Acoustic Performance
Acoustic Performance
Guide for Movable Walls
Understanding acoustic performance is essential when specifying movable partitions. This guide explains Rw ratings, sound insulation, acoustic seals and how partition performance is measured, specified and achieved on site.
ModernGlide systems achieve Rw ratings from 33 dB to 59 dB. All acoustic data is independently tested and certified. Our technical team can provide acoustic performance data for all products to assist acoustic consultants and specifiers.
Acoustic Ratings Explained
Understanding Rw Ratings
for Movable Partitions
What is Sound Insulation?
Sound insulation describes the ability of a building element — such as a movable acoustic wall or operable partition — to reduce the transmission of airborne sound from one space to another. The higher the sound insulation value, the less sound passes through the partition.
What is Rw?
Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index) is the single-figure laboratory rating used to describe the airborne sound insulation of a building element. It is measured in decibels (dB) and determined by laboratory testing to ISO 140-3 and rated in accordance with ISO 717-1. For movable acoustic walls and operable partitions, Rw is the standard specification metric.
The higher the Rw rating, the greater the acoustic separation between spaces. ModernGlide systems achieve Rw 33 dB to 59 dB depending on the system specified.
Laboratory vs Site Performance
Rw ratings are laboratory test values. Site performance may vary depending on flanking transmission, installation quality and building construction. ModernGlide installs all systems using FIS-accredited operatives to minimise the gap between laboratory and site performance.
Acoustic Rating Guide
| Rating | Application | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Rw 33 dB | Open-plan subdivision, light acoustic screening | MG900 |
| Rw 43–50 dB | Meeting rooms, glazed office partitions | MG400, MG500, MG600 |
| Rw 43–52 dB | Training rooms, classrooms, conference facilities | MG200, MG400, MG500 |
| Rw 52–59 dB | Boardrooms, lecture theatres, music rooms, legal suites | MG100, MG100E |
* Rw ratings are laboratory test values. Site performance may vary. Contact our technical team for project-specific guidance.
Performance Factors
Key Factors Affecting
Acoustic Performance
Four factors determine whether a movable acoustic wall achieves its rated Rw performance on site. Understanding these factors is essential for correct specification and installation.
Acoustic Seals
Acoustic seals are the most critical component of a high-performance operable wall system. Automatic drop seals at the floor, perimeter seals at the head and jamb, and astragal seals between adjacent panels must all engage correctly when the wall is deployed to achieve the rated Rw performance.
Even a high-rated panel will significantly underperform if the seals do not close correctly. ModernGlide installs all systems using FIS-accredited operatives to ensure rated performance is achieved on site.
Panel Construction
The construction of the movable wall panel directly affects its acoustic performance. High-performance panels use multiple layers including a dense acoustic core, mass-loaded vinyl, decoupled facing panels and perimeter acoustic gaskets.
Thicker, heavier panels generally achieve higher Rw ratings. The ModernGlide MG100 panel is available in multiple specifications to achieve Rw ratings from 33 dB to 59 dB, allowing the system to be tailored to the acoustic requirement.
Track Design
The overhead track and stacking pocket must be correctly specified to avoid acoustic flanking paths. Flanking transmission — sound travelling around the partition through the structure — can significantly reduce effective acoustic performance.
Correct track selection and installation ensures acoustic continuity at the head of the wall. ModernGlide provides full track details and installation guidance to ensure acoustic integrity at all junctions.
Correct Installation
Correct installation is essential to achieving the specified acoustic performance. The structural support, track installation, panel hanging and seal adjustment must all be carried out to the manufacturer's specification.
ModernGlide installs all systems using trained, FIS-accredited operatives. This ensures that the acoustic performance specified by the architect is achieved in practice, not just in the laboratory.
Need Acoustic Performance Data?
Our technical team can provide acoustic test certificates and Rw ratings for all MG Series products to assist acoustic consultants and specifiers.
Acoustic Seals
The Role of Acoustic Seals
in Partition Performance
Acoustic seals are the most critical component of a high-performance operable wall system. When the wall is deployed, the seals must close all air gaps to achieve the rated acoustic performance. Even a small air gap can dramatically reduce effective sound insulation.
Modern operable wall systems use multiple seal types working together to achieve acoustic continuity across the entire wall perimeter. The quality and correct function of these seals determines whether the system achieves its rated Rw performance in practice.
Automatic Drop Seals
Automatic drop seals deploy at the floor when the panel reaches its final position. They engage automatically without any manual adjustment, creating an acoustic seal against the floor. The quality and correct function of the drop seal is the single most important factor in achieving rated floor-to-panel acoustic performance.
Perimeter Seals
Perimeter seals at the head and jamb of the opening close the gap between the panel and the structural opening. These seals must be correctly adjusted to achieve acoustic continuity at all edges of the wall system.
Astragal Seals
Astragal seals close the vertical joint between adjacent panels. In high-performance systems, these seals engage automatically when panels are brought together. Astragal seal quality directly affects the acoustic performance at panel-to-panel junctions.
Head Seals
Head seals close the gap between the top of the panel and the overhead track housing. In top-hung systems, the track housing must be acoustically treated to prevent sound transmission through the overhead track zone.
By Application
Acoustic Requirements
by Building Type
Offices — Meeting Rooms
Rw 40–45 dBFor corporate meeting rooms and small conference rooms, an Rw of 40–45 dB typically provides adequate acoustic separation for general business conversations.
Offices — Confidential Spaces
Rw 45–52 dBFor rooms where confidential discussions take place — HR meetings, legal consultations, senior leadership meetings — an Rw of 45–52 dB ensures speech privacy.
Education — Classrooms (BB93)
Rw 45–52 dBUK schools are governed by BB93, which typically requires Rw 45–52 dB for classrooms separated by a movable acoustic wall. ModernGlide can provide data to assist acoustic consultants in confirming compliance.
Conference & Event Spaces
Rw 45–52 dBConference and event spaces where presentations and amplified sound are used typically require Rw 45–52 dB. For premium conference facilities, Rw 52–59 dB is recommended.
Boardrooms & Legal Suites
Rw 52–59 dBHigh-performance boardrooms, legal consultation rooms and medical consultation spaces require Rw 52–59 dB to ensure complete speech privacy and confidentiality.
Lecture Theatres & Music Rooms
Rw 52–59 dBLecture theatres, music rooms and drama studios require the highest levels of acoustic separation. The MG100 achieves up to Rw 59 dB and is widely specified in these demanding applications.
MG Series Acoustic Data
Acoustic Performance Summary
Maximum Rw values for independently tested MG Series systems
| Product | System | Max Rw | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG100 | Movable Acoustic Wall | 59 dB | Solid |
| MG200 | Hinged Folding Partitions | 49 dB | Solid |
| MG400 | Sliding Wall Systems | 43 dB | Solid |
| MG500 | Flush Glazed Sliding Folding | 43 dB | Glazed |
| MG600 | Glazed Operable Wall | 50 dB | Glazed |
| MG700 | Glass Sliding Panels | N/A | Glazed |
| MG900 | Crittall Glazed Partitions | 33 dB | Glazed |
| MG100E | Fully Electric Movable Walls | 54 dB | Electric |
* All Rw values are maximum laboratory test values. Site performance may vary. Contact our technical team for project-specific acoustic guidance.
Acoustic Ratings Explained
In-depth guide to Rw ratings, sound insulation and acoustic performance for movable acoustic walls and operable partitions.
Read GuideSpecification Guide
Step-by-step guide for architects on how to specify a movable acoustic wall system — from defining the acoustic requirement to NBS specification.
Read GuideTechnical Team
Contact our technical team for project-specific acoustic performance data, Rw ratings, acoustic test certificates and specification support.
Contact UsAcoustic Support
Get Acoustic Performance
Data for Your Project
Our technical team can provide acoustic test certificates and Rw ratings for all MG Series products to assist acoustic consultants and specifiers.