Top 5 Soundproofing Materials
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Soundproofing is the process of blocking sound from entering or exiting a space. While sound can’t be completely blocked, there are materials that can significantly reduce the amount of sound that is transferred.
Best Soundproofing Materials
Some materials are better than others at offering soundproofing effects, these are (in our professional opinion) 5 of the best materials to use for soundproofing.
1. Insulation
Soundproofing insulation is designed to deaden sound by trapping soundwaves and reducing their ability to pass through. Insulation can be used in walls and ceilings to reduce sound transference between rooms. Whilst it’s typically easier to install during the construction process, insulation can be installed post-build to reduce sound. The insulation also aids in the reduction of heat loss in buildings – which can help lower energy bills!
2. Acoustic Underlay
Acoustic underlay is traditionally used underneath flooring to prevent the transference of impact noise. Impact noise is any sound caused by an impact - for example, a foot stomping on the floor and creating a sound would be impact noise. Underlay is commonly used in flats and apartments where impact noise such as footsteps are a common noise problem.
3. Acoustic Membrane
Acoustic or soundproof membrane is a highly effective soundproofing solution. Its primary purpose is to block airborne sound from getting through the wall and is commonly used residentially to prevent disturbance from noisy neighbours. We recommend using Tecsound SY because it’s self-adhesive (very easy to install!), highly flexible, and long lasting.
4. Door Seals
When soundproofing a home, office, or any other building, doors are often the last thing to be considered but if there’s a gap in a door or window, your soundproofing efforts won’t be nearly as effective as they could be. Door seals prevent those tiny gaps that make a big difference to how soundproof a room is.
5. Acoustic Wall and Ceiling Clips
Isolation clips create a gap between two surfaces. This gap traps vibrations so they can’t be passed through the wall. Acoustic isolation clips are an incredibly cost-effective way to reduce sound transmission and can be used on walls or ceilings.
Which Soundproofing Materials Should I Use?
Before you decide on the best material to soundproof a room, you need to work out the type of noise you’re trying to block. The two types of noise are airborne and impact. If you’re looking to reduce impact noise, you need treatment such as acoustic underlay that will significantly reduce noise such as footsteps and. If you’re looking to reduce airborne noise such as noisy neighbours, it’s best to use acoustic membrane or insulation to limit the amount heard.
Need Soundproofing Guidance?
If you would like some professional advice on your soundproofing options, please feel free to contact a member of our sales team who will be more than happy to help!