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Thermal and Sound Benefits of Prestressed Hollowcore Plank

May 27, 2025

Construction professionals choose hollowcore for residential, commercial, and municipal projects due to its high load-bearing capacity, energy efficiency, and high-quality sound insulation. With its ability to effectively regulate temperature and minimize noise transfer between spaces, hollowcore not only enhances the comfort of building occupants but also contributes to more sustainable and energy-efficient building designs.

Sound Insulation

Whether in a bustling city filled with constant noise or a smaller town where sounds carry more easily, sound insulation is essential to the well-being of our communities. Hollowcore planks allow for high levels of acoustic and vibration dampening. Rather than reflecting noise, concrete absorbs it. Buildings constructed with hollowcore planks are less likely to admit noise than structures built with alternative materials, such as steel or wood.

Hollowcore’s sound-proof qualities are ideal for:

  • Apartment Buildings/Condos: Hollowcore planks improve acoustic privacy between units.

  • Schools and Universities: Hollowcore can improve energy efficiency and create quieter learning environments.

  • Parking Structures: Hollowcore podiums act as effective sound barriers between parking areas and residential or occupied spaces above.

Thermal Benefits

By moderating temperature swings, hollowcore can reduce peak heating and cooling demands, leading to significant energy savings over the service life of a building. The high thermal mass of concrete allows it to absorb, store, and release heat, helping regulate indoor temperatures. The even distribution of heat in buildings with high thermal mass leads to fewer hot or cold spots, improving overall comfort for occupants.