The Differences Between Delta Llin vs. Delta Lw
When purchasing a (under)floor, you often see the terms Δ (delta) Lw and Δ (delta) Llin on the packaging or datasheet. But what exactly is the difference between these two terms?
Delta Llin and Delta Lw are two ways to measure how well a floor and underlay reduce noise. They assess different types of sounds:
- Delta Llin focuses on low-frequency sounds, such as heavy footsteps. This is the most commonly used measurement in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
- Delta Lw measures mid-to-high-frequency sounds, such as voices and music. This measurement is more frequently used in countries like Germany and Italy.
The Differences
Type of sound
Measures how well the floor blocks low-frequency sounds Measures how well the floor blocks mid-to-high-frequency sounds
Values
The Delta Lw value is usually higher than the Delta Llin value for the same floor In the Netherlands, apartment floors must (usually) meet a minimum Delta Llin of 10 dB
Testing methods
Both values come from the same measurement following specific standards The test compares the difference between a bare floor and a floor with underlay and finishing
Conclusion
In short, Delta Llin indicates how well a floor reduces low-frequency noises, such as footsteps, while Delta Lw shows how well it blocks higher-frequency sounds, like voices.
How Do We Test Our Underlays for Noise Reduction?
At Estillon, we prioritize ensuring that our underlays meet the 10 dB noise reduction standard. That’s why we regularly have our underlays tested by Peutz, a leading acoustic testing institute. In this video, we show how we collaborate with the institute to conduct these tests.
Discover what ΔLw and ΔLlin mean for your (under)floor and choose the right underlay for optimal living comfort! Read on to learn more.
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