Noise isolation material. Do-it-yourself noise isolation: what materials are required?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Reducing the level of external sound exposure is a prerequisite for comfort. To achieve the normalization of noise performance, special materials are used - insulators and suppressors. Depending on the origin and operational parameters, they can be used in different areas. In particular, the material for soundproofing technical equipment, including cars, has recently become popular. The available technology for the use of such coatings allows any driver to provide acoustic comfort in the cabin with their own hands. At the same time, traditional means of soundproofing intended for rooms do not lose their relevance. Perhaps it is worth starting the review with them.

Materials for soundproofing rooms

In apartments and houses, soundproofing material should form a barrier to the propagation of noise waves by absorbing and scattering them. A classic means of achieving this task is a plasterboard cladding board. In addition to protecting against external noise, it also performs a decorative role and helps to increase the warming function. A separate category is the material for soundproofing based on wood raw materials. As a rule, coniferous wood fibers are used in the manufacture of such panels. Among the advantages of this insulator, a worthy noise-absorbing function and environmental friendliness can be noted. Due to their natural origin, such insulators can be used in living rooms. The best solution for protecting premises from shock noise impacts can be a material using sand filler. These are slabs that look like ordinary cladding, but inside contain a mixture of raw wood and quartz sand.

Car noise insulation material

A feature of the car noise isolation process is to provide a dual function of the material - protection from vibration and noise effects. To perform the first task, vibration dampers are used. These are heavy coatings that dampen vibrational energy, transforming it into thermal radiation. Especially for noise protection, this material should not be used, although it effectively copes with the suppression of low frequencies. Full-fledged soundproofing of a car still requires the use of special sound absorbers, which will allow you to complete the second task. Outwardly, this material is similar to foam rubber, but there are serious differences in the structure.

In the case of automotive insulators, the focus is on the efficiency of the cellular structure, which dampens noise waves when moving from one barrier to another. It is worth noting the external protection, which should be provided by the material for sound insulation in order to protect against mechanical damage. For this, manufacturersuse film shiny coatings.

Installation of insulators

In the case of home insulation and installation of sound absorbers in a car, the same installation principles are used. Usually they involve landing on glue or mechanical installation using special fasteners. In terms of technical implementation, do-it-yourself adhesive sound insulation is more accessible to many motorists. What materials are required to perform this operation? It is very important to choose a reliable and high-quality binder. Glue is usually supplied with the insulator kit, but it may not be. Before installation, the surface should be degreased, which will increase adhesion between materials. The best solution would be a combination of two installation methods. In this case, the glued panel is additionally fixed with staples or screws.

What to consider when choosing an insulator?

Requirements for soundproofing materials are different. Obviously, the level of sound absorption is the main criterion, but even it does not always become a determining factor. Much depends on the operating conditions and the ability to protect the same panels from moisture and mechanical damage. Still, the best sound insulation for a car or a room is one that can also provide protection for its own structure. This is an important point, since the durability of the material will eliminate problems during operation. For example, if the technology involves the installation of an insulator under the finishingcladding, then premature deformation of the sound absorber will also lead to the need to update the decorative coating.

How much does soundproofing cost?

Many enterprises are engaged in the specialized production of sound insulators, among which there are many domestic firms. The most affordable panels can be purchased for 150-200 rubles/m². These are good options for partially getting rid of third-party sounds, but they will not save you if high-quality and deep sound insulation is required. The price of a material oriented to average requirements for acoustic comfort varies from 400 to 600 rubles/m^2.

Not always the tasks of insulating materials are limited to only one noise reduction function. In modern lines of manufacturers, multifunctional coatings are quite common, which also have an aesthetically attractive appearance and insulating ability. However, their main task is still soundproofing. The price of material in such series can reach 1500 rubles/m2. Such a high cost is due not only to a large range of functions, but also to the environmental friendliness of the insulator.

Conclusion

The installation of noise reduction materials does not always meet the expectations of users. Even expensive and high-quality products often receive critical reviews. A weak effect may be due to the fact that the object initially has low qualities of sound protection. For example, soundproofing a car will give a minimal result if the body structurehas a lot of backlash and generally unsatisfactory sealing. The same applies to residential premises. Thin walls, the use of wooden frames in window openings and the lack of high-quality finishes - these and other factors will not allow the insulator to perform its tasks at the proper level.