Soundproofing can be an imperative update to any home. If you live in the city, especially if you live near heavy traffic transportation areas, like a main road or railway, then having soundproofing can greatly improve your quality of life. Knowing what types of soundproofing material there are available can help you choose the right option for your home, based on yours and your family’s needs. That is why, if you are looking to live in a quieter home, you should start by familiarizing yourself with these terms:

1. Acoustic Foam

This material is often called studio foam. It can be noticed by its distinct pyramid shape and is used most often in studios or other sound-creating rooms to muffle the noise for the rest of your home, neighbors, or to maximize sound quality in professional recording studios.

 2. Sound Insulation

This is made of mineral wool, rock wool, and fiberglass. It is designed to fit behind your walls. It helps by reducing the amount sound can travel between your home through the walls.

3. Acoustic Panels/Boards

These are made up of sound insulation materials or acoustic foam, only designed specifically for better aesthetics. This way, if you don’t have extra space between your walls, you can incorporate your soundproofing as part of your interior design.

4. Acoustic Fabrics

These fabrics are often used in studios or theatres. They are very heavy and minimize the amount of noise coming through the walls.

5. Acoustic Coatings

By using a dense rubber like Mass Loaded Vinyl, otherwise known as MLV, a variety of different rooms and items can be better soundproofed.

6. Underlying Floors

Hearing your neighbors or other family members walking overhead can become very annoying, very quickly. If this is the problem that is causing you distress, then there are a few underlayment options. It will require your floors to be redone so that cork, felt, or polymers can be installed between your floor and subfloor to reduce noise.

 

7. Architectural Soundproofing

Double paned windows, thick doors, and even traditional insulation can all help improve the soundproofing abilities of your home. If you find that the windows let in too much noise, consider replacing them or installing thick, acoustic fabric curtains, and so on.

Installing soundproofing in your home can be the solution to all your woes, and by knowing what options are out there can help you make the right decision based on your needs. Done right and chosen well, you should enjoy a property that lets in less noise, perfect for those sharing walls with neighbors or busy roadways. Alternatively, they can be necessary if you yourself create a lot of noise, for example in the creation of music.

There are many reasons why you might need soundproofing, and there are many different materials and soundproofing options out there to choose from. That is why it is important that you choose the right materials for the job at hand so that you can get the results that you are looking for.