Soundproofing, in simple terms, is the process of blocking noise from entering and/or exiting a room. Soundproofing can be achieved in several ways and whilst making a room completely soundproof is very difficult, with the right soundproofing materials significant noise reduction can be attained.

How Does Soundproofing Work?

To understand how soundproofing works, you first need to know how sound is created and how it behaves within a space.

How Sound Works

"How sound works"

Sound is created through a collection of vibrations which travel through the air in waves. These waves cause our ear drums to vibrate, our brains then translate these vibrations into sounds as we know them. The more vibrations there are in a wave, the louder the sound will appear.

There are two main types of sound – impact and airborne.

Impact Noise

"Cars colliding causing impact noise"

Impact noise is made by two objects that collide, for example when a car hits another car. The sound vibrations travel through both objects, causing sound to travel in different ways.

Airborne Noise

"Dog barking causing airborne noise"

Airborne noise is sound that is transmitted through the air, it’s typically caused by people talking, dogs barking, music playing etc… Airborne noise is slightly harder to treat than impact noise.

How Soundproof Materials Reduce Noise

Less vibrations = lower noise levels; certain materials are significantly better than others at reducing the number of vibrations an act or object creates. Thicker and more dense materials (soundproofing materials) make it much more difficult for vibrations to transfer, creating a barrier between the sound waves and your ears.

"Soundproofing reducing outdoor noise coming in"

The more a material can reduce the transmission of vibrations, the lower the sound will be. Reducing airborne noise and reducing impact noise can be a little different to treat. Impact noise can be treated with the addition of softer materials – for example dropping a ball on a wooden floor will be louder than dropping a ball on a thick carpeted floor. Whereas airborne noise requires materials such as acoustic insulation, acoustic underlay, and acoustic plasterboard.

Who Needs Soundproofing?

Public and domestic buildings need to adhere to certain building regulations and soundproofing standards. Once a new or refurbished building has been completed, proof of meeting these requirements is need or it won’t pass building regulations.

There are plenty of other reasons to soundproof a room or building that don’t involve building regulation requirements. Some people choose to add more soundproofing to their home to reduce noise coming from a neighbour’s house or from traffic pollution outside. Environments such as recording studios also typically need some form of acoustic or soundproofing treatment to get the best possible sound recording.

Looking to Soundproof?

If you’re looking at adding some soundproofing to your space but not sure where to start, please feel free to contact the experts! We can advise you on where you’ll need soundproofing, how much you’ll need, and what materials would be best.