Soundproofing 101

soundproofing 101

Are you looking to get started on a soundproofing project? Taking the time to understand some basic principles before you begin will help ensure you get the best outcome. Here, we’ll run through the three main methods of soundproofing: sound barriers, sound absorbers and sound diffusers. Each of these methods have advantages and disadvantages in different situations. Knowing which method to use for your particular problem is the key to successfully finding peace and quiet in your home or office.

Sound barriers

Sound barriers, commonly referred to as noise barriers, work by blocking the direct path of sound waves, forcing them to travel over or around the barrier. As they pass over the barrier, sound waves will “bend back” towards the receiver. That’s why the placement of the barrier is crucial to provide maximum noise reduction.

Noise barriers are an excellent solution for reducing noise from roads, railways and industrial sources. Building an acoustic fence as close to the source of the sound as possible, generally along a property boundary, is an ideal position. However, for long boundaries, this can become quite costly. A simple alternative is to use an Acoustic Fence Wrap which can be added to existing fencing to provide an effective, less expensive noise barrier.

Sound Absorbers

As the name suggests, sound absorbers work by absorbing any sound waves that are projected onto them. This is achieved by converting some of the sound wave energy into very small amounts of heat energy. The rest of the sound is either reflected or passed through.

All materials perform this function to some degree, but only specialised sound absorbers have high enough levels of absorption to make a noticeable difference to sound levels. Their biggest advantage lies in the reduction of reflected noise, minimising echoes.

Sound Diffusers

Sound diffusers are designed to scatter sound waves in numerous directions, minimising echoes and standing waves to create clear sounds. As such, they are ideal for use in applications such as recording studios, live music venues and control rooms where sound clarity is important.

Rather than reducing the sound wave energy, like absorbers, diffusers maintain the full range of sound without losing any components. They’re often used in conjunction with other soundproofing materials to achieve the highest sound clarity for each installation. For specialise installation such as those listed above, we recommend seeking professional advice to ensure your requirements are met.