Main acoustic insulation materials and their different types of applications | Soundproof your Life
Acoustic insulation is a way to minimize the transmission of sounds from one area to another or control noise within a space. One can achieve this by using barriers, materials, and construction systems that absorb or contain the noise. It is based on the needs and requirements of the location where they will be applied.
Why is controlling noise so important?
Acoustic treatment has become an integral part of modern buildings in today’s world. People use it in residential, commercial, and industrial, among other applications as a solution to annoying noises and sounds.
Excessive noise is an increasingly serious problem for public health. It is one of the main causes of loss of concentration and sleep. Medical studies show that consistent exposure to noise causes health problems, which can result in anxiety, stress, and even culminate in a heart attack.
Leisure activities, neighbors, barking dogs, construction, industry, and cars – stop these noises before they reach your ears. Adding the best acoustic insulation materials to your home or office will reduce the sound that passes through easy entry points. For example windows, doors, and even walls and floors.
Main acoustic insulation materials
These are the sound deadening materials that are most frequently used. The optimal uses for each category vary. Each of these acoustic materials falls into categories such as sound absorption, sound insulation, sound damping, and decoupling.
Acoustic Foam | Best Sound Proofing Materials
Manufacturers produce acoustic foam insulation, commonly known as studio foam, in rolls or as flat panels of various densities, shapes, and thicknesses. Used on walls as panels, on the ceiling as deflectors, or in corners as bass traps, this foam primarily helps improve audio quality in studios, music rooms, churches, schools, restaurants, and call centers. Acoustic foam is a lightweight and non-toxic product that can be applied very easily.
Rock Wool and Glass Wool | Sound Insulation
Rock wool and glass wool differ in that rock wool is made from volcanic rock mineral fibers, while glass wool is made from glass and sand. When it comes to sound insulation, glass wool is a superior choice to rigid insulation boards, particularly in the case of the ceiling. However, you should take into account that fiberglass insulation requires more free space. This material can also be used for floors and walls.
As versatile as rock wool, glass wool is much lighter, being the most used type for ease of handling. Glass wool insulation is usually provided in the form of flexible sheets. Thus, they are easy to install and absorb many sounds.
PET Wool | Sound Isolation | Best Sound Deadening Material for Walls
This type of material has the interesting feature of being produced from the recycling of plastic bottles, making it highly sustainable. Manufacturers can customize its shape, density, and dimension and it is available for purchase in tools or panels. It is a moisture-resistant material, with acceptable fireproofing, and is lighter than the other wools mentioned above. The application of PET wool is quite versatile and we recommend it for industries, warehouses, auditoriums, homes, offices, shops, hospitals, schools, universities, and all types of projects that value sustainability.
Drywall | Soundproofing | Good Insulation Material
Drywall soundproofing typically combines multiple layers of gypsum boards, along with other materials, with the main goal of increasing its density and mass to effectively block noise. To achieve good soundproofing results, it’s important to choose thick drywall along with some other soundproofing methods, such as sealants and good caulking, for example.
Recently, a variety of sound-blocking drywall products have become popular as a means of reducing noise transmission. They can be very effective in adding acoustic insulation to walls, where it’s not practical to use other structural methods.
Vinyl flooring | Sound Absorption | Good Sound Insulation Material
You must be wondering ‘What is the best soundproofing material for floors?’. To answer your question, vinyl flooring, based on PVC and some other elements, is one of the ideal types and best acoustic insulation for homes or offices, as it absorbs noise better than laminated floors. One advantage of using it is that you can install it over ceramics or other subfloors, making it a great option for renovating corporate environments. In addition to providing acoustic comfort in areas of high pedestrian traffic, manufacturers use additives in their composition to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
Regarding coverings to absorb impact noise on floors, it’s worth mentioning synthetic rubber, manufactured from recycled tires, which also has a strong sustainable appeal.
Drywall and vinyl flooring are both great options for improving acoustics in your space. It can make a significant difference in reducing unwanted noise and creating a more peaceful environment, and you will be amazed by it. Don’t wait any longer to improve your space and experience the benefits of soundproofing!
The Fiber of Coconut and Cork | Good Insulation
Coconut fiber and cork (or a mixture of both) absorb low-frequency waves excellently, which other materials hardly achieve. These natural soundproofing materials are responsible for excellent results. Coconut fiber is strong and durable, meeting technical market requirements. Not only is it a versatile material suitable for thermal and acoustic insulation, but it also uses a natural and renewable raw material.
On the other hand, cork is an impermeable material that consists of a honeycomb-shaped design full of air, made only from the bark of the cork oak tree, which also makes it environmentally friendly. Each cell absorbs sound vibrations, preventing noise from passing through to another environment. You can find cork in panels, flooring, planks, and titles for application on wallls and floors. And because it’s lightweight, it’s effortless to install.
Soundproof windows
Specialized types of soundproof windows apply the principle of decoupling to decrease the sound that enters or leaves a room where people install them. These windows usually have thick glass panels and a layer of air trapped between each layer.
Soundproof doors
This is another type of architectural soundproofing solution. Soundproof doors are designed to reduce sound transmission by using the principles of greater depth and mass as well as decoupling, just like soundproof windows.
Acoustic screw
One of the recent innovations in the field of sound insulation materials is a screw capable of reducing the passage of noise through walls. The acoustic screw has a spring – which is the secret to preventing sound waves from advancing to the outside area. Using a screw to fix an acoustic barrier reduces the remaining noise by 50%.
The use of natural materials for soundproofing not only provides excellent results but also promotes environmental sustainability. These innovative solutions can help bring peace and quiet to your environment, creating a more pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. By choosing these materials, you can create a peaceful and eco-friendly space, free from unwanted noise and harmful chemicals. Say goodbye to noisy disruptions and enjoy the benefits of a quieter space with these effective soundproofing techniques.