Keep the noise outside...where it belongs!

Soundproofing with Insulation - Superior sound absorption in Akron, Ohio

We soundproof with insulation that excels at distorting and absorbing sound waves

Insulation does a darn good job at soundproofing - Here's Why


   If you've ever had a child, taken up a new instrument, owned a couple of dogs, or lived near a construction zone (looking at you Akron, Ohio) you know that loud noises traveling through and into the home are distracting, possibly annoying, and easily break concentration when trying to get anything done. 


   How do some homes seem to be quieter than others, even when they are both in the same Akron neighborhood?  The building materials used during construction or renovations play a major part in sounds entering and traveling through the home, including the type of insulation used. 


Consider the Alternatives


   If you're considering soundproofing a room in your Akron home or building, take a look at your insulation installation and drywall first!  The insulation in the walls and ceilings has a major impact on sound absorption and reflection, even more so than expensive sound proofing panels. 


   There are a few types of insulation that just excel at absorbing sound and distorting sound waves. Cellulose insulation, Fiberglass insulation, Mineral wool insulation, and Open Cell spray foam are the top contenders for sound proofing the walls and ceilings of an area. 



Ready for peace and quiet?

Types of soundproofing insulation


  • Cellulose Insulation


Cellulose insulation is made from recycled materials and is densely packed into walls with a professional blowing machine.  This is the most Eco-friendly way to soundproof with insulation and can be used in existing walls.  Because of the tightly packed paper fibers, sound waves are broken down into tiny vibrations that cannot make it to the other side, disrupting the noise from traveling into the rest of the building.


  • Fiberglass and Mineral Wool Insulation


   While cellulose is made from paper fibers, fiberglass and mineral wool insulation also are made from fibers, just using different materials.  Fiberglass is made by super heating glass and spinning it into tiny strings which are wound into a mat that can be cut and placed anywhere.  Mineral wool is made from blasting rock and slag with super heated air to melt and spin it into a wool-like material.  Picture how cotton candy is made at the Summit County Fairgrounds, it’s quite similar!  Fiberglass insulation and Mineral Wool insulation dissipate sound waves similarly to Cellulose insulation, by absorbing the sound waves as tiny vibrations, called Accoustic Absorption.  These vibrations eventually use up their energy and fade away.


Fiberglass is one of the most affordable ways to soundproof a room, it’s a cheap material that is easily installed (if the room is unfinished).  A thicker layer, or even dual layer, of fiberglass will block sound more effectively than a single thinner layer.


  • Open Cell Spray Foam


   Open cell spray foam is the exception, it has no fibers to absorb sound, but instead relies on popped bubbles.  Let me try to explain, open cell spray foam insulation is a foam that cures to a semi-hardened material, there are gasses inside the foam that expand into bubbles, these gas bubbles burst, and then harden, keeping the form of the burst bubble. 


   Sound entering the millions of burst bubbles has no place to go, the sound waves can only bounce around inside the bubble as vibrations, eventually using all of their energy and fading.  This stops quite a bit sound from exiting the other side of the wall.  It is also able to be placed into existing walls without tearing out the drywall, a real perk!
 



But What about Sound Panels? - They might not accomplish what you want them to


   Lets talk about sound panels, I know that some of you have been thinking of or have even installed these into your spaces.  While some are merely cushions of egg crate foam, others are expensively decorated panels that have multiple layers to absorb sound, and wow are they pretty.  But I'll tell you a secret...These only control the sound that is inside that particular room.  They do nothing for transmission of noises between rooms and from the outdoors. 


   So, if you're worried about an echo because you're streaming, yes these can and do help to stop sound from bouncing around and across hard surfaces, however the whole home will still hear every excited noise that is made.  But if you’re aiming to reduce noise throughout the building, sound panels are not a solution that will solve that issue.



Real Talk


   Time to be realistic, I'm sorry to say that sound PROOFING does not exactly exist.  What sound proofing aims to do is dampen sounds enough so that we cannot hear clear sounds thru a soundproofed wall, ceiling or floor.

  We have the technology to quantify the ability of speech to pass thru matter.  In America, it is called Sound Transmission Class, or STC, and it has a range of 25-65.  At STC 25, speech can be heard and understood.  At an STC above 60, neighbors living close by will not hear most sounds coming from your building.  And in the middle, at STC 40, loud voices are just a hum.


   If you have a child or spouse who has taken up drumming or the electric guitar recently, you uniquely understand the importance of a higher sound transmission class!


Proper Soundproofing by Professionals


Akron Home Insulators has the abilities, know-how, and manpower to sound proof your home, building, or a room in your building made to contain loud activities.  We promise to work with your budget, and time frame for the most effective and efficient sound proofing that our insulation can provide.  Call us today 330-352-4456 or send a message to start a soundproofing conversation with an expert who has all of the answers.