Insulation materials – Sound

Sound insulation is a kind of measure to prevent the sound waves from permeating. It is demonstrated by
the sound transmission loss which is expressed by the difference of decibels between the incident sound
and permeated sound. The higher the numeral is, the better the sound insulating property is.
To prevent you from being disturbed by the activity in the next room, whether the room is upstairs or in
line, the construction has to prevent sound from being transmitted. This doesn’t have to be a massive
concrete slab or wall. Soundproofing relates to the overall ability of a building element or building
structure to reduce the sound transmission through it. Two types of sound insulation might be referred to
– airborne sound insulation and impact sound insulation.

Why is it so important?
Sound insulation in today’s world has become an integral part of everyone’s life. Research has indicated
that noise is one of the major causes of loss of sleep and concentration. Medical research has found that
long-term consistent exposure to noise can affect a person’s health. It is now an important part of
occupational health and safety management plan for all occupations.
Room-to-room insulation
In many cases a continuous suspended ceiling is chosen in order to achieve maximum flexibility. However
these constructions will give lower sound insulation compared to constructions where the partitions are
allowed to penetrate the suspended ceiling or reach all the way up to the soffit.
If partitions do not reach the structural soffit a horizontal transmission path for the sound via the void over
the suspended ceiling is created. Therefore, traditional acoustic ceilings often provide insufficient sound
insulation. In these cases special acoustic ceiling systems are required which offer additional sound
insulating properties.
One-way sound insulation
Installations in the void between the structural soffit and the suspended ceiling, such as piping and
ductwork systems, can give rise to noise. In such cases, a sound insulating suspended ceiling system can be
used to reduce the noise to acceptable levels in the room below.

Vertical airborne sound

insulation
The airborne sound insulation of a floor
structure can be improved by means of
a suspended ceiling system. Airborne
sound insulation may relate to sounds
generated in both the room below and
the room above. Improvements are
always linked to a specific type of floor
structure.
The improvements are linked to a
homogenous concrete floor of normal
thickness (160-200 mm) and with a
plastic carpet.
Impact sound insulation
Impact sound insulation relates to the reduction of footstep sound from people walking on a floor
structure. It is determined by the impact sound level in the room below. A suspended ceiling system can be
used to improve the impact sound insulation and therefore reduce the impact sound level. Improvements
are always linked to a specific type of floor structure.

Sound waves travel through the air. As they hit a surface they are either reflected or absorbed. Hard,
smooth surfaces tend to reflect sound best, creating a noisy environment. Materials that are good at
absorbing and blocking sound waves can help you create a more quiet and peaceful indoor environment.
Sound insulation has been specially designed to absorb sound waves and reduce the transfer of noise. It is
thicker and denser than regular thermal insulation, making it an excellent choice for soundproofing your
home.
Types of Soundproofing Materials
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 that 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 depend 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.
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.
Acoustic Membrane
There are different types of acoustic membrane on the market, some much heavier than others and some
higher performing than others.
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.

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.
 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.

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.
 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.
Resilient Channels

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.
 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.

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

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.
 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.
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.
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.
Benefits of Sound Absorbing Material

 Reducing volume- Be it the conference room, a lobby space or the clubhouse, these types of places
tend to be noisier than the rest because of having more number of people around at a given point
of time. Using acoustic wall panels to decorate the interiors of these places can magically help
reduce the volume of sound in the area. As a result, multiple conversations can carry on smoothly
without much disturbance. Schools and hospitals can also opt for these soundproofing techniques
to enhance working standards.

 Privacy-The best feature of soundproofing your house is that you no longer have to compromise on
your privacy. It allows you to rest well by blocking noise from outside and also lets you make some
noise or have a party, without letting you disturb your neighbours.
Sound absorbing curtains made from breathable fabrics are the latest innovation in the world of
soundproofing. Besides homes, these can be a great addition to spas adding to their glamour
quotient at the same time.
 Reducing echo and reverberation- The most commonly faced problem in large rooms with high
ceilings is that of echo. An echo creates multiple wavelengths of retracting sound waves that
interfere with the conversations in the room. Furniture, curtains, and rugs can contribute a little in
preventing echo formation to a small extent, but these are not enough to accomplish the job,
customized acoustic panels and wall tiles can be of great help.
 Improve sound quality - If you own a home theatre, you must install some indoor acoustic foam
panels to give a maximum sound output of the best quality. These are also helpful when installing in
music recording studios, libraries, conference rooms and meeting decks in offices.

 Avoid health related issues-A very common health problem nowadays is hearing impairment
caused due to over-exposure to loud sounds above the normal levels. Soundproofing is an effective
way of avoiding hearing loss problems. Apart from that, there are many other non-auditory health
effects of sound such as sleep disturbance, stress, cognitive impairment, annoyance, and heart
diseases.

 Greater productivity- Loud noises can tend to distract people easily and kill their productivity at the
workplace and even at home. Effectively reducing the noise by getting in a good number of
soundproofing curtain room dividers goes a long way in improving productivity and efficiency.

 Enhancing interpersonal conversations- Loud noises at common public places like restaurants,
shopping malls, hospitals, gym, etc. can be a huge turn off for people who need to engage in
conversations with others. Having freestanding acoustic panels in large open spaces can help
absorb excessive sound waves and make the place less noisy and enjoyable. Well decorated panels
also add to the decorative quotient of these places.