How Does Sound Proofing Work?

About Soundproofing

Soundproofing is done to either block noise from entering a room or to block noise from leaving a room. Soundproofing works by using materials that either reduce sound or absorb sound. While sound usually cannot be blocked one-hundred percent, a substantial noise reduction is possible.

Reducing Sound

A thick wall or other material is used to reduce sound. Permanent walls, temporary walls, foam, room dividers and curtains are among the materials that are used to reduce sound. Soundproofing materials for reducing sound are often made out of wood and fiberglass, but there are many other materials that can be used as well. Forming an air tight barrier around the walls or curtains increases sound reduction by preventing noise from getting through the air holes. A common saying is, If water can fit through the area, so can sound. Now you cannot make a room totally air tight or you would not be able to get enough oxygen, but you can limit air spaces to minimize noise. Another noise reduction method that is commonly used is to build two walls or two doors with an airspace in between. The two doors or walls provide extra material to block sound. The air space in the middle creates a sort of bubble that helps to block sound.

Absorbing Sound

A problem with reducing sound with thick walls or doors is that the sound can bounce off the walls or doors and create an undesirable echo effect in the room.This issue is dealt with by using materials that will absorb the sound. Dense foam is a popular material used for sound absorption. Foam and other soft materials absorb sound because the sound travels into the soft surface and gets reduced as a result. Foam and other soft materials can be placed inside a wall or attached to the outside of a wall.

Areas of a Room to Soundproof

Sound can enter though doors, windows, thin walls, the floor or even the roof. When soundproofing a room, it is important to evaluate the room to see which areas need to be soundproofed. Stand in the room, listen and walk around to try to follow where noise is getting in or out.