Soundproofing

Find The Best and Most Effective Soundproofing Materials

What exactly is soundproofing material?
Sound Absorbing Vs. Soundproofing Materials
Four Soundproofing Principles
Best Soundproofing Materials and Products

Is the noise from your neighbours keeping you awake at night, or do you work from home and find it difficult to focus due to the noises outside your door? Do you value peace and wish your house was more peaceful, or do you have a loud activity or profession and do not want to bother others?

If you answered "Yes!" at least once while reading these questions, you should know that practical solutions to your issues exist. So rather than becoming irritated, have a look at our list of the finest soundproofing materials to see whether they may help you block noise from entering or exiting a room.

What exactly is soundproofing material?

Before getting further into the subject, you should be familiar with the fundamentals of soundproofing materials. For instance, what they are, how they function, and how successful they may be. To comprehend how soundproofing materials function, we must first comprehend sound.

Consider a sound to be a kind of energy, the energy produced as a consequence of objects vibrating. That energy needs to go someplace; it moves away from its source, vibrating things and the air around us in the process. The energy then travels to our ears, where it vibrates, and we can detect the sound in our brain.

As a result, a sound begins at its source, travels via various mediums, and eventually reaches our ears and activates our brains. Thus, if we wish to halt the sound anywhere along its path, we must break the chain of events.

Soundproofing is any method of decreasing sound pressure with a particular sound source and its receiver; soundproofing would be impossible without soundproofing materials.

Noise reduction properties are claimed for several building materials. However, you must choose the appropriate one based on the various transmission modes and noise frequencies. In addition, the location of the soundproofing has a significant influence on the material selection.

Sound Absorbing Vs. Soundproofing Materials

A frequent misunderstanding is that sound absorption and soundproofing are the same thing. Absorption is, in fact, one of the components of soundproofing. The primary distinction between a sound-absorbing substance and a soundproofing material is that the former enhances the space’s acoustics. At the same time, the latter stops the sound from entering or leaving the room.

Sound absorbing materials decrease reverberations and echo previously existing noises in the space; they cannot prevent sounds from entering or leaving the area. As a result, good sound-absorbing materials may be ineffective for soundproofing.

However, if you want full sound isolation, you should mix these two kinds of materials; they complement each other well. However, if you do not mind the repercussions and your main issue is noise, stick to soundproofing.

Four Soundproofing Principles

Soundproofing may seem to be a difficult subject. But, unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there that confuses us and individuals who pretend to be experts but aren't.

Based on the mechanics of sound propagation, there are just four soundproofing concepts.

These concepts, when combined with soundproofing methods and materials, are more than sufficient for effective soundproofing.

Mass

All hefty and thick solid items will block sound. People bothered by airborne noises, such as voices, find this method to be the most effective. If you want to experiment with this concept, you may simply utilize the furniture to add bulk to the walls. Mass-Loaded Vinyl may also be installed under or over drywall. When it comes to impact noise, though, the mass concept is not particularly helpful.

Damping

Damping is accomplished via the use of damping chemicals. These chemicals possess a unique characteristic that enables them to transform sound energy into heat, causing the sound to cease abruptly. Green Glue is an excellent example of a damping substance, but silicone caulk has comparable characteristics.

The damping compound must be placed between two rigid panels, such as drywall or plywood, and then screwed together to function. As a result, when sound enters the system, shearing forces between the stiff panels produce friction in the dampening layer, turning the sound energy into heat.

Damping is the most efficient way to cope with low-frequency noise.

Decoupling

When sound travels through a building's structure, it is preferable to utilize decoupling. Interrupting sound vibrations becomes considerably simpler when gaps are created in specific sections of the structure.

It is preferable to use decoupling during construction. Although it is possible to do so later, it would be considerably more difficult since existing walls, floors, or ceilings would have to be removed.

If you are searching for a soundproofing material that is best for decoupling your drywall from the structure of the building, robust channels are a good option. They are extremely good at dealing with low frequencies and even noise since noises end up vibrating ineffectively against the channels rather than penetrating through walls.

Decoupling, despite its effectiveness, requires forethought and expert installation.

Absorption

Finally, as already stated, there is absorption. Although it contributes to soundproofing, its impact is not nearly as strong as the preceding three concepts. However, if you want to get the greatest outcomes, you should think about it as well.

You have probably heard about the most absorbent soundproofing materials. Of course, I am referring to acoustic foam. It comes in various forms, sizes, and colours, but it is important to remember that it is more helpful for enhancing audio quality within a space than for suppressing sound. Soft furniture, in addition to acoustic foam, may be helpful for sound absorption.

These four concepts operate separately, yet they also complement one another. So, if you have tried one technique and are still unhappy with the noise reduction, consider trying another. The combination of these factors will provide the greatest outcomes.

Best Soundproofing Materials and Products

Mass Loaded Vinyl
Acoustic Mineral Wool Insulation
Green Glue Soundproofing Compound
Resilient Sound Channels
Soundproof Drywall
Acoustic Caulk, Sealant
Soundproof Foam Panels
Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof Room Divider Curtains
Soundproofing Window Film
Weatherstripping
Door Seal and Sweeps
Soundproof Wallpaper and Paint

Final Thoughts on Soundproofing Materials

I hope you liked reading my list of the majority of the soundproofing materials you will ever need. You can fully soundproof your house from the beginning to the conclusion of the list. Alternatively, you may limit your search to those that will address the particular issues you are attempting to solve.

Finally, my aim here was to start you thinking about whether you are content with the present amount of noise in your house, workplace, or wherever. Why put up with noise when you can prevent it by using the finest soundproofing materials and products?

Soundproofing Your Home To Keep The Noise Out

There are several ways to get some peace and quiet.
The bQuiet Soundproof windows

In Western Canada, noise pollution has become a significant issue. Congestion and traffic noise are growing in Western Canadian cities, from the urban center to the suburbs. Getting out to the suburbs is not an option since traffic noise is everywhere. This loudness is causing many restless nights. Many of us are under a lot of needless stress as a result of this.

There is a lot of noise in a large city, such as Calgary. Even in a big city like Vancouver, Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, your house should be your refuge, even if you live in a city. There is just one problem: several large city apartment complexes and condominiums in Western Canada aren't soundproof.

Noise may flow through a building due to shared walls and ceilings — both airborne and structure-borne noise, as well as noise from surrounding routes. Developers seldom create noise-impenetrable barriers in today's fast-paced development.

There are several ways to get some peace and quiet

The first step is to separate your ceiling joists from your drywall. You may isolate the floor and ceiling with our sound isolation clip, then route a resilient channel. You may either choose to install your new drop ceiling with our isolation hangers which enable a loose, hanging connection between the ceiling joists and your new ceiling. You could choose to install your new ceiling with the hanging hooks we provide. In both cases, we suggest installing l safe and sound insulation in your walls/ceilings to improve soundproofing and heat retention.

If the noise is mostly coming from the walls, you may decouple them, which means mechanically separating two adjacent walls to make it more difficult for sound to travel through. Again, clips can accomplish this, but better results will be obtained by combining the clips with two layers of drywall with soundproofing damping compound in between and a layer of our mass loaded viny), this helps with lower frequencies such as bass from a subwoofer or deeper voices.

The Soundproof Windows

Our Soundproof Windows, which are placed in front of or behind your current window and reduce sound by 75-90 percent, is one of our best-selling items. We have the windows tailored to suit your existing window, so it does not take away any of the functionality your current window has. Whether it slides side to side, up and down, or pushes outwards, we make sure you can still open the window when required.

The most common complaint we get regarding soundproofing, or rather its lack thereof, is from "footfall" or "impact" sounds, particularly from customers who live in multi-family structures such as a condo or townhouse. The only method to reduce impact noise is to install a sound control floor underlayment underneath your existing carpet, tile, or hardwood floors. The underlayments we offer come in a variety of IIC ratings and thicknesses, so be sure to consult with a Hush City Soundproofing product expert before selecting the right sound control floor underlayment.

The best way to avoid flanking noise is to keep your pipes and/or ducts clean. Most frequently, we utilize our Anti-Vibe Liquid Damping Paste. It is a simple to use solution that you can apply to your pipes and vents with a sprayer or roller. It minimizes the noise transmitted from vibrating surfaces, such as pipes and flooring, to another room or level.

Other, less intrusive alternatives include putting two layers of drywall with damping compound in between, as well as installing our Decorative Acoustic Panels, which are specially intended to absorb noise. Any soft, pliable furniture or images placed on the wall will absorb part of the sound, but only to a limited degree.

With hundreds of options to select from at Hush City Soundproofing, whichever method you choose to soundproof your apartment or condo, make sure it's appropriately done - doing so ensures you will accomplish your objective of peace.

Essential Soundproofing Tips: Windows and Doors

A kid reading a book in their soundproof bedroom

5 Ways to Soundproof Your Kid’s Bedroom

Soundproofing your children’s bedroom is not only an effective way to keep the neighbourhood commotion out, but it can also help you contain the noise your children make. Kids in their growing years can be quite loud, especially when they own cacophonous or noisy toys. Having a soundproofing layer between their rooms and the world outside can benefit everyone.

Here are some helpful tips to soundproof your kid’s bedroom thoroughly:

Start with the windows

Major openings like windows and doors allow a significant amount of noise to enter in and out of your kid’s bedroom. Double window glazing is a cost-effective way to create optimal noise reduction and keep indoors warm and comfortable. If you want to reduce noise pollution and keep your home energy-efficient, don’t skip window soundproofing installation and start by investing in this two-way thermal and sound insulation.

Retrofit the doors

You may be tempted to skip the door soundproofing installation to save a few bucks. However, this may turn out to be the most expensive mistake you’ll make while soundproofing your child’s bedroom. Sound can travel through the small opening under and above the doors and release up to 60% of sound in or out of the room. The quality of your door material also impacts sound reduction.

Invest in a sound-isolated door or at least a solid core door with a automatic drop down door bottom and door seal attached to stop the noise from travelling indoors. Contact us for additional ideas to help reduce sound through your doors.

A kid playing with their toys on the bed

Move to the walls

A great deal of noise travels through walls. And if your kid’s bedroom walls are hollow, you can hear noise clearly at all times. Protect the bedroom, or the areas of the house affected by the bedroom by investing in a wall assembly designed to reduce or practically eliminate sound transfer through the wall. There are variations that work for every budget and requirement. Browse through our soundproofing products collection to find the most suitable one.

Finish with the flooring

If you live in an apartment, you may already know that noise can travel through the floor and enter your living space. Consider buying the highest-grade soundproofing equipment for floors and ceilings from our online shop if you don’t want to invest in allergen-laden fluffy carpets.

At Hush City Soundproofing, we provide residential and commercial soundproofing products and provide professional installations. If you’re looking for soundproofing experts in Western Canada connect with us today.

Employees working in an open floor office

The Link between Office Acoustics and Creativity: All You Need to Know

In today’s world, creativity and innovation are crucial to ensure a thriving and progressive business. Companies spend a fortune on building office spaces designed to bring their people together and represent their brand identity. As a result, modern office designs and layout concepts such as open floor plans, podcast studios, communal work areas, and hot desks are quickly gaining popularity.

The atmosphere created by these elements makes work areas more interactive, and employees feel more comfortable while utilizing the office space to its full potential. However, bigger and more interactive spaces mean more noise. And science says this noise may not be so good for your big business plans. Here’s why:

Effects of noise on creative tasks

In an extensive study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, researchers carried out various exercises to test open-mindedness and ideational fluency. A soundtrack varying between different frequencies of 50, 70 and 85 decibels played in the background while subjects were asked to perform some challenging tasks.

A control group was asked to perform the same activities but without the disturbance of any background noise. Results showed that participants who were exposed to high-level noise couldn’t carry out the challenges efficiently, while those who worked under a mid-level noise performed the best. This proves that your office acoustics directly impact employee creativity.

The problem with offices

It’s clear that an ideal level of background noise is crucial in achieving optimal productivity at your workplace. But how can you ensure that the noise doesn’t exceed 70 decibels? Bigger offices mean noisier environments, and controlling this commotion is quite challenging, to say the least.

Often, your office acoustics are the culprits in enhancing the indoor noise. Shiny surfaces and epoxy flooring can reflect sound waves leading to an uncomfortable environment.

What’s the solution?

If you want to manage your office acoustics cost-effectively, consider investing in long-lasting and high-quality soundproofing services. The cutting-edge technology of recently found soundproofing products adds to your office’s sleek and stylish appeal, delivering ultimate style innovation.

At Hush City Soundproofing, we offer floor, ceiling, and wall soundproofing services to help you maintain a creative and productive work environment. Invest in your office design and acoustics today to positively impact your productivity.

Reach out to us at 1-855-526-2615 or drop us a query here. Our experts will get back to you ASAP!

How to Soundproof a Condo or Apartment

Tenants stay longer in apartments in which they are happy. As more and more people find themselves living in multi-family dwellings, a peaceful and quiet environment goes a long way towards making these tenants happy. Having happy tenants is just one reason to learn how to soundproof an apartment if you’re a building owner or landlord, and for apartment renters and owners themselves, less noise generally means a higher quality of life…

Soundproofing Myths – Do’s & Don’ts for DIY Soundproofing

As a service to those doing their own DIY soundproofing, we’ve prepared this list of Do’s & Don’ts. We won’t explore every aspect of doing a good soundproofing job, but rather suggesting to avoid certain materials and processes that can save you tons of time and money. Don’t waste time and money on ineffectiveness! If you have lots of time and wish to experiment with different techniques and unknown materials, please do so! (and let us know how it comes out!). Many people have made the errors mentioned here and some have been kind enough to pass them on to us for inclusion. Please feel free to contribute!