What is Sound Insulation

Introduction to sound insulation:

Sound waves travel fast over flat, hard, straight and less dense surfaces. A hard and straight surface reflects back most of the sound waves when they strike it. If any sound is to be stopped from leaving or entering a particular area, – a building or a room, it has to be insulated, made sound proof. Sound insulation involves different principles, structures and types of insulation to sound proof an enclosed area, to prevent sound from filtering in or out of the space. Sound waves are not all absorbed; they are either reflected back, refract or form an echo.

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Factors affecting sound insulation


Space- An increase in space causes a decrease in sound.

Mass - A thick, heavy and dense insulating material will reduce more noise.

Dampening – Transfer of sound through layers of different materials and densities can retard the sound vibrations, dampening the noise.


Sound insulation process


To insulate or sound-proof a room, an absorbent surface has to be provided which reduces reflection of sound waves. Sound insulation works on reflected sound and not on direct sound.

The absorption coefficient of a sound proofing substance is the ratio of the incident sound waves to the   amount of waves absorbed by a particular surface. It can be between the range of 0-1. A substance with 0.8 coefficients will absorb 80% of the sound waves. Sound insulating material is usually porous and of different compositions and densities. The air channels of the porous material should be open so that the sound waves can travel into them and be absorbed. Lead, foam or fiber glass is generally used as insulating material in acoustics. They vary in thickness, density and composition. Prefabricated panels of insulation are also available which can be used on the ceilings and walls.

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Conclusion to sound insulation


Sound insulation has to be done to the floor, walls, and the ceiling of a room or building to make it effective.The effectiveness of an insulating material as a good sound barrier mainly depends on its level of density.