Soundproofing can be used for many reasons, whether you need it for a studio, have loud machinery or simply want to keep your home quiet or avoid noisy neighbours. Homes must comply with sound test building regulations. There are many forms of soundproofing materials you can use, but which is the best?
There are two kinds of noise transmission, airborne and impact. You may wish to choose different types of soundproofing depending on what noise you are trying to keep in, or out!
Impact noise is a sudden burst of high-intensity sound, caused by - you guessed it! - impact. When multiple objects collide, vibrations are created that travel through a material, rather than the air. This can be a hammer against a wall or people stomping on floors above you.
The best way to combat impact noise is to use soundproofing in the place where the noise is created, such as laying it on the floor to prevent loud footsteps from being disruptive, as this can cushion the vibrations to make them less intrusive.
Different kinds of foam and cork are excellent for this type of soundproofing, as the resilient material absorbs the sound to make it quieter and less disruptive.
Airborne noise is a sound that travels through the air. This includes loud music, talking, noises such as dogs barking or general daily sounds like cars, aeroplanes and televisions, all of which cause noise pollution and disturbance.
Dense materials help to absorb sound waves, meaning they cannot travel through the air as it slows the speed of the waves and quietens them.
Plasterboard, concrete, vinyl and chipboard are good examples of dense materials that can help reduce airborne sound transmission and can keep your home or building quietly separate from the outside world.
There are also options that consider both types of noise transmission, which use a combination of materials to produce all-around soundproofing… a fantastic option for those looking to combat both impact and airborne noise.
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