It always starts with a simple question, "How can I stop noise from going through this wall? Or this ceiling? Or floor?" Well, there are three things you can do use stop noise: Airspace, Mass and Dampening. Along with those, there is also an important fact you must understand - There are two types of sound proofing and they are almost always confused with one another: noise blocking and noise absorption. Let's take a look at the differences between the two.
Noise Reduction is achieved by stopping noise, stifling it, not letting the noise get through the wall or window. Essentially, stop the noise before it gets to you, or into the room you are in. For this you would employ mass and airspace. You can build heavier walls, increase the airspace and incorporate sound damping to maximize your performance. In most cases you can't do all three, but you can get results with even one.
Noise Absorption is achieved by adding soft sound absorbing products to the room. This solution makes a change, reduction, in the sound that is in the room, but it won't keep noise out of the room Stop it from echoing. Stop the reverberation. Stop the noise reflections.. It seldom involves noise from outside the room. You have likely heard of a room as being a "live" room or a "dead" room. Examples of "soft" products could be carpet, drapes, furniture, acoustical foam or fabric wall panels even.
Something that can undo a good soundproofing plan is a noise leak. Noise leaks are a big no no. All cracks and crevices should be sealed. If you can see light through a crack, noise can go through there too. A 1% leak can cause a 50% drop in soundproofing! Using acoustical sealant or outlet backers can make a big difference.
If you plan on constructing a sound isolation booth or room, keep in mind any environmental problems. Sound vibrations from heavy equipment and cars can travel through walls, and a plan of action must be taken to avoid these pitfalls. Each scenario presents a unique solution, so discuss your options with a sound isolation specialist. Also remember windows and doors are equally important to the sound proof seal. They are a common source of sound leaks, so noise lock windows and doors are usually recommended. Laminated glass with multiple panes helps reduce noise, and they are safer and priced competitively to standard glass. Doors need to be sealed and solid core or solid wood doors are best. Use good seals and a threshold to prevent a sound leak.
Types of soundproofing materials include sheet rock, insulation, steel resilient channels, MLV or vinyl sound barrier. Layered sheetrock with damping built in can help also. A resilient channel is a piece of steel shaped like a Z, which reduces noises traveling between walls or through a ceiling. A resilient channel would be effective for dampening bass coming through walls, or for eliminating the sound of footsteps coming from an upstairs room. If you are soundproofing windows, a number of options exist to help dampen the sound coming through the windows, dual-pane windows can help a bit in dampening the sound, the most effective way to achieve soundproofing through windows is to use two windows. The air space between the two windows will go a long way in dampening sounds that travel through the window.
Some thought should be given can lights, electrical outlets, and any other penetrations before you complete the project. A little extra planning goes a long way.
By considering all potential problem areas, and discussing a plan of action, you'll be well on your way to a very good sound proof room for residential or business use.
Noise Reduction is achieved by stopping noise, stifling it, not letting the noise get through the wall or window. Essentially, stop the noise before it gets to you, or into the room you are in. For this you would employ mass and airspace. You can build heavier walls, increase the airspace and incorporate sound damping to maximize your performance. In most cases you can't do all three, but you can get results with even one.
Noise Absorption is achieved by adding soft sound absorbing products to the room. This solution makes a change, reduction, in the sound that is in the room, but it won't keep noise out of the room Stop it from echoing. Stop the reverberation. Stop the noise reflections.. It seldom involves noise from outside the room. You have likely heard of a room as being a "live" room or a "dead" room. Examples of "soft" products could be carpet, drapes, furniture, acoustical foam or fabric wall panels even.
Something that can undo a good soundproofing plan is a noise leak. Noise leaks are a big no no. All cracks and crevices should be sealed. If you can see light through a crack, noise can go through there too. A 1% leak can cause a 50% drop in soundproofing! Using acoustical sealant or outlet backers can make a big difference.
If you plan on constructing a sound isolation booth or room, keep in mind any environmental problems. Sound vibrations from heavy equipment and cars can travel through walls, and a plan of action must be taken to avoid these pitfalls. Each scenario presents a unique solution, so discuss your options with a sound isolation specialist. Also remember windows and doors are equally important to the sound proof seal. They are a common source of sound leaks, so noise lock windows and doors are usually recommended. Laminated glass with multiple panes helps reduce noise, and they are safer and priced competitively to standard glass. Doors need to be sealed and solid core or solid wood doors are best. Use good seals and a threshold to prevent a sound leak.
Types of soundproofing materials include sheet rock, insulation, steel resilient channels, MLV or vinyl sound barrier. Layered sheetrock with damping built in can help also. A resilient channel is a piece of steel shaped like a Z, which reduces noises traveling between walls or through a ceiling. A resilient channel would be effective for dampening bass coming through walls, or for eliminating the sound of footsteps coming from an upstairs room. If you are soundproofing windows, a number of options exist to help dampen the sound coming through the windows, dual-pane windows can help a bit in dampening the sound, the most effective way to achieve soundproofing through windows is to use two windows. The air space between the two windows will go a long way in dampening sounds that travel through the window.
Some thought should be given can lights, electrical outlets, and any other penetrations before you complete the project. A little extra planning goes a long way.
By considering all potential problem areas, and discussing a plan of action, you'll be well on your way to a very good sound proof room for residential or business use.
About the Author:
Sound Isolation Company offers expert advice, education and a complete line of soundproofing materials. Through a network of national soundproofing distributors our products are available for immediate pick-up or shipment directly to your job. For more information about soundproofing walls, visit us online today!
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