Which materials provide the best sound insulation?
Creating effective sound insulation requires the right choice of materials and proper installation. Sound insulation is about reducing sound transmission between different spaces by blocking and absorbing sound waves. The most effective material depends on several factors, such as the frequency of the sound, the material's density, and its ability to reduce both airborne sound and structure-borne noise. To achieve the best possible results, multiple materials are often combined to create a balanced acoustic environment.
Materials with the best sound-insulating properties
Dense and heavy materials – block sound transmission
To stop sound from traveling between rooms, heavy and dense materials are needed to reflect and block sound waves. Some of the most effective sound-blocking materials include:
Plasterboard and double plasterboard layers
Commonly used in sound-insulating walls and ceilings. By using double layers and combining with a damping compound, sound transmission can be effectively reduced.
Solid wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
Dense doors and wall panels made of MDF or solid wood block sound better than thin materials.
Concrete and brick
Naturally heavy materials that effectively reduce sound transmission, though they can enhance reverberation inside a room if not paired with sound-absorbing solutions.
Sound barriers in mass loaded vinyl (MLV)
A very dense and flexible material used to block sound in walls, floors, and ceilings.
Vibration-damping materials – reduce structure-borne noise
Structure-borne noise occurs when sound vibrations travel through solid structures such as walls, floors, and ceilings. To reduce this, vibration-damping materials are used, such as:
Rubber and cork underlay
Placed under flooring to reduce impact sound and vibrations.
Floating floors with damping layers
A construction where an elastic layer is installed between the floor and subfloor to break sound transmission.
Vibration-damping foam and mounts
Used in industrial environments to reduce machine noise, but also effective in homes to dampen vibrations from washing machines and speakers.
Suspended ceilings on springs
A method where the ceiling is suspended with elastic mounts to reduce structure-borne noise between floors.
Combine materials for optimal sound insulation
The most effective sound insulation is achieved by combining different materials and methods. Examples of how this can be applied in different environments:
Offices and workplaces
Polyester acoustic panels on walls, ceiling absorbers, and wall-to-wall carpets to reduce noise levels and improve concentration.
Music studios and home theaters
A combination of rubber mats, acoustic foam, heavy curtains, and MLV to both absorb sound and reduce sound leakage.
Apartments and multi-family housing
Sound-absorbing wall panels, sealed windows, and rugs to reduce noise from neighbors and traffic.
Another important aspect is installation. Gaps, cracks, and poor mounting can diminish the effectiveness of even the best sound insulation materials. To maximize noise reduction:
- Use acoustic sealants in joints and door gaps.
- Install sound-insulating doors instead of thin interior doors.
- Use vibration-damping mounts to reduce sound transmission through the building structure.