Sound Absorption vs. Sound Insulation

The reduction and control of noise, whether in machinery, buildings, or rooms, generally involves the use of sound absorbing materials and sound insulating materials. These materials have different properties and shouldn't be confused with each other. Unfortunately, both materials often are misused due to lack of knowledge about soundproofing.

Sound absorbing materials such as acoustical tile, wall panels and acoustical draperies play an indispensable part in controlling noise generated within a room or in reverberant areas such as lobbies, corridors and staircases. Although such materials are highly effective as sound absorbers, they are relatively poor sound insulators because of their soft, porous and lightweight construction. In short, they do little to block noise.

To illustrate this point, imagine a wall constructed solely of acoustical tile, carpet or drapery material. Such a wall would provide virtually no resistance to the passage of sound through it. A brick wall on the other hand, is a very poor absorber of sound but it is an extremely effective sound insulator. Because it is massive, it resists the passage of sound.

Because sound insulators and sound absorbers are both called "acoustical treatment", confusion arises between their proper uses. Improper application of sound-absorbing treatment to reduce the transmission of noise between adjoining areas in an existing building has often been an expensive and annoying error.Sound-absorbing materials are generally light and porous. They should not be used on the interior surface of one room with the sole intention of preventing the transmission of sound to the next room. The porosity of the material actually facilitates sound transmission!

If you're looking for a good noise barrier, try our Sound Barrier Mass Loaded Vinyl, which was designed to block airborne noise. It is similar to linoleum in that it is a limp vinyl sheet. Sand and minerals have been added to the vinyl to make it very dense. This in turn increases the "mass" and has been found to be an effective sound blocking agent. Currently it is the industry standard for blocking noise, having taken the place of lead.

Mass loaded vinyl is easy to install.

Our representatives will help you chose the right products for your project. We pride ourselves in getting things done right the first time. We will assist you in deciding whether to use barriers or absorbers, closed cell foam or mass loaded vinyl. Questions? Please call us so we can help you.

We are here to support the efforts of builders, architects and designers as well as property owners, government agencies, schools, churches, etc. Whatever your interest in soundproofing, we will do our best to answer your questions, to provide you with a free estimate for your project, and to inform you about the Extreme Soundproofing methods of controlling noise and vibration.

Please visit our curtain section, where you may learn about our own line of acoustical draperies. Developed in response to public demand, we make available a fine acoustical drapery suitable for any room and situation, that is guaranteed to increase privacy and decrease noise!

Interested in our products? Please go to our Products Section, where you can learn about our products and find out how to purchase them.

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