Negative Impact extraneous sounds have long been proven to affect the human condition. In this regard, many special rules have been developed to determine the permissible values of “sound garbage”.
For example, due to background noise reaching 40 dBA, a person will begin to have problems sleeping, and with systematic noise above 60 dBA, structural changes in the body will occur in 90 cases out of 100. To minimize or completely eliminate the risk of such situations, insulating materials are used.
Types of soundproofing materials
We should start with the fact that noise is divided into separate groups:
- Structural - caused by vibration due to work various equipment(from household in the house to construction on the street), vehicles, elevators, etc.
- Percussion - can be caused by stomping, moving interior items.
- Airborne – conversations, television and radio sounds.
In building acoustics, there are three main types of sound protection from the noise discussed above:
Soundproofing
Provides protection from noise transmitted through the air (human speech, music, etc.). It works according to one of two principles: reducing the intensity of sound waves as they pass through a dense partition or sound reflection from an obstacle.
Noise insulation
This involves protection from complex sound waves caused by a combination of sounds of different strengths and frequencies. This can be structural, airborne, impact, etc. noise.
Sound absorption
Relevant for soft structures, it uses the method of converting sound energy into thermal energy.
In order to correctly select the appropriate soundproofing material, you should take into account what types of noise the protective barrier is “constructed” against.
Let's conduct a small comparative study of products from well-known manufacturers recommended for residential premises (the group under consideration included only sound insulators effective in the range of 100-3000 Hz).
Review of sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials
Membrane sound insulators are applicable to any surface, have elasticity, small thickness and increased efficiency in noise absorption. The most popular brands in Russia are Tecsound and Zvukoizol.
Tecsound
This company is a subsidiary of the Spanish company Texsa, which appeared back in 1954. Under the Texound brand, polymer-mineral membranes are produced - elastic, thin, and available in the form of rolls.
The basis of the material is aragonite with the addition of elastomers. It is relevant in frame and frameless systems and can increase the sound insulation properties of a structure by 15 dB.
Such indicators can be compared with a thirty-centimeter concrete wall. Tecsound price – from 850 rub. per square.
Five main series of membranes are produced:
- Tecsound Al – self-adhesive, equipped with aluminum foil.
- Tecsound SY – synthetic self-adhesive, suitable for partitions, ceilings, facades.
- Tecsound 35/50/70 – standard, used for sound insulation of floors and roofs.
- Tecsound FT – synthetic foil universal, with felt coating.
- Tecsound 100 – sheet.
Advantages include stretchability, environmental safety, temperature resistance and durability.
Soundproofing
Membrane soundproofing materials based on bitumen-polymer components Russian production appeared back in 2009. At first, only two series were produced - Zvukoizol and Zvukoizol VEM, intended for the construction sector.
The very next year, the range of products expanded significantly due to the production of several more series, which became a good alternative to foreign analogues K-Fonik ST and Tecsound. This:
- Sound insulation VEM Standard - viscoelastic insulating material,
- SMK – self-adhesive base,
- Zvukoizol-M – roll bitumen-polymer membrane sound insulators with a metallized coating.
The price of domestic sound insulators is more than affordable - from 140 rubles. per square. They are characterized by many positive qualities, including versatility, good sound-absorbing properties, water resistance.
Soundproofing panels, consisting of several layers, quickly became popular for their relative ease of installation and effectiveness. Among them, ZIPS and SoundGuard can be especially highlighted.
ZIPS
ZIPS sandwich panels, depending on the base, have different purposes. They are made from plywood (GVL) or tongue-and-groove gypsum boards combined with fiberglass or basalt slabs.
Construction based on gypsum fiber/plywood is applicable for floors, plasterboard - for ceiling and wall surfaces.
The Zips frameless system was first developed in 1999; now it includes six types of panels for different purposes:
- ZIPS-MODULE wall for interior walls and partitions in commercial and residential premises. Index Rw – up to 14 dB.
- ZIPS-FLOOR MODULE – panels prefabricated type for reinforced concrete interfloor slabs. They isolate airborne noise in the range from 7 to 9 decibels and shock noise up to 38 dB.
- ZIPS-Vector for wall and ceiling bases, operating range up to 125 Hz, Rw index up to 11 dB.
- ZIPS-Paul Vector - provide comprehensive sound insulation of reinforced concrete interfloor ceilings, reduce airborne noise in the range from 6 to 8 dB, impact noise - by 32.
- ZIPS-CINEMA – additional protection with an Rw index of 16-18 dB. It is used for ceilings and walls in rooms with a high degree of outgoing sound.
- ZIPS-III-ULTRA – additional protection of ceiling and wall surfaces from airborne noise. Operating range 100 Hz, Rw – 11 dB.
The price of ZIPS panels starts from 1,600 rubles, but this cost is fully justified by their efficiency, low degree of thermal conductivity (that is, the panels also partially serve as a heat insulator), and durability (from 10 years).
SoundGuard
Saungard panels are the “brainchild” of a German-Russian enterprise, which appeared back in 2010 on shares with the Volma company and are characterized by increased efficiency. The panel includes:
- GKL Volma for finishing cladding,
- SoundGuard profiled panel (multi-layer board made of corrugated cardboard, cardboard and mineral quartz filler),
- Frame profile.
Two years later, the SoundGuard TM was registered, after which production began different types soundproofing panels:
- SoundGuard Ecozvukoizol is a 13 mm soundproofing elastic panel consisting of seven layers with an Rw of 40 decibels.
- SoundGuard EcoZvukoIzol Fireproof G1, with a thickness of 13 mm and a sound insulation index of up to 42 dB.
- SoundGuard Slim, 11 mm, seven layers, reducing noise by 36 dB.
- SoundGuard Standard, 12 mm thick, is characterized by compressive strength and an Rw index of 37 dB.
- SoundGuardPremium, Rw equal to 44 dB, patented soundproofing material for shades, floors, partitions.
SignGard panels are certified according to all Russian standards, fireproof, easy to install, have low thermal conductivity, price from 810 rubles/sq.m. m.
Mineral wool soundproofing materials also do not lose their popularity, especially in combination with innovative developments. The brands Shumanet and Rock Wool Acoustic Butts have advanced the most in the production of sound protection based on mineral wool.
Schumanet
Shumanet mineral wool boards are produced by the same manufacturer as the ZIPS, Shumostop, Soundlux, Soundline, Vibrosil, Vibroflex panels, namely Acoustic Group LLC.
The Shumanet series of soundproofing materials is designed directly for frame wall and ceiling systems using claddings various types– gypsum fiber, plasterboard, wood chips, plywood. The series includes:
- Shumanet-SK are fiberglass plates, covered on one side with fiberglass, which prevents the glass fibers from falling off. Relevant when installing acoustic panels such as Knauf-Soundline, Soundboard, etc., they have a sound absorption value of about 0.8 units.
- Shumanet-Eco - water-repellent boards based on staple fiberglass and acrylic binder. Sound absorption coefficient – 0.85 units.
- Shumanet-BM - basalt slabs with a high sound absorption rate - 0.95 units.
To isolate impact noise in floor structures, a system is produced combined slabs called Shumostop and bitumen-polymer gaskets Shumanet-100.
The average price of Schumanet slabs is from 190 rubles per square. They are distinguished by their durability (working life from 10 years), ease of installation, meet the requirements of GOST, and are certified according to the standards of the Russian Federation.
RockWool Acoustic Butts
Multifunctional basalt slabs are produced at almost 30 factories; this is the development of a transnational group of companies that opened its first branch in Russia back in 1999.
Rockwool Acoustic Butts stone wool slabs are practically universal, applicable in interior, exterior and roof cladding in residential and industrial construction.
There are several main series of Acoustic mineral wool slabs:
- RockWool Floor Butts are rigid, vapor-permeable boards for floor structures with expectedly high loads.
- RockWool Floor Butts are water-repellent (hydrophobic) for public, commercial and residential premises.
- RockWool Floor Butts I - gabbro-basalt slab materials for industrial premises.
- Rockwool Acoustic Butts Pro - ultra-thin slabs.
- Acoustic Butts standard type.
Rockwool Acoustic Butts products have a lot of advantages, and the price of the slabs is quite affordable - from 120 rubles per square meter.
Thin heavy soundproofing membrane (made in Spain). It is used in soundproofing structures of floors, ceilings, walls, partitions in rooms for various purposes.
Thin, heavy soundproofing membrane with a self-adhesive layer (made in Spain). It is used in soundproofing structures of ceilings, walls, partitions in rooms for various purposes.
Combined soundproofing membrane with a layer of acoustic felt (made in Spain). It is used in soundproofing structures of ceilings, walls and partitions in rooms for various purposes.
price from 1,842.00 rub. ZA M 2
Thin panels made of pressed wood-fiber sheets with a corrugated structure, filled with quartz sand. They are used as a layer in the construction of thin soundproofing systems of walls, floors, and ceilings to increase their effectiveness in rooms of all types.
Soundproofing panel with an internal honeycomb structure filled with fine quartz sand. Made from environmentally friendly natural resources. The Sonoplat Pro panel is used both for direct installation directly on a leveled surface, and in frame soundproofing systems for premises of any purpose.
Combined soundproofing panel for thin frameless soundproofing systems. The presence of an elastic, lightweight backing in the combi-panel allows it to be mounted directly on the leveled surface of the insulated wall or ceiling.
price 1,611.00 RUB. ZA M 2
thin soundproofing panel for walls and partitions made of light building materials of small thickness (foam concrete, plaster, etc., 80 -120 mm thick). The thickness of the sandwich panel is 30 mm. Index additional sound insulationΔRw = 9 dB.
2
thin soundproofing panel in the AcousticGyps TM line. Excellent for isolating quiet household noises from neighbors above and behind the wall, as well as for increasing the sound insulation index interior partitions in an apartment, cottage, office. The sandwich panel provides effective attenuation of household noise levels. Additional sound insulation index ΔRw = 11 dB.
2
This modification of the panels is designed to enhance the soundproofing ability of walls and ceilings to the standard values required for residential and public premises. It is the most popular modification due to its high sound insulation performance, ease of installation and low thickness. Also suitable as an entry-level solution for commercial applications: bars, restaurants, home cinemas. Additional sound insulation index ΔRw = 14 dB.
modification of panels with the highest rates of additional sound insulation in the AcousticGyps TM line. This modification of the panels provides additional sound insulation in rooms with high level noise It is used in rooms that are located near objects under construction or operating production facilities, recording studios, concert halls. Additional sound insulation index ΔRw = 18 dB.
price 1,528.00 rub. ZA M 2
an effective solution for additional sound insulation interfloor coverings in residential and public spaces. Represent floor elements High Quality. In terms of application, they can be compared to traditional solid floor systems. The advantages of floor structures using AcousticGyps Yoog 30 are low weight, as well as dry and quick installation (no time loss compared to installation of self-leveling floors).
A universal and multifunctional material with shock-absorbing and noise-absorbing properties. It is used for soundproofing floors, walls, ceilings and interfloor ceilings.
Superfine fiberglass mats highest quality pressed using the needle-punched method.
A line of thin viscoelastic materials based on elastomeric rubber (made in Italy). Used in household and industrial equipment, ventilation communications, construction industry, residential and industrial buildings.
Universal material made of needle-punched fiberglass. It is used in sound insulation of floors (including floors on joists and floating screeds), walls, ceilings and interfloor ceilings.
Sound-absorbing material in the form of panels made of softened staple fiberglass. It is used as a filler for interprofile spaces in standard sound insulation systems: frame wall cladding, partitions and suspended ceilings.
Highly effective premium sound-absorbing material. Consists of basalt fiber, produced in the form of slabs with a thickness of only 27 mm(density 65 kg/m3). Due to its small thickness, it does not steal usable area premises.
Sound-absorbing material in the form of slabs based on basalt fiber. It is used as a filler for interprofile spaces in standard sound insulation systems for walls, partitions and ceilings.
StopZvuk BP Floor is a professional non-flammable material for soundproofing floors in rooms of any type and for any purpose. Consists of the highest quality basalt fiber treated with a hydrophobic compound. Available in the form of elastic plates 20mm thick. (density 110kg/m3).
Sound-absorbing material in the form of plates based on polyester (synthetic) fiber. It is used as a filler for interprofile spaces in standard sound insulation systems for walls, partitions and ceilings.
Thin sound-absorbing material (20 mm thick) in the form of plates based on polyester (synthetic) fiber. It is used as a filler for interprofile spaces in standard sound insulation systems for walls, partitions and ceilings.
Soundproofing is measured in decibels, a term used when talking about reducing the volume of outgoing/incoming noise.
Sound absorption is assessed by calculating the sound absorption coefficient and is measured from 0 to 1 (the closer to 1, the better). Sound-absorbing materials absorb sound inside the room and dampen it, resulting in the disappearance of echoes.
If you need to get rid of the noise from your neighbors, you need soundproofing materials. If you need the absence of echo in the room, sound-absorbing ones.
How to reduce noise from neighbors above/below/behind the wall? Is it possible to rid them of my noise?
Soundproofing the ceiling is obviously a losing option. The maximum reduction that can be achieved is from 3 to 9 dB. Try to come to an agreement with your neighbors and soundproof the floor for them, then you will achieve a reduction of up to 25-30 dB!
The sound insulation of a wall depends on the type of wall. They are either under construction or already existing (between rooms and apartments). For erected walls, immediately make double, independent frames. The thicker and multilayer wall, the higher the chance of achieving a noise reduction of 50-60 dB in the apartment.
For existing walls- or make a frame filled with soundproofing materials, but be prepared for it to “eat up” 10 cm of space. Or, if there is little space, secure soundproofing panels or roll material directly on the wall.
To soundproof the floor, place materials such as TOPSILENT DUO or FONOSTOP BAR under the screed. If it is not possible to raise the floor under the screed by 10 cm, then lay soundproofing materials under flooring. Please note that in this case the noise will decrease by no more than 10-15 dB.
Try to ensure that the screed and flooring do not come into contact with the walls of the premises. The “floating” design provides better sound insulation properties. Conversely, if the soundproofing layer extends a couple of centimeters onto the walls, this will additionally dampen the sound waves.
We made repairs, didn’t think about soundproofing and now we hear noise from our neighbors, how can we fix it?
Unfortunately, you will have to make changes to repairs that have already been made.
If soundproofing of the floor is necessary, remove the laminate (or other finishing coating) and lay the FONOSTOP DUO soundproofing membrane underneath.
If there are walls, then, as mentioned above, the covering must be removed, a frame must be made and a material like TOPSILENT BITEX must be glued. Likewise for the ceiling.
What materials should be used to soundproof an apartment? How many do you need? How to calculate the required quantity?
Soundproofing an apartment requires an integrated approach. A structure is assembled, a “sandwich” of several materials. The thickness of a high-quality structure is about 7-10 centimeters.
For calculation required quantity, send the dimensions of the room - length, width and height, the manager will make a calculation and tell you what materials will be needed.
What materials are needed for a recording studio?
For a recording studio, both types of materials are important and needed - soundproofing and sound-absorbing. First of all, high-quality sound in a studio is achieved through the use of sound-absorbing, acoustic panels made of melamine foam or open-cell polyurethane. The cellular structure of the material “quenches” sound vibrations. We recommend using thick panels up to 100 mm, this will ensure sound absorption in a wide range of frequencies. In addition, install “bass traps” up to 200-230 mm thick.
With sound insulation, everything is simple - more layers and it is advisable to use two-layer materials with a lead layer, for example, AKUSTIK METAL SLIK.
Which sound insulation is better?
Best material the one that will solve the problem. The same soundproofing materials manifest themselves differently depending on the volume, type of walls, and ceiling of the room. We recommend that you consult with a specialist before you begin any repairs.
How is soundproofing and sound-absorbing materials installed?
The easiest way is to attach sound-absorbing acoustic panels. Take any type of glue and attach it wherever you need it. The material is light and easily adheres to the surface.
For the installation of soundproofing materials, specially designed adhesives are used - OTTOCOLL P270 (for floors) and FONOCOLL (for walls and ceilings).
Do you deliver materials? Is there pick-up?
Yes, we deliver. Select convenient way delivery: pickup from a warehouse in Lyubertsy, delivery by van within the Moscow Ring Road and Moscow region (up to 100 km) or by a transport company if you are far from Moscow.
Where can I see prices?
The price list for soundproofing and sound-absorbing materials is in the “Price Lists” section.
To ensure a good level of comfort, both in life and work, it is very important to create a pleasant sound environment. To solve this problem, soundproofing materials are used. They are represented very widely on the construction market. You can choose a solution based on any parameters: location of application, cost, amount of work, etc. Moreover, in a number of materials, sound insulation is combined with thermal insulation or waterproofing, which is very convenient.
Soundproofing materials
You can install soundproofing walls yourself, although it is better to contact teams that specialize in this. Also, given that sound insulation work requires rather messy processes, you should try to install sound insulation at the stage of preparing the room for finishing.
There are several types of noise that can be grouped into two groups:
- Airborne noise. These are sounds that are carried through the air: screams, conversation, laughter, music. Such noise comes from neighbors through small gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings, as well as through open windows;
- Impact noise. These are sounds that are carried across hard floors and walls. Otherwise, impact noise is also called vibration. Such sounds are especially annoying and unpleasant: drilling a hammer drill; subwoofer; doors slamming; stomp; jumping.
To measure airborne or impact noise you will need special equipment. Exist various models such devices: from professional expensive ones to household ones with quite affordable price up to 2000 rub. Regardless of the cost, the operating principle of noise measuring devices is the same. Converting vibrations of the trapping membrane into electricity. The greater the amplitude of the oscillations, the more amperes are generated. The final data is displayed on the board.
Noise Level Determination Device According to SNiPs, the acceptable noise level in the daytime (from 7:00 to 23:00) is residential buildings is considered to be 40 decibels (dB), which is comparable in volume to a normal conversation.
The upper noise threshold for this time should not exceed 55 dB, which is comparable to the volume level of a typewriter or gentle slapping of a hand on a table. At night in residential buildings, the upper sound threshold is legally set at 40 dB, but the recommended noise level is 20-25 dB (the volume of a whisper).
Often these requirements are unattainable. And often not because of someone’s malicious intent, but because of the features of the house: thin walls, thin partitions, through holes for electrical boxes and sockets, and much more. If vibration and noise insulation in the house does not meet the desired level, then the best solution There will be installation of special soundproofing structures or materials.
Materials for sound insulation must be selected based on how high-quality sound insulation of the walls is required. Preference, other than that equal conditions, is usually given to those materials with a higher sound insulation index. The sound insulation coefficient, sound insulation index or impact noise reduction index is a qualitative indicator that reflects how many dB the impact noise transmitted along walls and ceilings will be reduced.
Sound insulation materials
Soundproofing materials come in the following types:
- soundproofing acoustic sealant;
- soundproofing polyurethane foam boards;
- soundproofing underlays for floor coverings;
- soundproofing panels for floors;
- sound-absorbing linoleum;
- soundproofing tape for damping vibrations;
- soundproofing sealant;
- soundproofing foam;
- non-flammable sound-absorbing mineral wool slabs;
- soundproofing panels;
- self-adhesive roll material against impact noise based on bitumen;
- soundproofing mats for floating floors;
- soundproofing base for floating floors;
- vibration-damping and sound-absorbing mastic;
- sprayed liquid sound insulation based on cellulose;
- soundproofing foam;
- cork backings.
Let's look at some of them:
Shumoplast
A mixture of granules of elastic material, rubber additive and binder on acrylic base. This soundproofing material is designed specifically to create a dampening base for floating floors. Does its job perfectly. The best material for rooms with complex shapes. Shumoplast is also indispensable when working in large rooms.
Impact noise reduction index from 24 to 32 dB
Pros:
- allows you to avoid laying a waterproofing layer;
- shrinkage no more than 5% under a load of 5 kPa;
- allows local unevenness of the floor surface up to 15 mm;
- long service life;
- does not lose soundproofing properties during operation;
- simplicity and high speed of application;
- environmental friendliness.
Minuses:
- It takes time to dry (about a day).
Soundproofing foam
It is a specially shaped foamed polyurethane. The material is used when sound insulation and sound absorption of both noise penetrating into the room and emanating from it is required. Foam rubber is glued to the walls and ceilings of rooms, recording studios, and cinemas to create better acoustics. You can also create special mobile soundproofing panels from soundproofing foam. Acoustic foam rubber is mounted on the surface using glue. Some manufacturers have a self-adhesive film on the back of the material.
Pros:
- installed in an open way;
- elastic and flexible;
- effective material.
Minuses:
- requires careful operation;
- melts when burned, producing toxic smoke;
- destroyed by heat and ultraviolet radiation.
Soundproofing foam Teksound
Soundproofing material made on a mineral basis. Roll sound insulation with high mass density and... The thickness of the material (4 mm) allows it to be used for walls and ceilings.
Impact noise reduction index up to 28 dB
Pros:
- rot resistance;
- flexibility and elasticity;
- easy and simple to install;
- does not change noise insulation properties during operation;
- low-flammable material, self-extinguishing.
Minuses:
- Quite inexpensive sound insulation;
- When installed on concrete, it requires a mandatory substrate.
Teksound Acoustic decorative board Audek
Soundproofing panels are perforated. Combines good sound insulation and decorative finishing. The outside is covered with natural veneer, the color of which can be chosen based on the requirements of the design project. The slabs are designed primarily to absorb sound from inside the room. Installation of soundproofing walls Audek is carried out very quickly.
Sound absorption coefficient up to 0.95
Pros:
- environmental friendliness;
- efficiency
- ease of installation.
Minuses:
- high price.
Audek panels Isoplast
Soundproofing material made from coniferous wood. It suppresses noise well and provides a heat-insulating effect. Can be used as sound insulation under plaster.
Pros:
- environmental friendliness;
- ease of installation.
Minuses:
- high price.
Isoplast Mineral wool
A natural material based on basalt, also called stone wool. Has high density. The manufacturing technology is similar to glass wool. Soundproofing materials of this type combine sound insulation and thermal insulation well.
Impact noise reduction index up to 30 dB
Pros:
- withstands temperatures up to 550˚C;
- does not contain formaldehyde resins;
- does not require lathing during installation;
- environmentally friendly;
- durable;
- resistant to shrinkage;
Minuses:
- absorbs moisture and requires mandatory waterproofing.
Mineral wool Soundproofing membrane
Fine sound insulation made from natural mineral matter and a binder polymer. Soundproofing film can be used on all types of surfaces to which it is attached with glue.
Impact noise reduction index up to 22 dB
Pros:
- operating temperature range from -60˚С to +180;
- high tear resistance;
- elasticity;
- environmental friendliness;
- durability;
- does not break when bent down to -20˚С;
Minuses:
- high price.
Soundproofing membrane Soundproofing plaster
Effective with a thickness of at least 2 cm
Pros:
- speeds up the repair process;
- levels the walls;
- environmentally friendly;
- wide operating temperature range.
Minuses:
- ineffective at suppressing external noise;
- the need to apply several layers
- high price.
Soundproofing plaster Shumoizol
Two-layer material produced in rolls. Comprises non-woven fabric- base and bitumen layer. Excellent vibration and noise insulation. This thin sound insulation, thanks to its good noise-absorbing properties and resistance to compression, can even be used with frameless (a method where metallic profile is not displayed, but gypsum boards are attached directly to the wall).
Impact noise reduction index up to 27 dB
Pros:
- combines soundproofing and waterproofing properties;
- elastic and flexible;
- environmentally friendly;
- durability.
Minuses:
- high price.
Shumoizol Cork
Natural material made from extruded cork chips. Retains sound and heat very well. Available in the form of sheets, panels, rolls, etc.
Impact noise reduction index for material thickness 3 mm - 18 dB
Pros:
- ease of installation;
- does not absorb liquid;
- environmentally friendly;
- durable;
- decorative;
- retains not only sound well, but also heat;
- efficiency.
Minuses:
- Care is required during installation, as the material may tear;
- high price.
Cork Soundproofing
Roll material, a combination of foamed polyethylene foam and a bitumen layer.
Impact noise reduction index up to 23 dB
Pros:
- combines waterproofing and soundproofing properties;
- elastic and flexible;
- environmentally friendly;
- operating temperature range from -25˚С to +85˚С;
- durability;
- low cost.
Minuses:
- not identified.
Soundproofing Specialized types of sound insulation
There are many types of soundproofing materials. Some of them are used exclusively in construction and decoration, while others are universal.
A separate section is dedicated to car sound insulation. Materials that are used on car bodies can also be used in construction.
For example, automotive vibration dampening mastic is perfect if you need to reduce the volume of a tin roof and corrugated sheet metal shed walls. The mastic is applied using a brush or, if the consistency allows, a spray gun. It dries quickly and dampens noise and vibration quite well.
Another good decision sound insulation in the apartment, which is borrowed from the automotive world - vibration damping materials such as Vibroplast or similar. Sheet and roll materials are made on a bitumen basis, akin to Shumaizol or Zvukoisol. An important difference is that Vibroplast is self-adhesive. It is very easy to install - you just need to peel off the protective layer and press the sheet to the insulated surface. A convenient solution for vibration isolation of small areas. For example, this can be used to improve a balcony door.
To create a practically soundproof house, it will not be enough to use only one of the materials listed. Each element of the structure will have its own appropriate and effective solutions. It is best if a combination of several materials is used: for vibration absorption, sound insulation and sound absorption.
As the quality of housing improves, when the issue of the number of square meters has ceased to be the only determining factor, the problem of soundproofing residential premises is becoming increasingly relevant. However, due to the fact that this question is quite specific, i.e. in the theory of acoustics there are a lot of implicit features and “illogical” from the point of view common sense conclusions, a large number of myths and misconceptions have arisen and become established in this area.
This leads to the fact that a large number of people have formed a stable stereotype about what materials, if necessary, can solve all the problems of insufficient sound insulation. However practical use similar materials in best case scenario will leave the situation without visible changes, at worst - will lead to increased noise in the room. As a first example:
The myth about the soundproofing properties of cork
What cork covering- a good sound insulator, almost everyone believes. Statements of this kind can be found on many construction forums. And the “technology” of application is “developed” down to the smallest detail. If you can hear your neighbor behind the wall, you need to cover the wall you share with your neighbor with cork; if the noise is coming from the ceiling, then the ceiling. And the resulting acoustic effect is amazing... by its absence! But what's the matter? After all, the seller showed data from acoustic tests, where the effect of sound insulation was indicated, and not a small effect - about 20 dB! Is it really a scam?!
Not really. The numbers are true. But the fact is that such figures were obtained not for “sound insulation in general”, but only for the so-called impact noise insulation. In addition, the indicated values are only valid when the cork covering is laid under concrete screed or parquet board at the neighbor's upstairs. Then you really hear your neighbor’s steps 20 dB quieter compared to if your neighbor didn’t have this pad under his feet. But for music or the sound of a neighbor’s voice, as well as for all other cases of using cork covering in other options, these “sound insulation” figures, unfortunately, have nothing to do with it. The effect is not only faintly noticeable, it equal to zero! Of course, cork is environmentally friendly and warm material, but it is not worth attributing all possible soundproofing properties to it.
All of the above also applies to polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam (PPE), polyurethane foam and other similar materials that have different brands starting with “foam-” and ending with “-fol”, “-fom” and “-lon”. Even with an increase in the thickness of these materials to 50 mm, their sound insulation properties (with the exception of impact noise insulation) leave much to be desired.
Another misconception, closely related to the first. Let's denote it as:
The myth of thin sound insulation
The basis for this misconception is the struggle to improve the acoustic comfort of a room along with the desire to preserve the original square meters. It is quite understandable to want to maintain the height of the ceiling and the area of the room, and also for standard apartments with a small footage and a low ceiling. According to statistical observations, the vast majority of people are willing to sacrifice “for sound insulation” by increasing the thickness of the wall and ceiling by no more than 10 - 20 mm. In addition to this, there is a requirement to obtain a hard front surface ready for painting or wallpapering.
Here all the same materials come to the rescue: cork, PPE, polyurethane foam up to 10 mm thick. Thermal and sound insulation is added to them as a separate line. But for this case these materials are covered with a layer of plasterboard, which acts as a rigid wall, ready for finishing.
Since the acoustic properties of cork and PPE for sound insulation of walls and ceilings were discussed above, we will focus on thermal and sound insulation.
Thermosound insulation (TZI) is a rolled material, where the polymer material “Lutrasil” is used as a shell (like a duvet cover), and super-thin fiberglass fibers are used as padding (blanket). The thickness of this material ranges from 5-8 mm. I don’t presume to discuss the thermal insulation qualities of TZI, but as for sound insulation:
Firstly, TZI is not a sound-proofing material, but a sound-absorbing material. Thus, we cannot talk about its own sound insulation. We can only talk about sound insulation of a structure in which it is used as a filler.
Secondly, the sound insulation of such a design largely depends on the thickness of the sound-absorbing material located inside. The thickness of the TZI, at which this material will be effective in a soundproofing structure, must be at least 40 - 50 mm. And this is 5 - 7 layers. With a layer thickness of 8 mm, the acoustic effect of this material VERY SMALL. As, indeed, any other materials the same thickness. There's nothing you can do about it - the law of acoustics!
In quality indeed effective material For additional sound insulation of walls and ceilings, ZIPS panels can be recommended. For example, ZIPS-Vector panels with a structure thickness of 53 mm increase noise insulation by 9-11 dB, and the latest ZIPS-III-Ultra with the same thickness - by 11-13 dB. The panels are patented and currently have no analogues in the world.
Thus, with a total thickness of the additional sound insulation structure of 20 - 30 mm (including a layer of plasterboard), one should not expect any noticeable increase in sound insulation.
In addition to these, perhaps the most common misconceptions, there are others, less known, but no less significant. Therefore, in matters of ensuring the required noise insulation of premises, it is best to immediately contact specialists. Sometimes one glance is enough for an acoustics professional to immediately assess the ineffectiveness of the proposed measures or materials used. But the most unpleasant thing is to waste time, effort and money, and not feel the results of your work.
