Seals are used at the top and bottom of the panels to ensure an acoustic fit with the overhead track and the floor. Seal combinations that can be used are depicted below.
seals and sound ratings
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Testing done at RMIT, one of Australia's leading laboratories, to Australian Standard AS/NZS ISO 717.1-2004 has found that sweep seals do not compromise acoustic performance. All tests up to RW53 have been done using sweep seals at the top and bottom of the panels, demonstrating that it is not necessary to adopt retractable seals to achieve all but the highest sound rating required. |
The main purpose of retractable seals is for ease of use with certain layouts, site conditions and panel weights. Be sure to consult Lotus for the best seal combination to meet your acoustic performance requirements and budget. |
sweep seals fitting the job
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Top seals are set at a fixed 30mm. Seals are 2 x triple fingers for excellent acoustics. If the floor level varies, Lotus bevels each panel so its shape precisely matches its set up location. |
Sweep seals accommodate +/–5mm floor level variation, often more, particularly if the floor slopes downwards towards the stacking end. |
sweep versus retractable seals
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Retractable bottom seals' main benefits are ease of movement, the ability to cope with more out of level floors and overhead beam deflections. |
"I don't think I know of an operable wall manufacturer with as much knowledge of acoustics and the performance of its products as Lotus"
Graeme Harding Fellow of the AustralianAcoustical Society