Soundproofing is the art and science of preventing unwanted sound reverberation, which is a source of the disturbance. With soundproofing, you can prevent in-house noise from flowing outdoors and vice versa. The presence of soundproofing elements enables to create a nice, functional, amiable and tactile atmosphere. At workspaces, soundproofing is a must have feature for creating an atmosphere for working efficiently. Soundproof classrooms enable better teacher-student interaction, facilitating academics.
Soundproofing is closely related to acoustics, which refers to the analysis of direct and reflected sonic waves. An ideal environment is one that makes a person feel good and at peace with oneself, without compensating on the visual aesthetic.
According to research, soundproofing raises employee concentration by 48%, while lowering stress levels by 27%. Soundproofing helps in building private spaces, enabling better decision making.
Speech reception is better in rooms with enhanced acoustic features. Listening comprehension is also higher. People can interact better in a room equipped with soundproofing elements.
It is important to note that requirement for soundproofing differs according to venue whether it be an office, classroom, recording studio, auditorium, office facility, restaurant or dining area, lecture theatre or living spaces.
It is preferable to consider acoustic features at the initial stage of design. Before commencing on the soundproofing project, one must identify the elementary principles of soundproofing i.e. mass, absorption, mechanical decoupling, conduction and resonance.
1. Mass: Simply said, it is difficult for sound waves to shake a massive object than a lightweight object. Hence, there will be a slight decrease in sound transmission when a layer of drywall is added to an existing wall.
2. Absorption: If a layer of wall is added, the rate of absorption is raised and consequently there will be a slight reduction in sound transmission level. One can use absorbent materials like standard R-13 fiberglass insulation.
3. Conduction: One of the best ways of soundproofing a wall is to let sound flow by mode of conduction through indirect routes. This process is known as flanking.
4. Mechanical decoupling: If the walls can be mechanically decoupled, it would result in the transmission of mid-high frequency sound, leading to soundproofing. When the sound waves have to pass through the air cavities between two adjacent walls, the intensity gets reduced.
5. Resonance: Resonance is a factor which increases the ease of sound transmission, which is not desirable. There are 2 ways to tackle unwanted sound transmission effects. Ambient resonance can be damped by adding a viscoelastic like Greenglue. Alternatively, the point of resonance can be shifted to another point by adding mass, decoupling or using absorbent. Such changes bring down the magnitude of resonance.
Here are some of the items used for soundproofing a wall. Each of them is based on any of the basic elements or a combination.
1. Acoustic felt
Acoustic felt imparts elegant feel and gravity to space by absorbing background noise. The presence of acoustic felt creates an atmosphere which is quiet and soothing. The incorporation of felt renders a space inviting, with super soft experience. The blending of space with acoustic felt creates a nice engaging atmosphere and immediately transforms the ambiance into a soulful one. It creates a wonderful feeling in the mind of the observer.
2. Acoustic panels
Acoustic paneling offers the best option for mitigating in-house sound reflection. Addition of acoustic panels with a rigid base and a soft touch offers a visual pleasure apart from soundproofing.
It is advisable to cover 10-20% of the surface area with acoustic panels. By 20% coverage with acoustic panels, you can achieve significant noise reduction in space.
Acoustic panels are available in attractive patterns. These can be designed in a self interlocking style to form a pattern. It is also possible to magically rotate or change their direction. With curved and decorative textured walls, you can enhance your room looks. The presence of acoustic panels helps to make the space more functional by making it more audible. Structures carved out by integrating fabricated steel and concrete lead to the creation of amazing echo chambers. Using a fusion of color and texture, it is possible to absorb sound as well as enhance the room aesthetics.
You can opt for eco-friendly acoustic panels for soundproofing your room. Made out of raw materials like cotton and cellulose, these can be recycled after usage.
3. Books
Books are great elements for sound insulation. Try covering your shelves with as many thick books as possible.
4. Felt partition
Felt partition is used to create a zone of separation in space. It can be used as a divider screen in office to create private workspaces, allowing more concentration and focus. It is provided with floor to ceiling attachment hardware. It is available in various designs, which can be customized as well. Felt partition is perfect for creating private workspaces in offices and study places in schools. Flaps look great against a space as they will merge with the character of the space, while increasing the usable area.
5. Layering
You can add an extra layer to your walls with insulation materials like wool or rugs to your wall components. Alternatively, can also opt for lightweight soundproofing by using large amounts of egg crate foam.
6. Wall Tiles
Wall tiles are one of the best ways to soundproof a wall while making it look more beautiful. Wall tiles can be used for developing modular spaces with the interplay of fascinating designs and patterns.
Decorative wall tiles are available in a range of varying colors and stylized templates. In addition to bringing down reverberation, wall tiles can help to create unique and iconic patterns. Sometimes, the effect created makes the wall look fluid. Wave tiles refer to those tiles used to create a pattern, making a wall sound proof and distinct.
Conclusion
Soundproofing makes a room more conducive to efficient functioning. In order to soundproof a wall, you can add a layer of sound absorbing materials like wool. Else, you can use acoustic felt or wall panels. Wall tiles are also a great soundproofing alternative. You can create private spaces by using acoustic felt.
There is a lot of information in this article. I find it very interesting to read the different ways to soundproof a wall. It might be something I would want for some of my rooms.
Lots of great information for people who live in apartments. I use the books and didn’t know that was what I was doing in my bedroom
I wish I had known the books idea in a few of the apartments I’ve lived in. It might have helped me sleep better!
I never knew how to do this thank you for sharing this great information. I would be nice to block out loud noises in a quiet room so I can read and work on the computer without hearing the television.