Soundproofing Myths – Do's & Don'ts for DIY Soundproofing

As a service to those doing their own DIY soundproofing, we&#;ve prepared this list of Do&#;s & Don&#;ts.  We won&#;t explore every aspect of doing a good soundproofing job, but rather suggesting to avoid certain materials and processes that can save you tons of time and money.  Don&#;t waste time and money on ineffectiveness!  If you have lots of time and wish to experiment with different techniques and unknown materials, please do so!  (and let us know how it comes out!).  Many people have made the errors mentioned here and some have been kind enough to pass them on to us for inclusion.  Please feel free to contribute!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

1. DO &#; Get Help!

If you have anything but a simple problem and the solution isn&#;t obvious, get help!  No need to figure this out all by yourself, it&#;s too easy to make expensive mistakes. There are many experts doing work in this field. Most provinces require them to be licensed. You can find help online by Googling &#;Acoustics&#; or check with your local building code department or provincial contractors license board. At least read everything on our website, including the other blogs we have written or even the product data sheets we have listed on each product page. Unless you have time and money to waste, DON&#;T experiment!! We are more than happy to help you- so give us a call!

2. DON&#;T &#; Think that Soundproofing & Sound Absorption are the same!

Soundproofing and sound absorption are two different things so don&#;t be tricked into thinking that devices meant to absorb sound will give you the same results as soundproofing. Both sound absorption solutions and soundproofing solutions have benefits but they achieve a different result.

Sound absorption uses sound dampening techniques and materials to improve the sound in a room. This is often used in rooms that need good acoustics, such as a recording studio or theatre, or in rooms that are large and echoing to better improve sound and music transfer through the area.

Soundproofing on the other hand, is used to isolate or block sound inside a room &#; or to keep sound out of a room. This option is often used in multi-family homes, basement suites or business situations where confidentiality or a quiet, calm work environment are desired.

3. DO &#; Understand that there are multiple options with varying degrees of success when soundproofing

If you think that soundproofing a wall, ceiling or floor only has one option, you are WRONG! There are numerous ways to soundproof a wall, as an example, just realize that each will give you different results. If you are wanting to soundproof a wall, without doing a minor &#;renovation&#; to it, you can use 2 different products to accomplish this. The most inexpensive would be to add a second layer of drywall (5/8&#; is recommended always) with Green Glue Soundproofing Compound in between the second layer and the first layer that is already painted and on your wall. It is recommended that you use 2 tubes of Green Glue Compound on the back of each 4&#; x 8&#; sheet of drywall. Just remember to leave a 1/4&#; gap around the perimeter of the drywall to allow for decoupling it from the ceiling, floor and adjacent wall(s). Why would you leave a 1/4&#; gap around the perimeter of the drywall? Won&#;t sounds just hit the wall and &#;flank&#; through those gaps?? You are correct if that is what you are thinking! But what you do to deal with that 1/4&#; gap is you use the Green Glue Soundproofing Sealant to &#;seal&#; that gap and further decouple the wall from its surroundings. Doing this treatment of soundproofing will save you tons of money by not having to demolish the current drywall and purchase 2 new layers of drywall for said wall. However this treatment will only get you minimal results; it should only decrease the sound transfer between the wall by 9-10 decibels.

Treatment #2 is very similar as the treatment #1, except instead of using Green Glue between the second layer of drywall, you can use Mass Loaded Vinyl. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) comes in 1 or 2 pounds/sq.ft. and also comes with different results (and pricing), so feel free to give us a call or read more about the differences on the product data sheet supplied on the MLV product page. Just like with treatment #1, you will put the MLV between a second layer of drywall, this time by attaching it to the existing layer of drywall with a compound or glue. You will want to again leave a 1/4&#; gap around the perimeter of the drywall to allow for decoupling it from the ceiling, floor and adjacent wall(s) and use the Green Glue Sealant to fill in the gaps. This treatment gets much better results, while still saving you the time and money of not demolishing your existing wall. While MLV is more expensive than Green Glue, you should see a 20-25 decibel reduction in sound transfer between the walls.

The 3rd and final treatment for soundproofing an existing wall, would require demolition of that wall down to the studs (wood or metal). Then you will want to assess your current insulation that is in this wall, Hush City Soundproofing always recommends using Rockwool Safe&#;n&#;Sound insulation (formerly known as Roxul). Once this is completed you need to decide if you want to add treatment #1 or 2 to this treatment (Green Glue or MLV). If you decide to go with MLV, it is best to install the MLV directly onto the studs first. If you decide to go the Green Glue route, it goes between the 2 layers of drywall. Once this is decided you will want to purchase and install our Resilmount A237R Sound Isolation Clips and install them according to the install instructions provided (basic rule of thumb is 1 clip every 4-5 sq.ft.). Then you will need to install 7/8&#; hat track (aka resilient channel or sound bar) onto the clips. Then you will install your first layer of drywall, always leaving that 1/4&#; gap for Green Glue Sealant. Then the second layer of drywall goes on top of that (possibly with Green Glue between), and ensuring that you stagger the seams of the drywall to seal off any gaps through the first layer of drywall (first layer of drywall doesn&#;t get taped or painted). Then once you have sealed off your second layer of drywall with Green Glue Sealant, tape, mud and paint your wall and you are done! This treatment is the most expensive to complete, however it obviously gets the best results. This treatment should get you a 30-50 decibel reduction in sound transfer, depending on if you use MLV or Green Glue, as well as depending on the wall assembly itself (wood studs vs metal studs, 2×4&#; studs vs 2×6 studs ect..).

4. DON&#;T &#; Use any of these products for soundproofing&#;EVER!

How wonderful would it be if effective soundproofing came in the form of a paint!!?? It would be a true dream product, easily solving many noise problems. But alas, such a product is (for now, at least) just a dream.

The idea of soundproofing paint is not the only &#;myth&#; you might encounter with regards to products. Whenever a student, hobbyist, or aspiring musician asks for ideas about cheap ways to soundproof a room, someone will suggest egg cartons &#; you can count on it! Others will swear by mattresses, thick curtains, foam panels, or carpet on the walls. While some of these might indeed be cheap, they will do next to nothing to block noise. When you&#;re planning a soundproofing project, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort if you know the things that WON&#;T work. Here is a full list of products that DON&#;T work for soundproofing, so don&#;t waste time or money on them:

Soundproof Paint

Soundproof paint promises to deaden sound, however at 30 to 40 thousandths of an inch thick, it&#;s ability to do so is very low because the paint is so thin. Soundproof paint promises to absorb mod-range sound waves, offering an inexpensive way to soundproof your room. However, it&#;s thinness and lack of absorbing anything on the lower or higher end of the sound spectrum makes it an ineffective choice. Further, this paint comes in only a few colours and is relatively expensive for a material that offers little sound reduction.

Soundproof Wallpaper

Soundproof wallpaper is another &#;thin&#; layer that promises to provide soundproofing without living up to potential. Typically, this wallpaper is made from an aesthetic wallpaper backed with foam or some other sound deadening material.  While this can reduce general noise from room to room in a home, it does not soundproof the room and, again, often fails to block sounds in the high and low frequency ranges like high pitched music or traffic sounds. Soundproof wallpaper is simply not designed for actual soundproofing in a professional office or even a very noisy home. We suggest Mass Loaded Vinyl, it looks like black wallpaper, but it actually works!

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray Foam insulation is designed to insulate a home or office from heat and cold &#; not provide soundproofing.  While any building insulation will provide a little sound reduction from outside noises, cellulose insulation is no more a soundproofing element than shingles or siding. Further, this option is costly to install and involves actually drilling holes in the walls to blow insulation inside &#; an expensive and messy option for something that doesn&#;t work to block sound! We have had numerous spray foam insulation companies in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver & Winnipeg contact us to let us know that they know there product doesn&#;t work for soundproofing, and that they would like to either order products from Hush City or they want to refer customers to us when they call these Spray Foam Insulation companies for soundproofing. These Spray Foam companies still (and probably always will) continue to advertise and market there products for &#;soundproofing&#; so buyers BEWARE!!

Egg Cartons

These foam layers are often used in cardboard packaging or seen as mattress covers. They do not, however, provide soundproofing.  This low density foam does little to absorb sound, even in the mid-range.  The porous material simply lets sound move through it &#; a benefit in packing where crushing pressure is cushioned by the space in the material. This feature, however, is a detriment to soundproofing. Don&#;t be fooled that the ridges and valleys in egg crates look similar to acoustic and soundproofing tiles. This highly flammable material can even be dangerous so avoid it for your soundproofing project at all costs!

Foam Rubber

The material used on your mouse pad or yoga mat doesn&#;t work to soundproof your room either. Soundproofing materials work only in part because of their composition and in part because of their design elements, designed to disrupt and absorb sound waves. Sticking up yoga mats to the wall/floor (no matter the colour) will do nothing to soundproof your room.  Further, the expense of lining a room in foam rubber could easily yield effective soundproofing solutions that would work much more effectively.

Curtains, Carpet or Mattresses

These solutions are sneaky as soft surfaces disrupt the flow of sound waves in a room, thereby tricking your ears into thinking that the room is quieter. Curtains and carpeting have a similar affect &#; which is why an empty room seems more echoy and louder than one with furniture and decor.  Carpet and mattresses on the walls, however, do nothing to block incoming or outgoing sound to soundproof a room. Further, they are aesthetically displeasing and would make a poor choice for home decor or an office building that needs a professional atmosphere.

Dark coloured walls

Colour only affects the eye, not the ear. While the dark colours in your room may look cozy, they do not actually affect the soundproofing of the room in any way. Dark colours fool the eye into thinking a room is smaller, quieter, and more intimate. Visual appearance, however, does not affect the movement of sound in a room. Paint your room whatever colour you want but it simply won&#;t affect the sound quality or soundproofing of the room at all.

Many of these &#;simple tricks&#; for soundproofing are straight out myths. Additionally, by the time you purchase and implement many of these solutions, you could afford to have purchased and installed actual soundproofing equipment for your space. If you don&#;t know what to do to properly soundproof your space, just call the experts at Hush City Soundproofing. It is usually best to have an in home (or office) consultation performed by a trained expert, as they can identify any and all areas that may become a problem. Hush City has soundproofing solutions for nearly every possible scenario. So whether you need to soundproof a wall or ceiling, a floor, a window, a door, a pipe or duct, mechanical equipment to isolate the vibration from or you just need products to improve interior acoustics; Hush City Soundproofing has it all, so give us a call today!

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1st March

Soundproofing is a specialism that revolves around effectively controlling unwanted noise, with various soundproofing materials used to mitigate the effects of noise.

Anything from people who want a quieter home and tranquility from noisy next door neighbours, to businesses who need to reduce the noise impact that they make on surrounding areas, soundproofing comes with a long list of causes and solutions.

In fact, there are a myriad of soundproofing materials that one can choose from to apply to different uses.

Some are more suitable or effective than others, which greatly depends on the type of noise created, the source of the noise, the structure of the building, wall construction, and various other key factors.

To understand soundproofing materials and how they perform, it is important to mention that sound is a form of energy.

Sound travels from a source, and during the distance that it travels it causes vibrations whenever it hits air and any objects in its path.

These sound waves then reach the recipient&#;s ears and stimulate the brain.

Soundproofing materials work to reduce the sound pressure created from the source to the receptor.

In this in-depth article, we&#;ll explore the 30 best known soundproofing materials in more detail, how they perform and where they are best used.

Soundproofing vs Sound Absorption

Before exploring soundproofing materials, it is advised to firstly understand the key differences between sound absorption and soundproofing.

It&#;s a common misconception to think that sound absorption is the same as soundproofing.

In reality they are not one and the same.

Sound absorption is in actual fact one element of sound proofing and is used in two ways:

Firstly, as part of a soundproofing system, as a material which is invariably added within a structure such as between the voids created in a stud wall, which can reverberate sound, adding sound absorption can prevent this.

Secondly, when sound absorbing materials are added to the surface of a wall or ceiling, it absorbs sound waves and reduces resonance and regeneration of the sound back into the room.

In doing so, improves the acoustics of a room which is called acoustic calibration.

For example, a noisy restaurant with hard surfaces typical of industrial influenced design of today&#;s trendy eateries, can result in a cacophony of sound from clattering cutlery and chattering diners.

This noise can be softened with panels of sound absorbing materials which equalize and balance the internal acoustics of a room which is acoustic calibration.

Hopefully this explanation is reasonably clear, but in a nutshell, sound &#;absorbing&#; materials reduce the resonance and reverberation of sound waves within a space or room.

Sound &#;proofing&#; materials prevent sound waves from passing in or out of the room.

Key Principles of Soundproofing

Soundproofing is acoustic isolation &#; the prevention of sound waves passing in or out of a room.

In order to understand soundproofing or acoustic isolation, it is best to start by highlighting the key principles, namely:

Deflection

Deflection of sound is achieved by adding mass and density to any structure such as a wall, floor or ceiling.

All solid materials which have a thick consistency and are dense or somewhat heavy, can help to block sound.

By adding mass and dense materials between the source of the sound and the receiving point will offer additional bulk that the sound wave will have to pass through and in doing so will reduce its energy.

Increased mass and density of a wall &#;s construction can be achieved with concrete for example, or dense finishing boards such as ply, OSB, drywall or plasterboard.

Deflection with mass and density proves more effective with airborne sounds such as voices or music, and not so effective with impact noise such as foot fall, which is usually associated with stronger power, pressure and therefore vibration.

As sound waves strike the mass and dense materials, vibration will occur and in doing so will pass the energy from one side to the other through the materials&#; own rigidity.

This is the principle of flanking transmission noise &#; a common problem with all structural scenarios.

Absorption

Open cell woven types of material such as QuietFibre Stone Wool Cavity Insulation, which provides a soaking up or absorption of the acoustic energy entering it.

These are available in differing thicknesses and densities for an increasing effect and are usually installed in open cavities where the depth of material can be tolerated.

Not only do these types of absorptive materials offer absorption, but it is also important to know that by filling a cavity they can also prevent the potential of additional resonance, reverberation or amplification of sound waves that could be created if the cavity were to be left completely empty.

Decoupling

The principle of decoupling is to reduce the area of direct mechanical linkage between the substrate or structure, say for example of a wall, and the finishing materials.

This process is a way of interrupting sound vibrations or flanking transmissions that travel through the structures&#; own connectivity or rigidity from one side to the other.

This may well be by a complete decoupling of an internal structure such as what is commonly called a &#;room within a room&#; or a &#;cell within a cell&#; or may simply be a decoupling by counter battening or resilient channels.

A good example is the use of acoustic brackets, acoustic hangers or resilient channels, which will help to decouple drywall from the rest of the building&#;s structure.

As a result, the strength of the acoustic vibrations are reduced, thus slowing their potential passage through the wall.

Decoupling is best done during the construction phase of a building.

Thermal Conversion

Acoustiblok Isolation Membrane is a material which works by converting sound energy into trace heat energy.

When sound waves come into contact with the membrane, it vibrates the molecules of the materials which in turn creates friction which is cleverly converted to a trace heat energy.

Thus the material works by converting a more problematic acoustic energy into a less problematic heat energy which is simply transferred through the material sideways to reduce flanking transmissions.

In any serious or advanced strategy to isolate sound, this is an absolute must to work in tandem with the other principles.

At only 3mm thick, the depth of the material is hardly noticeable in the grand scheme of things, but the benefits to uplift acoustic performance are immense.

The material has an optimum balance of mass and flexibility, however it does not rely only on its mass for acoustic performance, making it a unique and standalone sound proofing material.

Constrained Layer Damping

Constrained layer damping is a principle of using specific materials in particular ratios to reduce the natural resonant frequencies of the structure, thus reducing the resulting flanking transmissions through from one side of the structure to the other.

Damping compounds are effective when applied between two rigid panels, such as drywall or plasterboard for example.

As a result, when the sound hits it, shearing forces between the panels creates friction in the damping layer and the sound ceases as it is converted to heat, in essence thermal conversion occurs.

This solution is ideal for low-frequency noises.

Key Takeaway

These essential principles of soundproofing outlined above work independently of each other, but can also complement one another.

Often, combining different methods by using two, three, four or more of these principles offers the best results.

Types of Soundproofing Materials

There&#;s an extensive list of soundproofing materials that you can choose from, for various applications.

Each of these materials has different best use scenarios, and they work by means of one or more of the soundproofing principles outlined above.

Let&#;s go over them in more detail to highlight key aspects of the material and how and when they are best used:

Acoustic Isolation Membrane

There are quite a few &#;acoustic membranes&#; on the marketplace, with some being better than others.

The most advanced membrane in this category is the unique Acoustiblok Isolation Membrane which is the thinnest and highest performing material available, mm for mm.

It is considerably lighter and enables a higher thermal conversion of energy from an acoustic energy into a less problematic heat energy and transfer through itself.

This material which is available in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses, is commonly installed within walls, ceilings and floors to mitigate airborne and impact sound.

Remarkably, it helps to block sound transfer more effectively than a sheet of lead and is ideal for sound insulation.

It is polymer-based and thus very flexible, adaptable and easy to install.

It offers effective acoustic insulation without increasing the thickness of walls or ceiling, or loading with excessive weight for example.

Some other materials are known as Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) which are simply a rubber compound impregnated to increase mass and density. These are much heavier materials and rely heavily on a deflective principle.

Open Cell Cavity Insulation

This material is typically installed into cavities, and tends to be made from rock wool,stone wool, mineral wool or fibreglass. QuietFibre is an example of a stone wool.

They are designed to fit snugly between wall studs, ceilings and floors and uses the principle of sound absorption.

By doing so they will effectively pack out the airspace usually found in these areas, and so the transmission of sounds are impeded or considerably reduced by their presence.

Decoupling Products

Based on the principle of decoupling materials through which sound is transmitted.

• Resilient Channels &#; there are varying types from simple timber battens to aluminium metal rails that are specially designed to lay over soundproofing insulation once they are mounted across wall studs or ceiling joists.
• Acoustic Hangers &#; which are isolation mounts which mechanically fix to the main structure and act as a gasket between the structure and the resilient channel / cross batten.

Acoustic Flooring

The principle of decoupling comes into play here.

This material is used to decouple the main floor surface from the subfloor, and thus reduce noise transmission.

Common materials for acoustic flooring include Acoustiblok, rubber based crumb, cork and felt for example.

Soundproof Windows

Specialist types of soundproof windows use the principle of decoupling to reduce the sound that enters or leaves a room where installed.
These windows typically have thick glass panes and a layer of air trapped in between each layer.

Soundproof Doors

This is another type of architectural soundproofing solution.

Much like soundproof windows, soundproof doors are designed to use the principle of increased depth and mass as well as decoupling to reduce sound transmission.

Acoustic Panels

These panels are another type of sound absorption board, commonly referred to as AcoustiCloud Panels and AcoustiWall Absorber Panels and are installed invariably on the surface or near the surface of ceilings and walls.

Again these are used more so for controlling internal acoustics to equalise and calibrate.

They are reasonably effective when positioned correctly and cover sufficient volume and surface area as well as being aesthetically pleasing on the eye.

Acoustic panels are seen as a decorative alternative to acoustic foam and come in a range of colours, shapes and designs.

Acoustic Fabrics

Typically used for theatre curtains, blackout curtains and studio blankets, acoustic fabrics are a very thick type of fabric which are effective when it comes to dealing with acoustics in large rooms or halls.

They are also used as a wall lining to increase acoustic equalisation within rooms such as cinemas.

Acoustic Foam

Acoustic foam, also commonly known as Studio Foam, is wall mounted foam panels that can be flat, chamfered, convoluted, wedged or have pyramidal shapes protruding from them.

They mostly help to improve audio quality in studios and music rooms.

Acoustic foam works on the principle of sound absorption and re-calibration of internal acoustics, and so they are not as effective as other materials when it comes to blocking sound.

They should make a noticeable difference to internal acoustics and the audible values, but if you are looking for a sound blocking solution, there are far better materials you should consider.

It&#;s important to note that the thickness and densities of these foams vary, which in conjunction with correct positioning, plays a significant part in their effectiveness and performance.

You should also take into account the type and amount of surface area to be covered.

30 Best Soundproofing Materials

Soundproofing materials come in all forms and kinds, as we have already outlined.

However, it is important to be aware of how and where they should be applied for best results.

Needless to say, it&#;s also important to consider the quality of the particular soundproofing material you intend to use to achieve the very best possible results.

Here&#;s a rundown of the 30 best soundproofing materials available on the marketplace and how best to use them:

1. Acoustic Membrane

There are different types of acoustic membrane on the market, some much heavier than others and some higher performing than others.

These will be rated by different dB reduction levels across differing Hz frequencies and are available in different thicknesses.

The thicknesses and weight will affect their application and effectiveness, so it&#;s important to choose well.

• Uses: ideal as a sound insulation membrane as it works well when it comes to reducing sound transference.
• Pros: minimal depth to existing structures such as walls and ceiling, easy to install, long lasting.
• Cons: some are rather heavy with increased mass which in turn provides a contra effect. Some brands are more expensive but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

2. Acoustic Mineral Wool Cavity Insulation

Mineral, rock or stone wool insulation, such as QuietFibre, are essentially open cell insulation materials which work very well at absorbing acoustic and thermal energies.

Invariably used in cavities such as stud walls, this rather rigid material comes in different thicknesses and densities and is used in both households and commercial projects as it is quite affordable.

Not only good at acoustic and thermal energy absorption but almost as important if not more so, it is very useful for filling cavities. This prevents the cavity from being an open and resonant &#;cave&#; like hole which can lead to an amplification of acoustic energy.

Despite being quite rigid, it is easy to cut.

• Uses: to soundproof walls and ceilings, make acoustic panels and bass traps, and as soundproofing insulation in various places, from residential to commercial spaces.
• Pros: affordable, natural material, fire and moisture resistant.
• Cons: need a lot of depth of the material to be effective by itself. Protective breathing gear must be worn as cutting causes slivers which lodge in the skin, or may be inhaled and irritate the lungs.

3. Fibreglass

Soundproof fibreglass comes in boards / slabs rather than rolls and can be used in various places and applications including to make acoustic panels in home studios, theatres and commercial buildings.

This soundproofing material is very effective in diminishing noise that enters or leaves a room, and also improves internal acoustics.

There are different types which you can choose from with differing thicknesses, densities and strengths.

For example 703 boards are best for reducing high frequency noises whilst 705 boards are more suited to low frequency bass noises.

• Uses: in recording studios, home cinemas, theatres and anywhere where soundproofing is needed, extremely versatile.
• Pros: suitable for various frequency ranges, come in different thicknesses, easy to cut.
• Cons: known to be an irritant so protective gear must be worn when handling.

4. Resilient Channels

Link to teao

Resilient sound channels are the main way of decoupling drywall from internal structures of buildings.

This system can also be installed with acoustic hangers or gaskets which further reduce the vibration.

Resilient sound channels are strips of metal or timber that are installed to the walls so that the soundproof insulation within the walls can be kept firmly in place, whilst providing a platform onto which all finishing systems can be attached.

This eliminates the direct contact that there would otherwise be through the layers of structure &#; walls, ceiling, floors.

Screws can pass through several holes or gaps found in these channels to ensure easier screwing, making them easy to install.

Any sounds that pass through will basically keep vibrating against the resilient sound channels, and so they are isolated from the room.

• Uses: generally used during construction as they help to achieve very good soundproofing in a building due to decoupling principles.
• Pros: relatively easy to install, come with practical gaps/holes
• Cons: low cost, will take considerable time to install if there&#;s a large surface area to cover.

5. Acoustic Hangers (Mounts)

Sound isolation clips are designed to allow a decoupling separation between the walls and ceiling from the underlying framing studs and joists.

These moulded rubber and steel isolation clips are used to control sound and are designed to reduce vibration through a structure.

• Uses: in wall, ceiling and floor applications for treating both airborne and impact noise.

6. Soundproof Drywall (Plasterboard)

Apart from the common varieties of drywall which can be purchased at most DIY stores, there is also a more specialised form of drywall, namely soundproof drywall.

This comes in different thicknesses, and promotes having an increased sound transmission class than the other types of common drywall used in everyday construction, due to its increased density and mass.

Soundproof drywall typically combines several layers of gypsum boards, along with steel, with the main aim being to increase its density and mass so as to block sound effectively.

Having said that, any type of drywall can work well for soundproofing as long as decoupling is at the back of one&#;s mind.

To achieve good results in terms of soundproofing, it is important to choose thick drywall in conjunction with some other soundproofing methods, such as Acoustiblok 3mm Isolation Membrane, sealants, tapes and caulks for example.

• Uses: can be used in any building or room
• Pros: quite effective
• Cons: increased weight over effect, expensive option, requires professional installation

7. Dense Board (OSB, Plywood, Particle Board, Fire Board)

OSB or Oriented Strand Board is a versatile and durable building board.

An alternative, plywood can be used as the construction is similar with multiple layers of opposing-oriented wood fibres that creates rigidity and strength with increased mass and density.

8. Soundproof Floor Underlay

Floor underlayments are a great way to reduce sound transmission that naturally occurs between engineered floors and hardwoods.

There are different kinds of soundproof floor underlayment but felt underlayment is among the most popular options for floors of various kinds, including laminate floors, hardwood and engineered wood.

They are typically made from fibres which are compressed and treated with heat, so as to form a dense sound absorbing material.

A great example of this is Acoustiblok AcoustiWool Acoustic Underlay, which comes available in rolls and works best if installed in conjunction with Acoustiblok Isolation Membranes.

• Uses: ideal for most kinds of wood or engineered floors in both residential and commercial premises.
• Pros: quite affordable, easy to install, hardwearing and effective at absorbing sound as well as moisture.
• Cons: simply an acoustic underlay and will only offer a moderate level of acoustic performance.

9. Anti-Vibration Soundproof Floor Mats

Soundproof floor mats are another interesting option to arrest impact sound and vibration leading to structural airborne noise.

It is a known fact that certain appliances and machines create a lot of vibration and noise.

Anti-vibration soundproof mats help to kill annoying humming sounds and vibrations.

These types of mats are effective at reducing noise, and since they eliminate vibration they are also ideal for installation beneath and inside machinery and appliances, as well as to soundproof cars.

They can also offer a level of acoustic absorption on a surface or within a room to help reduce unwanted regeneration/resonance and enhance high-end audio performance.

• Uses: beneath or behind appliances or machines, to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations.
• Pros: simple and effective soundproofing solution when the source of the noise is from machines or appliances.
• Cons: ideally used in conjunction with other soundproofing methods for best results.

10. Acoustic Sealants

Acoustiblok Acoustical Sound Sealant is one of a number of well-known brands on the marketplace that is most renowned as a reliable soundproofing compound which works on the principle of decoupling..

It comes in dispensing tubes like sealant products, and so is very easy to apply.

This product is meant to be used as a sound dampening method that maintains Sound Transmission Class (STC) in applications where required, yet remains permanently flexible.

It is mostly used during the construction of walls that require soundproofing as it can be applied directly between layers of differing materials, Acoustiblok Isolation Membrane, drywall or plasterboard.

It works to dissipate sound vibrations that would otherwise manage to pass through walls.

Essentially this is a form of sealant that reduces leakage considerably and can be used on countersinking the heads of mechanical fixings.

• Uses: used on walls and ceilings as well as any gaps or open spaces such as seams, seal holes and screw holes.
• Pros: a product that is easy to apply, affordable and quite effective, eco-friendly
• Cons: a complementary soundproofing option and will not soundproof a room in isolation

11. Acoustic Caulk

A complementary soundproofing solution which is intended to seal overlaps of materials, fill small gaps, cracks, or spaces in a room.

Sound can travel through even the smallest areas, and so it is important to seal off a room completely for the best possible results.

Acoustic caulk is a must where plasterboard or drywall is installed to reduce possible weakness but should not be relied upon to achieve acoustic levels by themselves.

Areas like corners between walls, lines where walls and ceilings meet, and doors and windows must be completely sealed.

• Uses: to fill any gaps easily to ensure best soundproofing results
• Pros: inexpensive, easy to apply
• Cons: a complementary soundproofing option and will not soundproof a room in isolation

12. Acoustic Putty

Flexible acoustic and intumescent putty is designed to maintain a building separation and wall partitions structural integrity and acoustic properties.

AcoustiPutty pads are designed to maintain the integrity and acoustic properties of flexible wall assemblies.

• Uses: suitable for most flexible wall partitions constructed from timber and steel studs with all types of finishing board. For acoustic, fire and insulation resistance.
• Pro: quick and easy to apply, fire resistant
• Cons: a complementary soundproofing material and will not soundproof a room in isolation

13. Acoustic Plaster

Like acoustic plasterboard, acoustic plaster finishes have been around for years.

Varying ingredients, compounds and systems can increase or decrease weight and flexibility to further reduce surface reflections and in doing so help with equalisation of the internal acoustics.

• Uses: shopping centres and theatres, universities, restaurants, office spaces, entrance halls, museums, libraries, dining areas as well as some very exclusive private residences.
• Pros: can further help to reduce surface reflection and resonance.
• Cons: although increased depth and weight can add to deflection of sound waves, these are invariably used for increased acoustic calibration.

14. Soundproof Spray

Soundproof or sound deadening spray is used mainly for spot treatments.

Floor mats for example, may have been installed to reduce unwanted noise yet microscopic gaps between the matt and the adjoining surface can still allow vibrations to occur.

Using a sound deadening spray will minimise those gaps and as such one would expect some improvement on overall acoustic performance, &#; the saying, &#;every little counts&#; could be applied here.

• Uses: used mostly in doors, car boots and compartments
• Pros: easy to apply, quite effective
• Cons: a complementary product only to improve soundproofing performance

15. Soundproof Paint

Soundproof paint, sometimes also referred to as sound deadening paint, is exactly what it says on the tin!

As a paint it can be applied either by means of a roller or sprayed on.

The concept is that the thicker the layer of paint, the better the result.

Spraying will naturally lead to a thicker coating and so it is generally the recommended method of application for soundproof paint.

Having said that, soundproof paint is not the most effective soundproofing method and won&#;t produce significant results.

Due to its lack of mass once applied, the resulting soundproofing effects can be mixed.

Since it contains latex, similar to rubber, it is definitely better to apply rather than regular paint where breathability of the wall is not a concern.

Latex has a tendency to settle into cracks, just like silicone caulk, so will perform better than standard water-based paints, although again is non breathable.

• Uses: applied to walls to reduce sound transmission
• Pros: simple and affordable option
• Cons: not the most effective of methods as it does not rely either on the principle of mass nor decoupling.

16. Soundproof Wallpaper

Like soundproof paint, it is highly debatable whether soundproof wallpaper can effectively soundproof a room, especially when used in isolation.

Mass is one of the main principles of soundproofing, so it is difficult to have a thickness considered adequate by using just wallpaper.

Soundproof wallpaper is generally made from closed-cell polyethylene foam.

This has very good sound absorbing properties, so soundproof wallpaper can and should act like an acoustic absorbing layer but as it is so thin the effects are minimal at best but again the saying, &#;every little counts&#; could be applied.

Since soundproof wallpaper comes in an assortment of designs, it is obviously more aesthetically pleasing that acoustic foam, and much easier and less invasive to install.

• Uses: can be used in any setting, both residential and commercial
• Pros: easy to apply, comes in rolls, works reasonably well for soundproofing purposes, aesthetically pleasing.
• Cons: actual efficacy is questionable so consider using alongside other soundproofing methods to improve results.

17. Acoustic Wall Covering

Acoustic wall covering is a sheet material made from composite fabric layers.

A flexible hybrid composite that is strong, yet highly compressible and soft at the same time.

It is installed onto the internal surface of a wall to offer great results in acoustic calibration (softening) and acoustic isolation (conversion).

• Uses: can be used in residential and commercial spaces, including engine rooms and any heavy industrial facilities where there&#;s a lot of noise
• Pros: innovative material that is flexible but durable, easy to apply, effective option
• Cons: rather expensive

18. Acoustic Glass (Soundproof Windows & Frames)

Worth mentioning that whatever approach one undertakes, it is only as effective as its weakest point.

Acoustically rated windows are specially designed windows that are ideal for soundproofing purposes.

Since these windows are constructed to include multiple layers of glass, with each being quite thick, the amount of sound that enters or leaves a room is minimal.

For improved results, such windows would incorporate air or inert gas, that is trapped in between each glazing panel to further effect movement of acoustic waves.

Soundproof windows are effective and they can even be installed right over the top of existing windows as necessary.

• Uses: ideal for those who experience a lot of external noise, such as traffic and city noise
• Pros: effective soundproofing option
• Cons: relatively expensive

19. Soundproof Doors / Frames

Once again it is worth mentioning that whatever approach one undertakes, it is only as effective as its weakest point.

Soundproof doors are of increased thickness, sturdy construction, designed to effectively block sound from entering or leaving a room.

Double door principles can also be a realistic method should the increased acoustic values and space be available to do so.

Well-fitting doors and frames with effective use of gaskets will of course be an important part to any success.

Such sound-blocking doors include rigid steel doors, solid-core doors, and other materials where mass is high, and their subsequent weight.

In such doors you will not find any openings like mail flaps or pet doors, because the emphasis on soundproofing cannot be minimised by making way for any gaps whatsoever.

Fire doors are a good example of soundproof doors.

• Uses: ideal for houses or premises which are situated on busy roads to minimise the amount of noise pollution entering the building
• Pros: effective soundproofing option, sturdy
• Cons: costly

20. Door Seals, Sweeps & Gaskets

Weatherstripping tape, door seals and sweeps are available in all sizes and are usually made from rubber and act as gaskets, similar to many draft stoppers.

These are attached to the door frame or bottom section of doors, in order to seal gaps between the door and door stop or frame, or door and the floor.

Rubber seals include hollow rubber weather-stripping tapes which compress whenever a door or window is shut, thus forming a tight seal.

Rubber sweeps tend to scrape against the floor whenever a door is open or closed and there are also sweeps which come in the form of a very dense brush.

Also a useful approach on an internal door can be to increase the size and thickness of the door stop or beading around the perimeter.

This increases the surface area of the door closing onto the door stop and can also increase the width of draft gasket that can be used.

• Uses: mainly used in door frames, to complement improved sound absorption in conjunction with other soundproofing methods.
• Pros: inexpensive, quite effective
• Cons: intended as a minor solution to soundproofing, other methods of soundproofing will need to be used for increased results.

21. Acoustic Foam

Ideal for sound absorption, acoustic foam is available in a wide range of thicknesses as well as sizes and colours.

There are many brands names that sell acoustic foam.

Some even offer this material in appealing colours as some customers look for the aesthetic appeal of this product aside from its practical value.

• Uses: to improve audio quality in a room. As a result, acoustic foam is used for this purpose as well as to reduce sound leakage. Often found in games rooms, home theatres, music rooms and recording studios.
• Pros: ideal for improving sound quality in a room, helps to reduce noise pollution, can improve the design appeal of a room or space.
• Cons: doesn&#;t perform well at preventing sound transference from room to room, some foams can be flammable

22. Sound Absorber Panels

Sound absorbers are available in many styles and types, most of which come in appealing colours.

When installed, they can also make a room or space look more visually appealing.

These types of Absorber Panel such as Acoustiblok Quiet-Cloud, AcoustiWall can be mounted to ceilings and to walls as it helps to cut down on acoustic reflections and sound reverberations.

That is why it is called sound &#;absorber&#; as it works on the principle of sound absorption.

• Uses: ideal for recording studios, cinemas, theatres, classrooms, games rooms, gymnasiums and entertainment areas.
• Pros: quite effective and affordable method if your main intention is sound absorption and improving acoustics in one room and aesthetically pleasing.
• Cons: can be expensive, needs calculating and installing correctly for maximum calibration and limited performance for sound isolation.

23. Acoustic Ceiling Systems & Tiles

Directly fitted to a ceiling or used as a structural drop ceiling to create a grid system, acoustic ceiling tiles are similar to acoustic panels to provide effective acoustic control.

Available in a wide variety of materials, sizes, depths and designs.

Acoustic ceiling tiles are an easy solution for improving the acoustical qualities of any space.

• Uses: in soundproofing ceiling spaces to create a finished ceiling with a void above in which to house services, HVAC ducting etc.
• Pros: allows a large surface area of acoustic absorption and creates a finished ceiling.
• Cons: structural framing system sometimes on wire or steel drop rods to the above structure to create a grid work for the tiles to lay which needs professional installation.

24. Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains, sometimes referred to as blackout curtains or acoustic curtains, are widely used to reduce noise passage as a temporary partition or privacy material, such as backstage at a theatre.

When hung in strategic positions the thick fabric greatly reduces the spread and movement of sound waves within an area which reduces unwanted sound from travelling from space to space.

• Uses: in theatres, nurseries, bedrooms and home theatres.
• Pros: high quality material that is long lasting, helps to block sound as well as improve acoustics in a room.
• Cons: most fabrics are costly due to their thickness and the fact they need to be made to measure.

25. Soundproof Blankets

Soundproof blankets are used in various cases where sound absorption needs to be attained and offer a low-cost alternative to relatively expensive soundproofing solutions.

In fact, soundproof blankets are probably the most practical option for someone on a tight budget who wants a temporary and moveable solution.

They are made from thick, plush fabric which is designed to absorb sound and prevent acoustic transference.

• Uses: these blankets can be hung to walls or over doors and windows.
• Pros: relatively affordable, easy to install.
• Cons: are a localised solution but certainly not as effective as full and complete coverage of an area with more advanced soundproofing methods

26. Furniture & Finishings

Unsurprisingly, furniture and other household items can play an important role in soundproofing.

In some rooms, you might experience more sound reverberation than others.

This can be a nuisance yet funnily enough, can sometimes be resolved by simply moving your furniture to better sound dampening positions.

You could also try adding lining to walls, such as tapestries or fabrics, as well as make use of sofas and large soft cushions.

If specific walls are thin, it&#;s recommended you place heavy pieces of furniture against them, such as a wardrobe or a wooden bookcase full of books to dampen the sound.

• Uses: a basic means of reducing sound reverberations or low-level noise travelling between thin walls
• Pros: quick and easy fix, inexpensive
• Cons: limited results can only be expected

27. Acoustic Fencing (External)

Acoustic fencing is essentially an acoustic barrier or noise insulator for outside spaces.

It&#;s ideal for those who want an effective solution to block external sounds and noises.

Establishing correct height and length of fence is essential to create the necessary angles of incidence for maximum effect.

Acoustic fencing can tackle noise from road traffic, trains and railway tracks, and any noise from neighbouring plots.

Some fencing solutions will be as expected, constructed from thick, dense materials to work principally on mass and density to block line of sight.

These types of fence are great where a new structure has to be built although quite time consuming and expensive due to the amount of material and labour involved in their erection.

However, where a fence structure is already in evidence but not performing quite as well as one would like, there is also a material known as AcoustiFence.

This flexible membrane is designed to attach to an existing fence structure such as a post and rail or even chain link to increase performance.

Available in rolls of material and very easy to install with minimal labour offering a further saving on cost.

The material is essentially a membrane, and it can be hung or secured in place to post and rail, to lattice or attached to a timber frame, depending on the individual case.

Installation of soundproof fencing is fairly quick, easy and effortless.

• Uses: can be installed to perimeter fences, chainlink, hoardings to block sounds entering from adjoining plots
• Pros: very effective soundproofing option in areas of high noise pollution such as busy cities, noisy neighbours, and any other exterior environment which is causing noise pollution
• Cons: Typical rigid construction, quite costly due to materials and labour.

28. Acoustic Absorber Panels (External)

As almost all regular absorber panels are compressible and work on the factor of absorption, they tend to also absorb and accumulate moisture which can create an issue when trying to use them externally.

Some materials though are hydrophobic.

An alternative to these is external acoustic absorbers which are a rigid, durable panel made from recycled glass beads with an appearance of a lightweight granite / stone.

Offering good resistance, they produce a sound absorbing, impact resistant panel solution which is not affected by liquid or moisture.

Also noncombustible, chemically inert and non-fibrous.

• Uses: external where unwanted noise reverberates from buildings although can be internal especially where an element of increased impact resistance is required.
• Pros: good impact resistance and not affected by rain, moisture.
• Cons: relatively expensive but will perform in areas where other solutions struggle.

29. Industrial Acoustic Soundproof Panels

These acoustic panels are invariably manufactured from more industrial materials such as steel and aluminium to be employed to mitigate noise sources with higher power and pressure output.

Specifically designed to withstand outdoor exposure in full sunlight, extreme weather conditions, and harsh industrial environments (NRC of 1.0 is the highest sound absorption rating possible).

Examples like Acoustiblok All Weather Soundproof Panels are a triple core approach to include a perforated facia for diffusion, an internal layer of U.L. classified Acoustiblok 3mm Sound Isolation Membrane material for acoustic conversion plus a specifically engineered 50mm Acoustiblok QuietFibre hydrophobic/weather-proof, open cell, core sound absorbing material.

• Pros: very effective soundproofing option in areas of high dB, sound and power noise pollution such as plant, generators, HVAC and any other external environment.
• Cons: typical rigid construction, quite costly due to materials and labour.

30. Acoustic Louvres

Typically, acoustic louvres are used in building openings permitting air to flow, whilst shielding the environment from unwanted noise.

As an open shutter with horizontal, curved or linear blades/slats that are angled to admit light and air, but to keep out rain and direct sunshine.

The angle of the slats may be adjustable

• Uses: multi-purpose as acoustic screens around mechanical plants where equipment requires airflow.
• Pros: effective at reducing acoustic energy whilst allowing direct flow of air where required.
• Cons: allows for a weakness and a break in any acoustic isolation strategy but essential where needed.

Conclusion

Through this article we&#;ve explained in great detail what soundproofing is, the various types of soundproofing methods and products available on the market.

We have also explained which products work best in different scenarios, according to one or more core soundproofing principles.

After this thorough overview, we hope that you have achieved a much clearer idea of this detailed subject.

If you are currently considering soundproofing your home, business premises, or perhaps a particular room such as a recording studio, home theatre or workshop, hopefully you can now make a well-informed decision on the best soundproofing method and materials to use.

Disclaimer

Acoustiblok UK Ltd / Thermablok Aerogel Ltd gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or the completeness of the information and materials contained in this website, blog or media content. Under no circumstances will Acoustiblok UK Ltd / Thermablok Aerogel Ltd be held responsible or liable in any way for any claims, damages, losses, expenses, costs or liabilities whatsoever (including, without limitation, any direct or indirect damages for loss of profits, business interruption or loss of information) resulting or arising directly or indirectly from your use of or inability to use this website, material, content or any website linked to it, or from your reliance on the information and material on this website, even if Acoustiblok UK Ltd / Thermablok Aerogel Ltd has been advised of the possibility of such damages in advance.

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