Soundproofing is any means of reducing the sound level with respect to a specified sound source and receptor. There are several basic approaches to reducing sound: increasing the distance between source and receiver, using noise barriers to reflect or absorb the energy of the sound waves, using damping materials or structure.
There are five elements in sound reduction Such as, Absorption, Damping, Decoupling, Distance and Mass.
The "Absorption" aspect in soundproofing should not be confused with Sound Absorbing Panels used in acoustic treatments. "Absorption" in this sense only refers to reducing a resonating frequency in a cavity by installing insulation between walls, ceilings or floors. Acoustic Panels can play a role in a treatment only after walls or ceilings have been soundproofed, reducing the amplified reflection in the source room.
Sound Absorption
Sound absorbing material controls the sound pressure levels within a cavity, Fibrous absorption material such as mineral wool, fiberglass wool, synthetic fibre glass wool are more commonly used to deaden resonant frequencies within a cavity (wall, floor, or ceiling).
Damping
Damping can reduce the acoustic resonance in the air, or mechanical resonance in the structure of the room itself or things in the room.
Decoupling
Creating separation between a sound source and any form of adjoining mass, hindering the direct pathway for sound transfer. Decoupling a wall involves the use of Resilient Isolation Clips or Sound Damping Pads. The clips should be staggered when installed (every other stud) to create less pathways for sound to transfer. The Resilient Isolation Channel easily clicks into the Resilient Clips, between the stud and drywall. Fine thread screws are used to screw the dry wall into the Resilient Channel. Screws should be the correct length in order to not pierce a stud, this will compromise the efficiency of the decoupled wall.
Distance
The energy density of sound waves decreases as they become farther apart, so that increasing the distance between the receiver and source results in a progressively lesser intensity of sound at the receiver. In a normal three-dimensional setting, with a point source and point receptor, the intensity of sound waves will be attenuated according to the inverse square of the distance from the source.
Mass
Adding dense material to a treatment in order to stop sound waves from exiting a source wall, ceiling or floor. Use of Mass Loaded Vinyl, Drywall, Soundproof Sheetrock, Plywood, MDF, Concrete or Rubber. Different widths and densities in soundproofing material reduces sound within a variable frequency range. Use of multiple layers of material is essential to the success in any treatment.
Comments