Sound insulation: Choosing the materials

From traffic sounds and neighborhood clamor to excessive internal echoes in crowded rooms; unwanted noise acts as a major annoyance in almost any setting. Different types of acoustic insulation are designed to deflect, absorb and dissipate noise to keep sound levels at a more manageable level. At best, many are good products and truly useful for soundproofing. Some, however, are of questionable benefit to homeowners.

Two distinct soundproofing problems should be considered when designing acoustic treatments: how to improve the sound within a room and how to reduce sound leakage to and from adjacent rooms or outdoors.

Choosing the best materials depends on your home requirements, your budget, and how efficient you need it to be.

These are the most common materials used to achieve acoustic insulation:

Blankets and Batts: placed between wall studs or inside floors or roof framing, these materials to help control noise levels. Blankets improve acoustic performance by absorbing sound waves and increasing the density of the structure.

Gypsum Panels: according to the Department of Transportation, doubling the thickness of a gypsum panel reduces sound transmission through walls by 6 decibels.

Acoustic Panels: designed to absorb sound waves instead of blocking sound transfer from room to room. Acoustic panels reduce echoes and reverberation within a space and according to Armstrong World Industries they are capable of absorbing up to 95 percent of sound.

An effective sound barrier can be yours when the correct type of acoustic insulation is correctly installed into your home. Leave it to the experts to provide you with the peace and quiet that you deserve.