Soundproofing is a specialty that revolves around the effective control of unwanted noise, with various soundproofing materials used to mitigate the effects of noise.
Anything from people who want a quieter home from the noisy neighbors next door, to businesses that need to reduce the impact of their noise on their surroundings,
Acoustic insulation comes with a long list of causes and solutions.
In fact, there are countless soundproofing materials that can be chosen from to be applied to different uses.
Some are more convenient or effective than others, which depends greatly on the type of noise produced, the source of the noise, the structure of the building, the construction of the wall, and many other key factors.
To understand soundproofing materials and how they perform, it is important to note that sound is a form of energy.
Sound travels from a source, and over the distance it travels it causes vibrations when it hits the air and any objects in its path.
These sound waves then reach the recipient’s ears and activate the brain.
Sound insulating materials reduce the sound pressure produced from the source to the receiver.
Types of soundproofing materials
There is an extensive list of soundproofing materials that you can choose from, for different applications.
Each of these materials has different scenarios for best use, and they work by means of one or more isolation principles.
Let’s go over it in more detail to highlight key aspects of the material and how and when to best use it:
Acoustic insulation membrane
There are quite a few “acoustic membranes” on the market, some better than others.
The most advanced membrane in this category is the unique Acoustiblok Isolation membrane which is the thinnest, highest performing material available, millimeter by millimeter.
It is considerably lighter and allows for a higher thermal energy conversion from acoustic energy to thermal energy that is less problematic and transmitted through itself.
Available in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses, this material is commonly installed inside walls, ceilings and floors to mitigate the sound and impact of air.
Remarkably, it helps block sound transmission more effectively than lead paper and is ideal for sound insulation.
It is polymer based and therefore very flexible, adaptable and easy to install.
It provides effective sound insulation without, for example, increasing the thickness of the walls or ceiling, or overloading it.
Some other materials are known as Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) which is a rubber compound impregnated to increase mass and density, these are much heavier materials and rely more heavily on the deflection principle.
Open cell cavity isolation
This material is usually fixed into the cavities, and tends to be made of Rockwool, Stonewool, Mineral Wool or QuietFibreglass is an example of Rockwool.
They are designed to fit snugly between wall studs, ceilings and floors and use the principle of sound absorption.
By doing so, they would effectively populate the airspace normally found in these areas, and thus the transmission of sounds would be greatly impeded or reduced by their presence.
chapter products
Based on the principle of separation of materials through which sound is transmitted.
Flexible Ducts – There are various types from simple wood beams to aluminum metal rods that are specifically designed for soundproofing once installed through wall studs or ceiling joists.
Acoustic Hangers – These are insulation mounts that are mechanically fastened to the main structure and act as a gasket between the structure and the flexible duct/cross beam.
Acoustic floors
This material is used to separate the main floor surface from the subfloor, thus reducing noise transmission.
Common materials for acoustic floors include Acoustiblok, rubber-bottomed crumb, cork, and felt to name a few.
Soundproof windows
Specialized types of soundproof windows use the principle of separation to reduce sound,
which enters or exits the room in which they are installed.
These windows usually have thick panes of glass and a layer of air trapped between each layer.
Soundproof doors
This is another type of architectural sound insulation solution.
Soundproof doors are designed just like soundproof windows to use the principle
of increasing depth and mass as well as separation to reduce sound transmission.
acoustic panels
These panels are another type of sound absorbing panels,
commonly referred to as AcoustiCloud and AcoustiWall Absorber panels
and are almost always installed on or near the surface of ceilings and walls.
Again, these are used more to control the internal acoustics for balance and calibration.
They are reasonably effective when properly applied and cover sufficient volume
and surface area as well as being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Acoustic panels are a decorative alternative to acoustic foam and come in a range of colors,
shapes, and designs.
Acoustic fabrics
Commonly used for stage curtains, blackout curtains and studio blankets,
acoustic drapes are a very thick type of fabric and are effective when i
t comes to dealing with acoustics in large rooms or halls.
They are also used as wall lining to increase acoustic balance inside rooms such as movie theatres.
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