Types Of Soundproof Materials, Their Varieties And Applications

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Types of noise and its sources
• Noise insulation materials
• Shumoplast
• Soundproofing foam
• Teksound
• Acoustic decorative plates
• Isoplast
• Mineral wool
• Soundproof membranes
• Special plaster
• Shumoizol
• Bung
• Soundproof
• Fibrolite
• Special types of materials
• Conclusion

Every day the question of providing comfort in the premises is becoming more and more acute. And noise becomes the main enemy in his decision. That is why sound insulation in the apartment becomes a vital factor. To ensure it, it is necessary to study what soundproof materials are, their properties, advantages and disadvantages. And only after that, think about the choice of what modern materials to soundproof the walls in the apartment. And besides, you need to decide what kind of noise should be eliminated.

Types of noise and its sources

First, it should be noted that there are only two types of noise:

1. Airborne, which is carried directly through the air. It can be screams, loud conversations, music, etc. Usually such noise is able to penetrate any cracks and crevices, as well as through windows. Mainly as regards airborne noise, it becomes a thunderstorm in office and living rooms.
2. Structural (shock). It spreads through the medium of solids. Structure-borne noise is mainly a problem in industrial premises. It represents sound waves that travel over solids, floors, walls. Examples of such noise can be stamping, jumping, sounds of working instruments, vibrations from speakers.

And depending on the type of noise, the selection of the necessary insulation also depends. The correct choice is determined by what kind of noise you are going to protect yourself from. Basically, the following types of structures need protection: industrial premises, office and residential premises.

In addition, the choice will be directly influenced by the noise level that needs to be measured. To do this, you will have to purchase special equipment, or call a specialist at home.

Regarding the standard noise performance, the following is noted:

1. In accordance with GOST and SNiP, in the daytime, the acceptable noise level is 40 decibels, in terms of the loudness perceptible to a person, this can be compared with an ordinary conversation. At the same time, the volume level should not exceed 55 dB, which is equivalent to weak slaps on the table.
2. Speaking of the night time, here the recommended volume is 20 dB, the extreme threshold established by legislation is 40 dB (administrative liability is provided for its violation).

Thus, the choice of materials must be approached as responsibly as possible, since it depends both on the type of noise and on the required level of insulation. Each material has its own noise reduction index, i.e. the rate by which the perceived and out-of-room volume will decrease.

Directly about the measures of sound insulation must be taken care of even during the design process. This can be achieved by the appropriate arrangement of partitions and rooms. But such an opportunity is not always available, therefore, we will devote most of our time to considering materials that do not require additional arrangement of sound insulation for walls and partitions, as well as dismantling of structural elements.

Noise insulation materials

Fully considering this category, you can note about twenty types of this kind of materials, and try to determine which sound insulation for walls is best suited. Therefore, we will pay attention only to the highest quality and most popular options for sound-absorbing materials.

Shumoplast

Shumoplast becomes the first material that we will consider. It is a unique material that is made from elastic granules, acrylic pigment and rubber additives.

Such sound insulation is used for the base of floating floors, and at the same time it copes with the tasks set by 100%. The material is recognized as the best for use in rooms of non-standard shapes, and in addition, it is indispensable when working with large areas.

Depending on the brand, it has an impact noise reduction index of up to 32 dB.

Among the advantages:

1. Possesses waterproofing properties, which allows not to provide additional materials for protection from moisture.
2. With a surface load of 5 kPa, it shrinks by no more than 5% of the original dimensions.
3. When laying, the possibility of small deviations of the base up to 1.5 cm is allowed.
4. The material is completely environmentally friendly.
5. It fits quickly and without difficulty.
6. It does not lose its properties during operation.
7. It has a fairly long operating period.

The main disadvantage of the material is the drying time, which is 24 hours.

Soundproofing foam

A special form of polyurethane foam is also a good option.

This type is used in the case when it is necessary to completely seal the room, i.e. exclude both penetration and exit of noise outside the premises.

Often used in soundproofing recording studios or cinemas. Such material is mounted on the surface of the walls and ceiling using a special adhesive (in some cases, a self-adhesive film is preliminarily provided on the sheets).

Benefits:

1. Sound absorption up to 95%
2. Open mounting method.
3. High level of flexibility and elasticity.
4. Maximum efficiency.

Disadvantages:

1. When ignited, it melts and forms toxic fumes.
2. It is destroyed when heated or exposed to ultraviolet rays.
3. Does not withstand mechanical stress, and therefore requires the most careful operation.

Teksound

Mineral soundproofing material. It is presented in the form of roll-up soundproofing, while it has a high level of strength.

Reduces impact noise by up to 28 dB

Pros:

1. Small thickness of the material (0.4 cm), which allows it to be used on any surface.
2. Does not rot.
3. Installation is quick and easy.
4. Slightly flammable and self-extinguishing.
5. Flexible and elastic, moreover, it does not lose its characteristics during operation.

Minuses:

1. The high cost of the product.
2. When laying on a concrete base, a special underlay must be provided.

Acoustic decorative plates

They are perforated panels that combine in one person both sound insulation and decorative surface finishing. The outer side is made with veneer, which can be matched to the design of the room.

It is mainly used for indoor soundproofing of premises.

Among the advantages:

1. Efficiency and environmental friendliness.
2. Simplicity of arrangement.

Among the disadvantages is the high cost.

Isoplast

This material is made from special coniferous wood. Along with the fact that it provides a noise reduction of up to 27 dB, it also provides a thermal insulation effect.

Pros:

1. The material is environmentally friendly.
2. Easy to install and operate.
3. Allows decorative plastering.

Disadvantages:

1. High price.
2. Flammability of the material.

An important stage is occupied by the correct sound insulation of the floor.

Mineral wool

One of the best examples of sound-canceling materials is stone wool. Its sound absorption coefficient reaches 99%. It is also used for isolation from extraneous noise in almost all types of premises. In addition, stone wool is widely used for reinforced concrete or beam floors.

All of the above building materials cope well with airborne noise. If there is a question of solving the problem of absorbing impact noise, then a system or structure of "floating floor" is used. An insulating material is used as the base of this structure. A coating is already being laid on it. Stone wool is often used when creating a "floating floor" system.

Benefits:

1. Withstands temperature changes, and besides, it does not collapse when exposed to temperatures up to 550 degrees.
2. Does not contain resins.
3. It is not necessary to carry out the lathing during installation.
4. The material is durable and environmentally friendly.
5. Resistant to shrinkage.

Disadvantages:

Strongly absorbs moisture, therefore it necessarily requires additional waterproofing

Details on properties and calculator calculation.

Soundproof membranes

Roll coating of mineral substances in combination with a polymer binder. It is presented in the form of a special film, which allows it to be used on any surface. Installation is carried out using an adhesive mixture.

Pros:

1. The working temperature of the film ranges from -60 to +180 degrees, which makes it possible to use it both indoors and outdoors.
2. The coating is resistant to mechanical stress and tearing.
3. Eco-friendly and elastic.
4. Does not break when bent in case of freezing.
5. Long service life.

Among the disadvantages is the high price.

Special plaster

Also presented in a number of similar materials and a special mixture of granules that reflect sound. Thus, it turns out to perform in one person and decorative finish, at the same time with complete soundproofing. In this case, the coating does not transmit sound both inward and outward.

Important! This method of sound insulation is considered effective only when the coating thickness is at least 2-3 centimeters.

Benefits:

1. Helps with repairs and significantly speeds up repairs.
2. Serves as a decorative finish, or is used to level walls.
3. The composition is environmentally friendly.
4. Operation in a wide range of temperature conditions is possible without loss of quality.

Disadvantages:

1. Although the coating suppresses external noise, it is not considered effective against it (with the exception of insulation from both the inside and the outside).
2. Requires 2-3 coats.
3. Has a fairly high cost.

Shumoizol

Presented in the form of a two-layer roll material. It contains a non-woven base and a layer of bitumen.

It has good insulating properties, besides it is resistant to compression, at the same time it can be used for leveling walls without a plasterboard frame.

In addition to noise suppression, the coating itself also combines the properties of waterproofing. In addition, the material is flexible and flexible enough.

It is worth noting the extensive operating temperature range, which ranges from -25 to +85 degrees. Moreover, the coating does not lose its characteristics and can be used for a long time. The only drawback is the high cost of purchasing materials.

Bung

Another material is cork, made from unique cork chips. Such an insulator is produced in various forms, and can be presented both in the form of a panel or plate, and as a roll material.

With a layer thickness of 0.3 cm, the noise reduction index reaches 18 dB, with increasing thickness, it increases accordingly.

It should also be noted that the material is easy to install and operate, does not absorb moisture, has good aesthetic qualities, is durable, environmentally friendly and efficient. And besides, it combines the properties of sound and heat insulation.

But this type is expensive, and in addition, it requires careful installation, since the crumb can crumble, and the material can be torn.

Soundproof

This type is presented as a roll, made of bitumen and polyethylene foam. It has a noise reduction index of up to 23 dB.

Among the advantages:

1. Combines sound and waterproofing.
2. Elastic and flexible.
3. Environmentally friendly.
4. Quite cheap, yet durable.
5. Work is allowed at temperatures from -25 to +85.

To date, no shortcomings have been identified in the material.

Fibrolite

As for high-quality soundproof materials, first of all, fiberboard should be noted. It is used in almost all types of premises. Fiberboard is made from wood fiber and cement. Synthetic fiber can also be used. In order to create acoustic ceilings, acoustic fiberboard is used. It is characterized by an excellent sound absorption coefficient (approximately equal to forty percent).

Special types of materials

Do not forget that these are not all materials, while some of them are permissible only under certain conditions, while others are universal. For example, these are machine insulators that can be used in the construction industry.

But there is little sound insulation of ceilings, walls and floors. It is imperative to pay attention to doors and windows. As a solution to problems with windows, you can consider such an option as installing PVC profile windows. Its noise insulation characteristics are very high. Usually an inert gas fills the space between the two windows. The most common and commonly used gas is argon.

As for the doors, they usually use a multi-layer structure, which consists of chipboard, fiberboard and laminate. The space between the door and the door frame is sealed with special gaskets for sealing. The types of modern soundproofing materials are full of variety, but you need to remember that only complex measures can be used to achieve a high level of isolation from external noise.

Conclusion

Thus, we learned that there is a huge amount of noise-insulating materials, and besides, we analyzed the highest quality and most popular of them. Each is suitable in its own conditions, and which one to choose, you can find out in a separate material. And in conclusion, we suggest watching several videos on the topic, which will help you understand the topic in more detail.

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