INSUL 10.0.7

INSUL

INSUL is the industry-leading software tool for predicting the sound insulation performance of building elements—walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, windows, and glazing systems. Developed by Marshall Day Acoustics, INSUL enables acoustical consultants, architects, and building professionals to accurately estimate Transmission Loss (TL), Impact Sound Pressure Levels (Ln), and weighted sound insulation ratings (STC, Rw, IIC, LnTw) before construction begins.

By modeling complex multilayer constructions, cavity systems, and glazing configurations, INSUL replaces costly guesswork with scientifically validated predictions, ensuring that designed assemblies meet regulatory requirements and occupant comfort expectations. Version 10.0.7 refines the calculation engine, expands the material database, and introduces significant usability improvements—all while maintaining the intuitive workflow that has made INSUL the trusted choice for acoustic design worldwide.

🔊 Primary Users

This specialized acoustic engineering software is designed for:

• Acoustical Consultants & Building Acousticians predicting sound insulation performance in buildings.

• Architects & Building Designers specifying wall, floor, and glazing assemblies for noise control.

• Construction Engineers & Project Managers verifying acoustic compliance with building regulations.

• HVAC & MEP Engineers assessing mechanical system noise transmission through building elements.

• Product Manufacturers developing and certifying acoustic performance of building materials.

⚡ Key Features & Capabilities

📊 Comprehensive Sound Insulation Prediction

Airborne Sound Insulation:

• Walls & Partitions: Single-leaf, double-leaf, and multilayer constructions with stud frames, resilient channels, and cavity insulation.

• Floors & Ceilings: Timber joist, concrete slab, and composite floor systems with ceiling linings and floating floor treatments.

• Roof Systems: Pitched and flat roof constructions with various cladding and insulation layers.

• Glazing & Windows: Single, double, and triple glazing with variable pane thickness, cavity width, and gas fills.

Impact & Rain Noise:

• Impact Sound: Prediction of impact sound transmission through floors (IIC, LnTw) for various floor coverings and base constructions.

• Rain Noise: Assessment of rain-induced noise on lightweight and heavyweight roof systems.

🎯 Weighted Rating Calculations

• Airborne Ratings: STC (ASTM E413), Rw (ISO 717-1), and other national variants.

• Impact Ratings: IIC (ASTM E989), LnTw (ISO 717-2).

• Spectrum Adaptation Terms: C and Ctr for comprehensive acoustic assessment.

• Regulatory Compliance: Direct comparison with building code requirements.

🧱 Extensive Material & Construction Database

• Structural Materials: Concrete, masonry, timber, steel, gypsum board, plywood, OSB, glass.

• Insulation Materials: Mineral wool, glass fiber, foam, acoustic blankets.

• Floor Coverings: Carpet, underlay, floating floors, timber, tile, vinyl.

• Frame Types: Timber studs, steel studs, resilient channels, hat channels.

• Glazing Options: Single, double, triple, laminated, and gas-filled units.

• NEW in 10.0.7: CLT base floors, AMC floor covers/frames, CDM Stravitec floor covers/frames.

🔧 Advanced Analysis Features

• Composite TL Calculator: Predicts performance of mixed construction elements (e.g., wall with window) with wave-based glazing enabled.

• Outdoor-Indoor Calculator: Transmission analysis from exterior noise sources through building envelope.

• Porous Facing Support: Re-enabled for single-layer models to account for absorptive surface treatments.

• User-Defined Materials: Extend the database with custom material properties.

• Graphical Output: 1/3 octave band plots, comparison overlays, and detailed numerical reports.

📋 Reporting & Documentation

• Professional Reports: Generate comprehensive acoustic reports for client submissions and regulatory approval.

• Data Export: Export results to Excel, text files, or image formats.

• Project Management: Save and organize multiple construction scenarios within project files.

• Save/Load Options: NEW in 10.0.7—enhanced user controls for file management (Save/Save As).

🆕 What’s New in Version 10.0.7

• Refined Calculation Algorithms – Improved accuracy for systems with narrow cavity depths

• Python Library Independence – Removed external Python dependencies; fully self-contained application

• Composite TL Calculator Enhancement – Wave-based glazing analysis now enabled

• Outdoor-Indoor Calculator Update – Wave-based glazing support extended to exterior noise analysis

• New CLT Floor Type – Dedicated base floor modeling for cross-laminated timber construction

• AMC Floor Covers & Frames – New manufacturer-specific acoustic flooring components

• CDM Stravitec Floor Covers & Frames – Expanded library of resilient mounting systems

• Porous Facing Re-enabled – Single-model porous absorber support restored

• User File Management – Enhanced Save/Save As functionality for project organization

• Performance Optimizations – Faster calculation times for complex multilayer assemblies

💻 System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

• Display: Screen resolution of 1366 x 768 or greater is recommended.