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Sound absorption is what is needed to improve the sound in a room.
This is what is used when creating a recording studio or a home theater.
Soundproofing on the other hand aims to block off sound from penetrating or leaving a certain space.
Soundproofing is aimed to reduce or depreciate the sounds entering or exiting an area through the installation or application of sound and noise barriers.
There are many materials in the market that can do this.
There are a number of reasons why soundproofing materials are used.
Offices normally need soundproofing to ensure that noise that enters boardrooms or conference rooms are kept at a minimum to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Music studios on the other hand are soundproofed to prevent music from penetrating into the other rooms in the studio.
Most children's quarters are also soundproofed to allow minimal noise to enter and ensure that the children can sleep uninterruptedly throughout the night.
Also with the developments in technology, more cost effective and simpler installations can already be made.
Before making any soundproofing decisions, make sure to consider several factors- the area where your house is located, the source or nature of the noise, and of course, the budget you are willing to spend for the soundproofing.
One good thing to know is the STC of the index of sound transmission.
This indicates the extent of soundproofing, the higher the index, the higher the ability to absorb sound.
A normal wall would have an STC rating of 20 or 25.
This allows you to hear normally through it.
However, if you want speech toned down to a murmur, what you will need is an STC rating of about 42.
One very useful method is to use foam insulation.
Lead-lined sheetrock and foams should be installed during the construction of the home.
Otherwise, installing these would require tearing down existing portions of the wall or at times the entire wall.
Spray foam is highly recommended for any space from 1/2 inches to 2 inches thick.
It holds an STC rating of 40 to 50.
Foam is sprayed into the walls without having to extract pieces of drywall and therefore will not require any major reconstruction.
This would cost around $0.
50 to about $2.
25 per square foot.
Aside from cellulose based foams, there are also acoustic foams that can be used as an effective soundproofing means.
Vinyl soundproofing or what is referred to as mass loaded vinyl, on the other hand has an STC rating of about 42 to 55.
It is very lightweight and has a higher mass than what is expected from a material of such thinness.
It is exactly this characteristic that gives MLV its soundproofing capabilities.
Using MLV would cost about $2.
00 per square foot.
Rock wool is also another good option for insulation.
New production techniques similar to producing cotton candy by spinning molten rock at high sped to produce a mass of intertwined fibers with a diameter of about 6 to 10 micrometers.
This material when pressed into sheets or rolls has the ability to effectively insulate and absorb sound.
Rock wool insulation costs about $0.
80 per square foot.
Just remember that whatever sound proofing material is chosen, the ultimate benefit shall be peace and quiet.
Whether it be for noise free work nights at home without having to worry about noisy children or just to block out the city noise from the bedroom, the recommended materials above will work just fine to bring a huge change in the amount of noise that enters a particular area.
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