction, a damaged reputation, and could even have legal implications.
In this blog, we discuss the causes of noise complaints in commercial properties, the risks they create, and explore effective acoustic solutions to mitigate them.
Why Noise Complaints Matter in Commercial Spaces
Uncontrolled noise in commercial properties isn’t just annoying, it affects business performance. Here’s why sound management should be a top priority:
- Legal Compliance: In the UK, excessive noise can breach the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Repeated complaints may prompt enforcement action by local authorities.
- Tenant Retention: Tenants expect comfortable, functional spaces. Persistent noise issues can lead to early lease terminations or rent renegotiations.
- Brand & Reputation: For customer-facing environments like hotels or retail units, poor acoustics can directly impact customer satisfaction and reviews.
- Workplace Productivity: In offices, noise distractions contribute to reduced focus, increased stress, and employee turnover.
Common Sources of Noise in Commercial Buildings
- Impact noise from foot traffic, dropped objects, or moving furniture (especially in multi-storey premises)
- Airborne noise from conversations, machinery, or heating, ventilation and air con systems
- Noise from neighbouring buildings or units in retail parks or office complexes
- External noise such as construction or traffic
How to Tackle Noise Complaints: Acoustic Solutions That Work
1. Acoustic Flooring
Our specialist acoustic flooring range is a brilliant solution for impact or airborne sound problems.
Our soundproofing floor range includes acoustic battens, acoustic desks and acoustic underlay.
2. Wall Soundproofing
Lightweight stud walls may be quick to install, but they offer poor sound resistance. Soundproofing walls reduces sound transfer and insulates against noise and absorbs it.
Our comprehensive acoustic walls range includes wall soundproofing products, sound absorption products and related and ancillary acoustic products.
We have solutions for new builds, conversions, workplaces, noisy neighbour situations theatres, sports halls, schools and more.
3. Ceiling Soundproofing
We provide a comprehensive range of soundproofing and sound-absorbing solutions for ceiling applications either to block noise transmission between spaces or absorb sound to reduce reverberation and echo within a room.
Our ceiling soundproofing range includes noise barriers and sound-absorbing panels and pads — all engineered to tackle nuisance noise in commercial and industrial environments.
We also offer ancillary components to help maintain the acoustic integrity of an acoustic solution.
4. Acoustic Panels
In environments such as commercial premises, restaurants, gyms or reception areas, installing decorative acoustic panels can balance aesthetics and performance. These panels reduce reverberation (echo) and absorb sound.
The acoustic panel options we offer are JCW Reflecta Sound Panels and Techmel Foam JCW Wall Panels.
Reflecta Sound Absorbing Panels are a fabric-covered acoustic panel designed for walls and ceilings. Offering both aesthetic appeal and high-performance sound absorption. Designed to significantly reduce reflective noise, it is ideal for enhancing acoustic comfort in commercial spaces. These panels can be customised using a supplied graphic or photographic image, to help personalise your commercial space.
Techmel Foam JCW Wall Panels are an open-cell melamine foam designed for both thermal and acoustic insulation. Lightweight, flexible, and easy to handle, it is ideal for a wide range of commercial environments.
Supplied in sheets, it can be die-cut, shaped, and profiled to meet different requirements. It can be faced on one side or fully enclosed in a variety of materials to meet performance requirements. An optional self-adhesive backing is available to support quick and secure installation.
5. Soundproof doors
A significant amount of sound leakage comes through poorly sealed doors.
Our high-performance bespoke timber acoustic doors are engineered to deliver exceptional sound insulation, offering reductions of up to 44 dB.They are an ideal solution for controlling noise in domestic, commercial, and workplace environments.
Available in a range of finishes and fire resistance ratings, these soundproof doors are suitable for areas that demand enhanced acoustic integrity. Designed for easy installation, all models are available for fast nationwide delivery.
We offer two variants within our JCW Silent Door range:
- JCW Silent Door Standard provides sound reduction of up to 35 dB
- JCW Silent Premier delivers enhanced performance with up to 44 dB sound reduction
Best Practice for Property Managers and Facilities Teams
- Conduct an Acoustic Assessment: Identify key problem areas with a professional sound survey.
- Log Complaints: Track complaint types, times, and locations to spot trends.
- Engage Early in Design/Refurbishment: It’s far more cost-effective to specify the right products at the outset than retrofit later.
- Invest in High-Performance Products: Cutting corners on soundproofing often leads to more expensive fixes in future.
- Communicate with Tenants: Let tenants know what steps are being taken and encourage reporting to monitor effectiveness.
Need Help with a Commercial Noise Problem?
At JCW Acoustic Supplies, we support property professionals across the UK with bespoke acoustic solutions for commercial spaces. Whether it’s a single complaint or a widespread issue, our team can advise, supply, and install the right products to reduce noise, fast.
To make an enquiry or place an order, simply complete our contact form.