Tips For Smoothing Out the Noise in a Bar-Restaurant

Setting up a bar can be a very satisfying experience, fulfilling the dream of having your own business and being with the people who come into it every day. But sometimes relations with the surrounding blocks of flats can be a torment, from shouting from their homes to hatred and general annoyance.

Of course, a bar owner doesn’t want a woman to come in at 9 p.m. screaming through the door of his place saying that the child can’t sleep or in extreme cases, the police will come in because a neighbor has called them. This upsets both the owner’s and the customers’ patience, but of course, it is avoidable.

The places with music are those that have more restrictions, at the time of its normal operation I feel obligated:

• To have a double entrance door to prevent noise leaks with a spring return to a closed position, which guarantees the necessary insulation in the facade at all times, including the entry and exit moments.

• They must operate with closed doors and windows and have a forced ventilation system.

• Many municipalities require the use of sound limiters with a level log that must be kept for at least one month. The limiter shall cut off the operation of the sound reproduction equipment after hours.

• Operators of establishments must ensure, by having the necessary means, that users, when entering and leaving the premises, do not cause a nuisance to the neighborhood. The following will be available a store manager at the door to ensure this.

For all premises it is also mandatory to monitor the following sources of impact sound:

• The furniture must have protective elements to avoid unnecessary noise. Tables, chairs, stools, etc., both inside and outside the premises, if there is a terrace, must be equipped with elements on their supports that allow them to slide without transmitting noise and vibrations, such as rubber blocks.

• Rolling barrels of beer, dragging furniture, and similar actions are prohibited inside the establishments of activities. These operations shall always be carried out using elements or devices that prevent the transmission of noise and vibrations.

How to soundproof a bar step by step

1- The soundproofing is started on the floor, for which a layer of acoustic material of about 40 mm is usually placed (depending on the manufacturer) or two layers of different density for greater insulation; a floating formwork can be placed on top of this so that the floor can be placed on top.

The connection to walls and columns must be left ready so that the insulation material is continuous drainage insulation and there is no sound leakage.

2 – Then it goes to the roof, most of the premises usually have drainage pipes it is important to be able to cover them as best as possible with bituminous material or acoustic rock wool to avoid sound leaks.

3-The next phase is to soundproof the columns, placing special emphasis on the connection with the floor. They are usually covered with 3 – 4 cm acoustic insulation and plasterboard is placed on the outside.

4-It follows the soundproofing of the walls of the room in a similar way to the columns by connecting the acoustic panel at the edges with the soundproofing of the floor. As in the case of the floor, it is always advisable to use two types of material of different densities as it significantly improves insulation.

5-And finally the ceiling in the most delicate operation, it is necessary to hold the fixings to the ceiling by means of bushing pieces so as not to transmit any kind of vibration to the floor.

From these, the guides for the placement of the false ceiling of the room are held, which can be continuous or removable or a combination of both (usually it is like that) first it is insulated and then under the insulation, a false ceiling of removable plates is placed which in turn can carry another layer of insulating material of reinforcement.

It is recommended that this type of work is done by companies specializing in soundproofing, the first thing will be an initial test to determine the insulation needed to meet the regulations.

Tips for Reducing Noise in a Bar-Restaurant

• Designs a false ceiling with the capacity to absorb sound. The experts will be able to offer you the most suitable among a wide range of materials and finishes.

• Opt for noise-absorbing textiles that blend in well with the overall décor of the room. Certain fabrics reduce reverberation and help create acoustically comfortable spaces. Choose thick curtains and tablecloths, they will help you reduce noise.

• Always remember that if you decide to program background music, it must be of a very low level, you can always turn it up at certain times of the day. And remember, the music you like doesn’t have to be the one your customers prefer.

• Distribute the areas of your restaurant well. Leave as much space as possible between the entrance and the dining room, between the tables and the bathroom or kitchen. Organize well the passage of the waiters between the tables while transporting the dishes.

• Train your staff in tips to reduce the general noise of the room, explain to them that they should avoid dragging chairs, unnecessary knocks with kitchen utensils, conversations among themselves, etc.

• Install soundproof windows or double doors, don’t let street noise get in the way of customers’ conversation. Place large pots on your terrace that will not only make this outdoor space more beautiful but also reduce the inevitable outside sound a little.

• Controls the noise generated by machinery inside the room such as air conditioners, coffee machines, juice machines, refrigerators… Places rubber covers on the legs of the chairs.

• If you have a TV, don’t put it in the central dining room, put it somewhere away from as many tables as possible or at the bar.

• In the case that your kitchen is in plain sight, instill in your cooks that they must always keep their conversations in a low voice and avoid knocks when opening and closing refrigerators and in general in the operations necessary for the preparation of the dishes.

• Do not place the tables too close together, there is nothing more annoying and uncomfortable for a customer than having to turn up the volume of the conversation so as not to have to listen to what the table neighbors are saying. A good tip is to install screens between the tables.