The best materials for noise insulation

If you are tired of listening to conversations behind the wall and neighbor's music, and you just want to create a quiet corner in the house, the best materials for noise insulation will help you with this. They will also be relevant in recording studios, cinemas, conference rooms and other places where calmness and good acoustics are important. This rating considers the most effective sound-absorbing membranes, panels, drywall, plaster, mineral boards for finishing ceilings, walls, floors, partitions.

Materials for noise insulation which company is better to choose

The market of modern materials for sound insulation has more than 50 manufacturers, among which there are both domestic and foreign companies. This list includes firms with good value for money.

The following companies were included in the TOP leaders in terms of production volume and quality of goods:

• U-Stucco - a supplier of plaster with heat and sound insulation properties, the first product was released by him back in 1999. The mixtures are made from polystyrene and other safe components, they do not contain derivatives from petroleum products that can cause allergies. Among the advantages of the company's products should be noted the ease of application, since one layer is enough for effective noise absorption. For this purpose, you can use both a spatula and a special machine. It is somehow not particularly required to pre-prepare the work surface, which saves time and money on paying for the services of specialists.
• Soundguard - the company offers professional sound insulation materials for sound absorption in residential and commercial buildings. They are used in offices, industries, apartments and private houses, kindergartens. The company's products can be used to decorate the ceiling, floor, walls, they are suitable both for laying under a screed and laminate, and for creating a finishing coating for partitions. They are characterized by a high sound absorption coefficient, flexibility, good density, and resistance to moisture. All this guarantees ease of installation, durability of structures, and their safety even for allergy sufferers.
• Tecsound - under this brand are sold various adhesives, sealants, tapes, polyurethane foam, soundproof panels and membranes. The latter are synthetic, although they do not harm health due to the absence of lead and bitumen in the composition. These products are effective in preventing the penetration of airborne and impact noise into the room, since they have a pronounced damping ability. They are easy to install due to the possibility of fixing on horizontal surfaces without the use of glue. The company's products are flexible enough for comfortable work, but they do not break or crumble even at high temperatures. They are also distinguished by their resistance to excessive moisture.
• Echoton - some of the best soundproofing materials are produced under this trademark: curtains, panels, plates. They are interesting for their aesthetics and decorativeness, which is why they are successfully used as an independent coating. Very often they are used to decorate walls in recording studios, home theaters, and music rooms.The advantages of the products of this company include good sound absorption, optimal dimensions for ease of installation, excellent density and high strength. In this rating, the manufacturer is represented by foam rubber "Kvadra" and "Pyramid".
• AcousticGyps - the company produces sealants and soundproof panels, which are used to create various partitions, during wall and ceiling cladding. They are used with wood, metal, concrete surfaces. They are characterized by a good sound insulation index Rw - 18 dB. The main areas of use for these products are recording studios, cinemas, concert halls. They are also relevant in living quarters, meeting rooms and conference rooms. The key advantages of the brand's offerings are ease of installation, high installation speed, fire safety and moisture resistance.
• Gyproc - the world's largest supplier of gypsum mixtures and sheets, including for noise insulation of residential and commercial buildings. Its products are lightweight, resistant to high humidity and temperature, fire safety and environmental friendliness. Their use does not harm health and allows you to save on the consumption of other finishing materials due to the aesthetics of the appearance and the special shape of the crumb. Gyproc products are also interesting in terms of versatility, as they are successfully used for finishing both ceilings and floors.
• Shumanet Is a trademark of the Acoustic Group company, which began its work in 2001. Sound-absorbing premium-segment products are produced under it; they are made of mineral wool and fiberglass. Each is hydrophobic to protect it from prolonged exposure to moisture. They are non-flammable and can withstand significant mechanical stress, while not placing a heavy load on the supporting structures. Products are assembled without the use of special equipment; you do not need to involve professionals in the process due to the ease of installation.

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Rating of the best noise insulation materials

When preparing this TOP, we used customer reviews and learned the opinion of specialists. To select the most effective and high-quality materials, all their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages were carefully studied.

This is what caught our attention during the analysis:

• Type of material - plaster, membrane, drywall, foam rubber, mineral board;
• Sizes and color;
• Thickness and density;
• Surface type - smooth or embossed;
• Air and impact sound absorption coefficient;
• Coverage area;
• The weight;
• Protection against high humidity and fungi;
• Natural composition and lack of unpleasant odor;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Amount in a package;
• Purpose - application in residential and commercial buildings, laying on floors or walls.

While searching for the best soundproofing materials, we also paid attention to their durability and ease of installation - there is no need to resort to the services of specialists and buy special equipment.

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The best soundproof plaster

Dry mixes for creating a soundproof layer are made on the basis of gypsum, cement, lime and other binding components. They cover both the entire wall and only some part of it, for example, fill the voids. Due to this, extraneous noise does not penetrate the room. It is environmentally friendly and resistant to long-term exposure to negative environmental factors. This is exactly what the material presented in this category is.

U-Stucco RDX

U-Stucco RDX plaster is intended for interior work and for creating a single-layer wall covering. The latter saves time and labor costs. It has pronounced sound insulation properties and weighs much less than ordinary plaster. They can handle a wide variety of surfaces - foam concrete, brick, wood and even metal.

The product is more environmentally friendly, almost half made from recycled materials. High resistance to heat and open fire is responsible for the safety of its use, it does not melt or ignite. When applied correctly, it does not interfere with the walls "breathing" normally and provides prevention of dampness and mold in the room.

Advantages

• Economical consumption - about 3 kg per wall with a layer of 10 mm and an area of ​​up to 1 sq. m .;
• Sold in packs of 20 kg;
• Uniform texture;
• Does not require thorough mixing when preparing a working mixture;
• Soundproofing properties do not deteriorate over time.

disadvantages

• Not low cost;
• Cardboard packaging can get wet in high humidity.

In the reviews, it is noted that with a strong roughness of the walls, the consumption increases by 10-20%.

The best soundproof membranes

This material is a flexible sheet, rolled into rolls, with a thickness of 3.7 mm. They are actively used on the basis of both industrial and residential buildings, they are suitable for creating a soundproof layer on walls, floors, ceilings. Their installation does not require expensive equipment and special tools. Of all the options on the market, two membranes with the best characteristics deserve special attention: high density, good sound absorption, etc.

Soundguard

This product is versatile and widely used for noise insulation both in residential and commercial premises: offices, production halls, etc. According to reviews, the desired effect is pronounced, which became possible due to the thickness of 3.7 mm and low porosity. This membrane serves as a substrate for the preparation of the topcoat and is effective when laying floating screed on floors.

The Soundguard membrane has found application in both frame and frameless structures. It is compatible with gypsum-fiber and gypsum board, oriented strand board, plywood, etc. This material for soundproofing walls is distinguished by its ultrathinness, the sheet thickness is no more than 2 mm, which does not significantly affect the height of the ceilings.

Advantages

• RW - 27 dB;
• Supplied in rolls of 3 sq. m .;
• Good flexibility for easy styling;
• It stretches without problems, but it does not tear;
• Can fit in both horizontal and vertical planes.

disadvantages

• The roll weighs 12 kg.

My personal experience of using Soundguard has shown that this membrane is not afraid of exposure to high and low temperatures, calmly withstands their drops and excessive humidity, is not susceptible to the formation of mold and mildew, and does not start to rot over time. Therefore, it can be safely used both in subtropical climates and in conditions of frequent cold weather.

Tecsound

Texound is a self-adhesive membrane with low thickness and good elasticity. It is made on the basis of natural ingredients - aragonite mineral and binding polymers. Thanks to this, the product is sufficiently flexible with a thickness of at least 4 mm, which makes styling easier, but at the same time increases the service life. It is a versatile product suitable for soundproofing gypsum fiber, plasterboard, glass-magnesium, plywood and other coatings.

Sound insulation index is obtained at around 28 dB, which ensures the comfort of staying in the room. The material is certified according to the quality standards adopted in Europe and is recognized as environmentally friendly. Its natural composition does not harm human health, and it itself is durable due to its high resistance to decay and the effects of various bacteria. The product has found application in soundproofing suspended ceilings, metal and wooden doors, roofs, for example, in the case of arranging a residential attic.

Advantages

• The composition does not contain bitumen and other harmful components;
• Large quantity in a pallet - 24 pcs.;
• Suitable for sound insulation of any structures:
• Good density - 6.9 kg / m²;
• Large area - 6.1 m²;
• Safe against fire.

disadvantages

• High price;
• Not easy;
• It is not very convenient to cut into pieces due to the large weight.

Reviews say that, with the exception of the severity of the material, it is quite easy to lay it even for a layman.

Best acoustic foam

This material is called so because of its ability to increase air resistance and thereby reduce the amplitude of the waves it creates, and their energy turns into not very strong heat. As a result, sound quality and speech clarity are improved, which is beneficial for recording studios, cinemas, theaters, etc. We analyzed 5 offers from various manufacturers and from this number we selected only 2 options with the optimal thickness and density.

Pyramid 30 Echoton

The manufacturer claims that this foam absorbs 25% more sound compared to other technical products. It has successfully passed more than one acoustics test and is found to be effective for residential use. The product is produced in classic black color and in practical sizes 1950 * 950 mm, which make the styling process quicker and easier. The pyramid is 3 cm high and the panel thickness is 5 cm, which also guarantees a reduction in the noise level in the room.

Acoustic material for soundproofing walls is especially relevant in home music studios. Its installation is carried out after the final surface treatment. It is useful for full coverage of floors, walls, ceilings, and for partial, in order to create "traps" for bass. However, it can be difficult to determine on your own the points that need to be covered with foam rubber.

Advantages

• Suitable for all types of premises;
• Beautiful colour;
• Does not require another layer on top;
• Good density;
• Does not require division into segments;
• Easy to lay.

disadvantages

• The surface requires good leveling before installation.

The pyramid is made of synthetic polyurethane foam (PPU) material. Despite this, it is recognized as completely safe for human health and the environment.

Quadra

Compared to the previous material, this acoustic foam has a smoother surface. Most often it is chosen to improve the sound quality when operating a home theater or music center. It consists almost entirely of air, the rest of the volume is occupied by polyurethane foam. Its key differences are the almost complete absorption of external noise with a panel thickness of 3 cm.

Due to the lack of numerous components in the Quadra composition, this foam rubber weighs less than others. It can be laid on any surface, even uneven and difficult ones - window sills, corners, etc. This product is interesting in terms of aesthetics and decorative properties, and therefore allows you to stop finishing the premises during its installation.

Advantages

• Cheapness;
• Classic dark color;
• Optimal thickness;
• Does not tear when stretched;
• Smells almost nothing.

disadvantages

• Not available in all stores;
• It is sold only in one small size - 1000x500x50 mm.

Acoustic foam rubber "Kvadra" has a high sound absorption coefficient: 0.2-0.9, as well as a considerable number of pores - 400 pcs. for 1 sq. cm, which guarantees its breathability and the absence of unpleasant odors in the room.

The best soundproofing drywall

This material is the most affordable, safe and easy to install. It is sold in the form of sheets of certain sizes, which are used to create partitions or cladding the inside of walls. They can be used to decorate both floors and walls and the ceiling. The sound absorption coefficient of this product is quite high, but in very noisy industries, it may not be enough for effective sound insulation. This category includes 2 of the most reliable products from popular companies.

AcousticGyps

This is the most cost-effective option, designed specifically for soundproofing residential and commercial premises. It is a building and finishing material with a smooth surface. This simplifies the wall cladding process, and the cardboard layer provides a better finish. The product is characterized by increased strength due to its good core density (880 kg / m³).

What makes AcousticGyps gypsum plasterboard one of the best soundproofing materials is that it resists high temperatures and excessive moisture thanks to its fiberglass reinforcement, thus effectively absorbing sound. It is used for the construction of partitions and cladding structures, for finishing wooden and concrete walls, and for creating suspended ceilings. Due to its safety, it is relevant both in hospitals and in preschool institutions.

Advantages

• Wide range of applications;
• During installation, a lot of debris does not appear;
• Due to the small thickness, useful area is saved;
• Sheets do not break;
• Beautiful blue color.

disadvantages

• Large panels - 1200x2500x12.5 mm.

Gyproc Strong Acoustic Long

This material has the same length and width as the previous one: 2500x1200 mm, which makes it possible to speed up the installation process. However, the thickness of the sheets here is increased to 15 mm, due to which the strength is increased and the sound insulation properties are improved. The product is designed to absorb noise in residential, industrial, public premises. Both ceilings and walls are faced with it, and due to its beautiful appearance and pleasant gray-blue color, it can serve as a topcoat.

Gyproc Strong Acoustic Long sheets are made of a gypsum core and fiberglass reinforced with special additives for strength. They are covered with colored cardboard from above and have a smooth surface. Due to its good strength, drywall calmly withstands large mechanical loads. Also, this product is not afraid of high humidity and high temperatures, which increases its service life.

Advantages

• Pronounced soundproofing properties;
• Maximum possible load - 65 kg per one MOLA (OLA) butterfly dowel;
• High quality cardboard is used to cover the sheets;
• Outside on the surface there are marks to indicate the attachment points of self-tapping screws;
• High-quality seam thanks to the special shape of the Pro-edge;
• Ecomaterial Absolute certified for sustainability;
• The sound insulation index of noise Rw is 53 dB.

disadvantages

• Considerable weight;
• Large sheet sizes;
• Not very convenient to cut.

Reviews speak of a significant acceleration in the creation of the finish due to the smooth surface of the drywall sheets, and this also saves on putty.

Best Soundproof Mineral Slabs

These slabs are most often made on the basis of basalt wool, which, in addition to soundproofing properties, also has good thermal conductivity. It absorbs noise in the frequency range of 125-4000 Hz with a coefficient close to unity. The last indicator is influenced by the thickness and density of their adherence to the wall or floor. After examining the characteristics of 7 options, we settled on the 2 best materials for noise insulation.

Shumanet BM

Mineral slab Shumanet BM is created on a basalt base, which gives building materials strong sound-absorbing properties. High acoustic quality was ensured by a good density (40 kg / m3), the absence of pores, as such, and a thickness of 5 cm.However, precisely because of the latter indicator, this product is not very relevant for small rooms where every centimeter of space is valuable. The package sells 4 sheets with dimensions 1200x600, which, on the one hand, is convenient for stacking, and on the other hand, speeds up the process.

Shumanet BM is made of non-combustible materials, and therefore resistant to high temperatures and fireproof.It also serves for a long time due to the confident resistance to moisture, decay, microbes due to high-quality hydrophobic processing. The low specific weight (47 kg / m3) does not allow the product to overload the supporting structures and allows installation without the use of special equipment. It is actively used both for facing walls and ceilings, and for filling the voids between the main structures.

Advantages

• Suitable for both industrial and residential premises;
• Simplicity of styling;
• No unpleasant smell;
• Noise absorption coefficient NRC - 0.9;
• Total weight - 5.75 kg;
• Smooth surface.

disadvantages

• The aesthetic appearance leaves much to be desired.

SoundGuard EcoAcoustic 80

This is a more expensive option compared to the previous one, but the quality, according to reviews, is somewhat higher. The board is environmentally friendly and safe, as it is made only of acrylic binder and mineral fibers. These sheets are intended for noise insulation of ceilings and walls, with which they do a good job due to the density of 75 kg / m3. During installation, dust does not appear and the working space remains clean, and harm to health is also excluded, since no hazardous substances are released.

Since this acoustics does not contain formaldehydes and other aggressive additives, it is boldly used to decorate walls and ceilings in living quarters, including children's rooms where an allergic child lives. Also, this stove is relevant in recording studios, in listening rooms and cinemas with several halls to eliminate extraneous noise. Its important feature is the absence of chips during installation due to its good strength. Installation is also facilitated by laying the slabs between the posts, for which no fasteners are required.

Advantages

• The highest class of sound insulation - A;
• Fire safety;
• Resistance to high humidity;
• Has thermal insulation properties;
• Doesn't shrink over time;
• Does not give off unpleasant odor.

disadvantages

• Nondescript color.

The set comes with 4 or 10 plates to choose from, buying more can save you a little. With such a volume, it is possible to cover an area of ​​3 sq. m. Also available for sale are sheets of two thicknesses - 20 and 50 mm.

What noise insulation materials are better to buy

One of the most important selection criteria is the sound absorption coefficient, which varies from 0 to 1, and the closer the value is to one, the better the sound insulation effect will be. For interior decoration, it is preferable to use products with additional good thermal conductivity, for example, mineral boards. But inside, a special drywall, plaster, membrane will be quite appropriate.

Here is the best soundproofing material to buy:

• To improve the sound quality in recording studios, cinemas, conference halls, you can stop on the Pyramid 30 Echoton or Quadra foam rubber.
• If you plan to make a coating that would also absorb air and vibration noise, it is better to pay attention to AcousticGyps drywall or Gyproc Strong Acoustic Long.
• If the same material will be used for decoration of walls, ceilings and floors, then the special soundproof membranes Soundguard and Tecsound will be the best option.
• Shumanet BM and SoundGuard EcoAcoustic 80 are well suited for creating simultaneous sound and heat insulation.

The rating considered the best materials for sound insulation of both residential and public premises. All their possible varieties are presented here, taking into account all kinds of operating conditions, therefore, when choosing a suitable option, it is first of all recommended to decide where exactly the product you like will be used.