Sound Insulation

Sound Insulation and Its Applications

Sound insulation can significantly reduce noise from both inside and outside a building. The type of insulation and technique used depends on the building’s construction and the noise source. This article explores the causes of noise nuisance and the applications of soundproof insulation.

How Sound Insulation Works

Firstly, the thickness of the wall is crucial for blocking sound; the thicker the wall, the better it will block sound. However, building very thick walls is not always feasible. Instead, the ‘mass-spring-mass principle’ is often applied.

This involves two masses (the inner and outer walls) separated by a spring. To further reduce sound levels, an insulation material, such as air or an insulation layer, can be placed between the two masses.

In addition to leaving a layer of air behind the insulation, a layer of air is also left on the wall.

To minimize sound transmission between the walls and the floor, using a soft spring is most effective. This allows the sound to be better absorbed. Materials like mineral wool are more suitable than solid sound insulation boards for this purpose.

The insulation material must be quite heavy to absorb sound waves effectively. Naturally, a thick layer of the same material will absorb sound better than a thin layer. Heavier insulation materials will absorb sound more effectively than lighter ones.


To Insulate Against the Noise

It’s important to note that the source of the noise significantly impacts the choice of insulation method and material. Noise pollution inside a house can arise in three different ways:

1) Structure-borne Sound

Vibrations that occur during the building construction process are referred to as structure-borne noises, as they are transmitted through the building itself. These vibrations cause the air to tremble, which is what we hear. These vibrations can be experienced both inside and outside a house. For example, you can clearly perceive the vibrations when a heavy truck passes by your house.

Inside a house, a moving table is an example of structure-borne noise

To successfully eliminate structure-borne sound from your home, you need to create a complete insulation shell. Installing sound insulation is crucial to reduce this type of sound. For instance, if you live in an apartment and are subjected to noise pollution from your upstairs neighbor, you can provide soundproof insulation to your ceiling.

However, this will be ineffective if your house lacks insulation on the walls. The vibrations generated by the sound will still reach your house through the walls.

Having a complete insulation shell is crucial for your home’s integrity. Therefore, it’s essential to check for air leaks (e.g., around windows or doors) and ensure the insulation material is not damaged. If it is not properly soundproofed, it will lose its soundproofing properties. You can request and compare price offers on our quote page for free if you wish to have structure-borne noise removed.

2) Hearing Sounds Travelling Through the Air

There are many advantages to addressing airborne sound compared to structure-borne sound. Airborne sound travels through the air without causing vibrations in the building’s structure, making it easier to manage than structure-borne sound.

Airborne sounds can originate from both inside and outside your home. For example, children playing on the street represent external airborne sounds, while a television is an example of internal airborne sound. Managing airborne sounds is generally simpler than dealing with structure-borne sounds.

3) Improving Sound Quality

Investing in acoustic insulation can enhance sound perception inside a room. Good acoustics are particularly important in offices and music studios. Acoustic insulation can be applied in various ways, and this article explores the many possibilities in the field of acoustic insulation.

To compare price offers, simply fill in a short form to get started. If you want professional sound insulation installation, you can request free, non-binding quotes from insulation experts in your region on our quote page.


Where to Install Soundproof Insulation?

1) Soundproofing the Walls

To soundproof a wall, it is often necessary to build a false wall to insulate it from both inside and outside. This involves constructing a frame in front of the existing wall, which is then insulated with soundproofing material and covered with plasterboard. The insulation absorbs any sound emitted through the exterior wall, significantly reducing the remaining sound that passes through the completed wall (mass-spring-mass principle).

2) Floor Insulation for Sound

Installing insulation material beneath the floor is particularly effective for blocking structure-borne sounds, though it can also reduce airborne sound. Polyethylene is a commonly used insulation material for solid floors. For hollow wooden floors, materials like glass wool can be used under the floor finish. Another option is a floating floor, where a layer of sound-absorbing material is placed between the floor bearing structure and the screed to provide soundproofing properties.

3) Soundproof Ceiling

If you live in an apartment, the soundproofing of your ceiling may depend on your upstairs neighbor’s floor. However, you can still choose to provide your ceiling with sound insulation. A common method is installing a suspended ceiling, where a new finishing layer (e.g., plasterboards) is connected to the existing ceiling using a wooden or metal frame. Insulation professionals often install sound insulation between the new ceiling finish and the old ceiling layer, with glass wool being a popular option.

In addition to noise insulation, investing in high-quality glass is crucial for reducing external sound and creating a complete insulation shell. Low-E glass (low-emissivity) not only improves sound insulation but also enhances your home’s thermal efficiency.


Sound Insulation Materials

Various materials can be used to block sound, each with unique properties and applications. Here are some key materials:

1) Glass Wool

Although primarily used for thermal insulation, glass wool also has excellent soundproofing properties. Its large mass makes it particularly effective at absorbing noise, especially on roofs. However, fiberglass insulation requires ample space for installation. It can be used for floors, walls, ceilings, and outdoor applications. Glass wool insulation is typically supplied as semi-rigid sheets, making it easy to install and highly effective at noise absorption.

It’s important to note that although glass wool is primarily used for thermal insulation, it also has excellent soundproofing properties. Due to its large mass, glass wool is particularly effective at absorbing noise, making it a better choice for sound insulation on roofs compared to rigid insulation boards. However, keep in mind that fiberglass insulation requires ample space for installation.

Glass wool can be used for all types of flooring, walls, ceilings, and even outdoor applications.

2) Polyethylene

Polyethylene is commonly used to create soundproof floors. It is twice as strong as standard polyethylene and cheaper to produce. Additionally, this material is resistant to moisture and extreme temperatures, making it a versatile choice for sound insulation.

3) Other Materials

Besides glass wool and polyethylene, many other materials can serve as sound insulation in homes or offices. Cork and rock wool, for example, have excellent soundproofing and sound-absorbing properties.

The best material for your situation depends on several factors, including the location of the insulation (floor, ceiling, or wall), available space, and budget.


Conclusion

By effectively reducing the transmission of noise between rooms and buildings, sound insulation contributes to better acoustic quality and overall well-being. Understanding the benefits and applications of sound insulation helps homeowners and builders make informed decisions, leading to quieter, more serene spaces. Investing in sound insulation not only enhances comfort but also adds value to properties.

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