If you’ve ever been kept up late by the sounds of your neighbors—whether it’s loud footsteps, music blasting, or just the typical day-to-day noise of apartment living—you’re not alone. But what if the solution to this age-old problem was as simple as a metal screw? It may sound a bit unusual, but a breakthrough from a researcher in Sweden could offer the relief you’ve been looking for.
The innovative screw that could reduce noise by half
Imagine being able to cut the noise from your neighbor’s apartment by half, just by changing a few screws in your wall. That’s exactly what Håkan Wernersson, a researcher at the University of Malmö, has created. Wernersson, who works in the Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, has developed a unique screw that can significantly reduce the level of sound traveling between walls.
This specially designed screw, known as the Sound Screw, is engineered to break up sound waves. The key to its effectiveness lies in its structure: the screw is split in the middle with a spring inside. When used to secure drywall to wooden beams in the wall, the spring absorbs the sound waves that would otherwise pass through the materials, dissipating them instead of letting them reach your ears. As a result, the noise from your noisy neighbors is much less likely to disturb you.
Real-world testing: from labs to businesses
The results of this innovation have been promising. In laboratory acoustic tests, the Sound Screw has been shown to reduce the sound level by nine decibels, which, to put it in perspective, is effectively halving the perceived sound. This was demonstrated with a standard dry wall. The same screws have also been tested in real-world settings, such as a hair salon, where they were used to replace traditional screws without removing the existing ceiling plaster. The results were also positive, showing that the screws worked just as effectively in a practical, everyday setting.
Wernersson highlights that there are legal requirements regarding sound insulation in apartment buildings, and the Sound Screw could help meet these standards. However, it’s especially useful for single-family homes where reducing noise between rooms is a concern but doesn’t require full structural changes.
The additional benefit: space savings
Another interesting perk of using the Sound Screw is that it can help save space. Traditional insulation and soundproofing techniques often require extra layers or materials, which take up valuable space in a room. But by using these innovative screws, you can fix drywall directly to the walls, saving precious space on both the floor and ceiling. As Wernersson points out, “One square meter of floor space can be worth thousands of euros, and with our screw, you’re making the most of that space.”
The future of noise control: more testing needed
While the Sound Screw has shown great promise, it still needs more testing in everyday environments to fully evaluate its long-term effectiveness. That said, the interest in this product is already growing. Companies from places as far as South America and Japan are exploring the potential of incorporating these screws into their construction processes.
This simple yet effective solution could be a game-changer for those living in noisy environments, offering a cost-effective and space-saving way to enjoy quieter living spaces. It’s just one example of how a little innovation can make a big difference in our daily lives. So, next time you hear those loud footsteps or the murmur of your neighbors, it might just be a good time to think about what a few Sound Screws could do to restore some peace and quiet.
