Sound insulation and sound absorption for industry and warehouses – create a safer and more functional working environment
In industrial and warehouse environments, noise is a natural part of operations. Machinery, transport, forklifts, production, and logistics create noise levels that, without the right measures, can affect the working environment, safety, and efficiency. Sound insulation and sound absorption are used to control how sound is generated, propagated, and perceived in premises where many people and processes interact. The right measures contribute to better working conditions, clearer communication, and reduced stress on staff.
Three different measures – three different functions
In industry and warehouses, it is important to distinguish between sound absorption, sound insulation, and vibration damping, as they solve different problems.
Sound absorption
Sound absorption is used to reduce echo and reverberation in a room. In large premises with hard surfaces, such as concrete floors, metal walls, and high ceilings, sound bounces around between surfaces for a long time. This makes the sound level seem higher than it is and makes speech more difficult to understand.
Sound insulation
Sound insulation is designed to stop sound from spreading between different rooms, zones, or departments. This is particularly important when noisy processes need to be separated from workstations, offices, or staff areas.
Vibration damping
Vibration damping reduces vibrations and structure-borne noise that spreads through the building's structure. It is mainly used for machines and technical equipment that generate vibrations that would otherwise propagate through floors, walls, and ceilings.
Common noise problems in industrial and warehouse environments
Echo and long reverberation are common in warehouses, production facilities, and terminals. Conversations and instructions are drowned out by background noise, which can lead to misunderstandings and an increased risk of accidents. At the same time, noise from machines and transport often spreads to adjacent areas, where it affects work peace and concentration. In some cases, low-frequency noise and vibrations occur that are felt rather than heard.
How sound-absorbing solutions are used in industry
Sound-absorbing solutions are placed on surfaces where sound reflections are strongest. Ceiling absorbers are often the most effective basic measure in large premises, while wall absorbers are used to improve speech intelligibility and reduce reflections in work zones. Sound-absorbing curtains can reduce reflections from large glass surfaces or be used as flexible screens. Room dividers with sound-absorbing properties are used to divide open spaces and create quieter work areas without permanent alterations.
When sound insulation and vibration damping are needed
When the problem is not the noise level in the room but noise spreading between spaces, sound insulation is required. This may involve machine rooms, technical rooms, or production areas that need to be screened off. Vibration damping is used when noise spreads through the building's structure, for example from machines that are in direct contact with floors, walls, or ceiling structures.
Well-considered advice for long-term results
A common misjudgment is to use only sound absorption where sound insulation or vibration damping is required, or vice versa. For best results, the sound problem should be analyzed based on how the sound is generated and propagated. By combining the right measures, a more controlled sound environment is created that works over time and is adapted to the needs of the business.
Sound insulation, sound absorption, and vibration damping are therefore key tools for creating safer, more productive, and more sustainable industrial and warehouse environments.