There are many ways and many materials used to soundproof rooms and choosing the right material greatly depends on the kind of room being soundproofed. Many confuse soundproofing and sound absorption; each technique is used for different purposes and requires different materials. Soundproofing entails blocking sound from entering or leaving a space, while sound absorption enhances the sound in a room. Here we will learn about the most common and popular soundproofing techniques.
The Facts
The best--and most common--form of soundproofing material is a foam insulation called cellulose that is sprayed into place. This foam is blown directly into the walls of a room. This type of soundproofing material makes it unnecessary to remove entire pieces of drywall because the soundproofing foam can be put in place through the use of a medium-sized hole in the wall.
Function
Soundproofing materials are used for a number of reasons. Music studios are usually soundproofed in order to deter music being heard in other rooms of the studio. Sometimes children's rooms are soundproofed so that they sleep better at night. It's also common for people living in large apartment complexes to soundproof their floor through the use of fiberglass insulation, another common soundproofing material. It is inexpensive, easy to install and, best of all, it will block out loud neighbors.
Types
Aside from cellulose, there are other types of soundproofing foams called open-celled foams. These foams are also referred to as "acoustic foam" and they can be used for soundproofing or sound absorption. Soundproofing vinyl can also be used. This vinyl is more commonly referred to as mass loaded vinyl and is very lightweight. Another insulation called rock wool can be placed between floor joists to absorb sound. Home owners can also have specially constructed foams and sound boards, which can greatly soundproof a room. Egg crate-like foams can also be attached to walls in a room. Some do-it-yourself soundproofing materials call for real egg crates. Lead-lined sheetrock is also an expensive, yet very trustworthy, soundproofing material.
Considerations
Installing some soundproofing materials, such as lead-lined sheetrock and foams that go between walls, need to be installed while a home is being constructed. Installing these types of soundproofing materials after a home has been constructed will require tearing down segments of walls or entire walls altogether. If you don't want major construction in your home, you're better off going with soundproofing foams you can spray in your walls.
Benefits
No matter which soundproofing material you choose to go with, the benefits are all the same: peace and quiet. Whether you want to be able to work at night in a home office when you have noisy children or you're hoping to block out city noise in your bedroom, just about any one of these common soundproofing materials will make a major change in the amount of noise you hear.
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