A Guide To Soundproofing Your Space With Insulation

By Author: Samantha Dale
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Any and all methods used to lessen the pressure of sound waves by making use of a noise control receptor is known as soundproofing or sound insulation. Soundproofing makes use of noise barriers to get the sound waves to bounce off a reflecting surface or be absorbed by a receptive surface. Here is some information on common sound insulation products available in the market.

Sound wave absorption is the most widely used method to soundproof any space. In this method, a sound-absorbing material is used, which converts a small portion of the incident sound into heat energy. Absorbers can either be porous or resonant in nature.

Open cell rubber foams and melamine sponges are the most widely used porous absorbers, which absorb sound waves due to friction within their cellular structures. On the other hand, resonant absorbers such as Helmholtz Resonators and other resonant panels cause a damping effect on the sound wave reflected off the surface.

Soundproofing foam, which is usually made from melamine, polystyrene or polyurethane, is abundantly available for use in both residential and commercial spaces. Different ...
... grades of acoustical foam have different capacities for fire-resistance. Usage of lower grade foams have been known to cause fires, so do not compromise on the quality of your soundproofing foam. When soundproofing homes and studios, most professionals opt for fiberglass or lead barriers due to their efficacy in obstructing sound waves. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) material, being water resistant and fire retardant is also flexible and inexpensive for buyers, making it a hot favorite in the soundproofing arena.

Acoustic quilts are environmentally friendly sound insulation products, which utilize glass mineral wool obtained from the natural occurring mineral silica sand. Acoustic mineral wool is usually used as an infill between walls, to hamper the entry of sound waves carried by air. However the quilts are considered to be superior to mineral wool infill as well as lead infill.

Thick cotton batting, usually used to soundproof walls, can also double as a thermal insulator on cold days. While acoustic panels are used commonly in professional settings like sound recording studios, soundproofing mats are used on residential and commercial walls and flooring, to obstruct the entry of noise via ambient air. These mats are usually made from Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) – one of the most popular sound insulation products available in the market as of today. The mass and thickness of this material make it extremely difficult for sound waves to pass through it, making it one of the most sought after sound insulation products. It is also relatively inexpensive and safer when compared with lead sheets.

Loudly whirring generators are some of the biggest contributors to noise pollution. They can be very disturbing and as such, the use of some special sound insulating products can really help. A combination of MLV and recycled sheets of rubber is ideal in this situation. It is much more effective than other popular products such as petroleum-based closed cell foam matting. Soundproof paint can also contribute to blocking some of the sound waves originating from generators.

Ideally, soundproofing works best when sound insulation materials are installed in the home or office space, while it is still under construction. You can also turn to soundproofing home economics if you are on a tight budget. For example, if you want to get your ceiling soundproofed, try using sheets of rolled roofing material, instead of the more expensive MLV. Use acoustic caulk on the roofing sheets and watch the soundproofing happen at half the expected price. However, if you do want a thorough job, try out some of the abovementioned modern sound insulation products and turn your space into a quiet haven.
There are lots of products these days for sound insulation that are environmentally friendly. This same trend exists across most insulation types.http://www.autex.com.au/