The ability to control and manage sound within environments is important for many spaces— 

whether it's a peaceful home, a productive office, or an efficient industrial space.

But finding the right acoustical materials can make all the difference,

However, in order to meet the right acoustic materials, you need to understand the differences between NRC vs STC sound ratings and how the ratings apply to sound as a whole.

Comparing NRC Rating vs STC Rating

To start, let’s take a closer look at both

What is NRC Rating?

The Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a measure of a material’s ability to absorb sound within a room. NRC ratings range from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating better sound absorption. For example, an NRC of 0.7 means that the material absorbs 70% of sound waves that hit it, reflecting only 30%.

The importance of NRC ratings lies in their ability to reduce echo and reverberation in a space, significantly improving sound quality.

This type of sound rating is particularly vital in environments where clear communication is critical, such as office spaces, auditoriums, conference rooms, and classrooms.

By minimizing the reflection of sound waves, materials with high NRC ratings create a more acoustically comfortable environment that enhances the overall auditory experience.

What is STC Rating?

The Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures how well a material is able to block sound transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings. STC ratings are expressed as numerical values, typically ranging from 20 to 65, with higher numbers indicating better sound insulation properties. 

STC ratings are also crucial for maintaining privacy and reducing noise pollution in various settings. As such, this sound rating is typically associated with soundproofing. For example:

In residential buildings, high STC-rated materials ensure that sounds from adjacent rooms or external sources do not disturb other spaces. 

In office spaces, they prevent loud outdoor noise from traveling between rooms and floors.

Key Differences Between NRC vs STC

Products with high NRC and high STC ratings are very important for sound mitigation, but they are used in slightly different ways.

Measurement and Scale

NRC ratings are calculated on a scale from 0 to 1. Materials with higher NRC values are better at absorbing sound, thus reducing echo and reverberation within a room. On the other hand, STC ratings are numerical values that indicate a material's ability to block sound. Higher STC ratings mean better sound insulation, preventing noise from passing through building partitions.

Types of Sound Managed

The NRC rating focuses on managing internal noise within a space by absorbing sound waves. This reduction in reverberation and echo makes environments more acoustically pleasant and improves overall sound quality. 

In contrast, the STC rating addresses external noise management by preventing sound from transmitting through partitions. This is essential for maintaining quiet and privacy between adjacent spaces, ensuring that noise from one area does not disturb another.

Materials and Applications

Materials that improve NRC ratings include acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, carpets, and other soft materials designed to absorb sound waves. These materials are typically used in environments where reducing echo and enhancing sound quality is essential.

Materials that enhance STC ratings include insulated walls, soundproof doors, double-glazed windows, and other barriers designed to block sound transmission. These materials are critical in settings where preventing noise from traveling between spaces is necessary, such as residential buildings, offices, and industrial facilities.

How NRC and STC Ratings Apply to Different Environments

Tailoring the components used for each particular application results in environments with proper noise levels and greater productivity.

Office Spaces

In office environments, reducing echo is vital to improving communication and concentration. High NRC-rated materials, such as acoustic panels and sound-absorbing ceiling tiles, can significantly enhance the acoustic environment. These materials reduce reverberation, making it easier for employees to hear and understand each other, leading to more effective communication and collaboration.

Preventing noise from adjacent rooms or offices is equally important for maintaining privacy and minimizing distractions. High STC-rated partitions, such as insulated walls and soundproof doors, ensure that noise does not travel between workspaces. This creates a quieter and more focused environment, allowing employees to work without unnecessary interruptions.

Residential Buildings

In homes, NRC-rated materials can improve the acoustics of living rooms, home theaters, and other spaces by reducing echo and enhancing sound quality. Materials like carpets, drapes, and acoustic panels absorb sound waves, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable auditory experience for residents.

High STC-rated materials are essential for ensuring privacy between rooms and from outside noise. In multi-family housing, soundproof walls, doors, and windows prevent noise from traveling between apartments, contributing to a more peaceful living environment. These materials also block external noises, such as traffic or construction, from disturbing occupants, enhancing overall comfort and quality of life.

Industrial Settings

Reducing noise within large open spaces is important for safety and productivity in industrial settings. High NRC-rated materials, such as acoustic ceiling tiles and sound-absorbing panels, can help control sound levels, making industrial environments more comfortable and safe for workers. These materials reduce the reverberation of noise from machinery and equipment, creating a more manageable acoustic environment.

Isolating noisy machinery and preventing sound from affecting other areas of the facility is crucial for maintaining a productive workspace. High STC-rated partitions, such as insulated walls and soundproof enclosures, contain noise within specific zones, reducing overall sound pollution. This protects workers from excessive noise exposure, improving their comfort and productivity.

Metal Form Improves NRC and STC Sound Ratings

Metal Form offers an entire line of products with high NRC and STC ratings. These products are critical to deploying a sound mitigation strategy in any application.

Better NRC and STC Ratings

Metal Form offers a range of products designed to improve NRC and STC ratings, such as absorption panels, acoustic panels,and  acoustic louvers. 

These products are engineered to absorb sound waves effectively and reduce echo and reverberation within a space. By incorporating high NRC-rated materials into a room’s design, the overall acoustic quality is significantly enhanced.

Mitigate Noise with Metal Form’s NRC and STC Products

Simply put: NRC ratings focus on absorbing sound within a space, while STC ratings concentrate on blocking sound transmission between spaces. 

Metal Form’s products are designed to enhance both ratings, providing superior acoustical solutions for various environments. 

Whether you’re looking to improve the acoustics of an office, residential building, or industrial facility, Metal Form has the products to meet your needs. 

Reach out to the noise control experts at Metal Form today for help achieving the best possible sound ratings for your projects.