Soundproofing 101: Isolation vs. Absorption
Never take noise, or a lack thereof in your environment, for granted. While most of us live in relatively quiet surroundings, there will come a time when you are in a situation when you ultimately wish you had taken a few steps to soundproof your home.
When that time comes it will be incredibly important for you to take a step back and think about your sound problems before taking action. If you don't determine the source of the sound that is bothering you there will be no way of knowing whether you need to block external sounds from entering your home or keep sounds made within your home from escaping.
What is Isolation?
The concept of isolation is relatively simple. When you isolate a room (or your entire home) you are protecting it from outside noise. This means that sounds, no matter where they are coming from, are unable to enter through the walls, ceilings, windows, or doors. In order to properly create a sound barrier you must look at the wall joists, drywall seams, and even the seals around your doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
What is Sound Absorption?
Sound absorption is the process through which sound is absorbed into a particular soundproofing material instead of being allowed to pass through. A great example of a need for soundproofing is the environment created by a home theater or gaming room. You want the people inside the room to enjoy themselves without disturbing the rest of the household. In this case you'll use special soundproofing materials to keep sound in the room.
Sound absorption materials have a number of benefits. Not only do they block sound but they will also help to reduce your energy costs by insulating your home during the harsh winter and summer temperatures.
Which Type of Material Do I Need?
Determining which type of soundproofing material you need is as simple as locating the source of the noise you wish to block. Once you have this information it'll be easy to choose the right soundproofing materials.
If you live under the local airport flight path or want to block other outside noises you'll want to use soundproofing materials like Green Glue. The materials you use should have the ability to deaden sound before it can enter your home.
If you want to build a quiet room inside your own home you'll need to use sound absorbing materials. Green Glue works here as well, as do materials like acoustical caulk and mass loaded vinyl.
Your soundproofing project will be relatively easy to complete. Conduct a little bit of research before you get started and you'll be well on your way to a peaceful existence.
When that time comes it will be incredibly important for you to take a step back and think about your sound problems before taking action. If you don't determine the source of the sound that is bothering you there will be no way of knowing whether you need to block external sounds from entering your home or keep sounds made within your home from escaping.
What is Isolation?
The concept of isolation is relatively simple. When you isolate a room (or your entire home) you are protecting it from outside noise. This means that sounds, no matter where they are coming from, are unable to enter through the walls, ceilings, windows, or doors. In order to properly create a sound barrier you must look at the wall joists, drywall seams, and even the seals around your doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
What is Sound Absorption?
Sound absorption is the process through which sound is absorbed into a particular soundproofing material instead of being allowed to pass through. A great example of a need for soundproofing is the environment created by a home theater or gaming room. You want the people inside the room to enjoy themselves without disturbing the rest of the household. In this case you'll use special soundproofing materials to keep sound in the room.
Sound absorption materials have a number of benefits. Not only do they block sound but they will also help to reduce your energy costs by insulating your home during the harsh winter and summer temperatures.
Which Type of Material Do I Need?
Determining which type of soundproofing material you need is as simple as locating the source of the noise you wish to block. Once you have this information it'll be easy to choose the right soundproofing materials.
If you live under the local airport flight path or want to block other outside noises you'll want to use soundproofing materials like Green Glue. The materials you use should have the ability to deaden sound before it can enter your home.
If you want to build a quiet room inside your own home you'll need to use sound absorbing materials. Green Glue works here as well, as do materials like acoustical caulk and mass loaded vinyl.
Your soundproofing project will be relatively easy to complete. Conduct a little bit of research before you get started and you'll be well on your way to a peaceful existence.
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