By using soundproofing panels, you can escape the noise in your neighborhood or improve the quality of sound in your living space. Soundproofing your walls will keep out unwanted noise, creating a space where you can truly enjoy any audio you’re listening to. Let’s take a closer look at how soundproofing panels work.
Soundproofing panels work by absorbing and deflecting sound waves. Some panels also feature a dampening material that helps to reduce reverberation. They act as high-density barriers that prevent mid and high-frequency sound waves from going into or out of enclosed spaces.
We can use soundproofing panels in cars, offices, houses, recording studios, and gaming rooms. Read on for more information on how soundproofing panels work and the most effective types for your space.
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The Magic of Soundproofing Panels
Soundproof panels are large cutouts of fabric or foam installed on surfaces like ceilings, walls, and even doors to trap the sound energy that hits them. This insulation prevents the sounds from escaping the room.
As sound travels from its source, it comes in contact with walls, furniture, utensils, floor tiles, and other surfaces. Once the sound strikes an object, part of its energy gets absorbed. Some of it bounces off, while the rest travels through the object.
When sound waves hit soundproof panels, the material in the panel bounces back and forth, and there is a reduction in the sound’s pressure. When the sound gets absorbed by the panel, it creates a room free from noise and echoes.
Soundproofing panels are primarily used to prevent sound from going outside an area. However, they can also prevent the outside noise from getting in.
What Are Soundproofing Panels Made Of?
We’re all accustomed to wood being the most common soundproofing barrier in our homes. But with soundproofing panels, the type of material you use will have a significant impact on dampening the sound.
They make soundproofing panels from a variety of materials, the most common being fiberglass, foam, and mineral wool. Fiberglass is a popular choice because it’s strong and can resist moisture, while foam is effective at blocking sound waves. Mineral wool is also pretty efficient at dampening sound.
Each material comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll have to decide which one works best for your needs. If you’re looking for a panel that’s affordable and easy to install, foam is probably the best option.
However, mineral wool is a better choice if you’re looking for a solid layer of soundproofing that will significantly dampen noises. If you choose soundproofing panels and not an alternative, make sure the panels are certified for soundproofing use.
Best Soundproofing Panels
If you’re looking for a way to insulate your home from outside noise without installing a complicated setup, soundproofing panels work.
Some panels come with an adhesive backing so we can easily apply them over any surface, including wooden floors. While there are plenty of good options out there, here are some of the best soundproofing panels on the market:
Acoustimac
Dailycooper Self-adhesive Acoustic Panels
Auralex Brand
What To Consider When Buying Your Soundproofing Panel
Soundproofing panels are perhaps the most efficient way to reduce noise in any space. These panels come with distinct qualities depending on usage and the price range you’re looking at. For example, some thinner panels may not be effective at keeping outside noises away from your ears. However, an office full of typing could find these panels useful.
When buying a soundproofing panel, here are some factors to consider.
Thickness of Panels
The density of the material used will determine the strength of the sound barrier. The thicker the panel, the more effective it will be at keeping out sounds. Professionals recommend panels with a thickness of at least two inches (5.08 cm).
Panel Placement
If you have speakers pointing at a flat surface, it’s best to place the soundproofing panels in spots where the sound bounces back. Putting sound panels in front of each speaker should help reduce the reflection of sound when it hits a flat surface.
Number of Panels
It is essential to gauge the number of panels you need for your living space. An increased number of panels translates to better soundproofing. There are companies out there that specialize in this and in hiding it.
A few panels placed in the right spots will do the work effectively. If they look like an unassuming print or piece of art, that helped. Like what I found here:
Some of these are beautiful. And I know some companies will even personalize the print. And these may seem flat compared to others we’re about to talk about, but the material the companies make it from still works.
Shape of Panels
Different soundproofing panels come in different shapes and designs, like wedges, egg crates, or pyramids. They make each one with certain angles to reduce the chances of sound waves bouncing back. You may need to experiment a little to find the right fit for you.
Some DIY versions of sound panels
Want the same effect without the big spend? There are ways around using the more expensive soundproofing panels that work similarly. They may not be as fancy or if they are, they may not be made of the really cool materials I listed above, but they also don’t come with a high price point. If you haven’t guessed it now, I’m sure you will have an “ah-ha!” moment any second.
Egg Crate Mattress Covers
Yep! I mean it! And if you want to paint them, you can. It will lessen the soundproofing, but it might look better, considering most of these things are made of foam and are that icky yellow-orange color. Sometimes you can find them in different colors and to that I say – CONGRATULATIONS! The point is, they are easy to place, and have ridges on one side to help dampen the soundwaves and keep sound from bouncing back at you or causing an echo. This is everything you needed.
Blanket the Walls
This is what I have done. I needed my room soundproofed quickly and at the time I didn’t have anything for soundproofing. So, I put up two queen-sized, fluffy blankets. I then placed little bits of artwork I have collected over the years on those to help with the decorative feel. There is no longer an echo in my room!
Stuffing Canvas Prints
Some of the most popular names in YouTube and Twitch streaming have suggested this. If it works for them, it can work for you! And, it’s much more decorative than what I mentioned above. What do you do? Well, you get some large canvases/prints on canvas with the back open. You then put old towels or small blankets in this backspace. Once it’s full, you seal it in with tape or whatever you think will work. Hang these on your walls and the material inside the canvas will act as a soundproofing tool.
Conclusion
Investing in a set of soundproof panels can significantly improve the quality of your living space. With so many panels out there, including ideas for making some yourself, surely you can come up with something that works for you. No need to put up with unwanted noise or echoes in this day and age. Plan to create your own soundproofing or check out the various soundproofing panels available on the market and choose the one that’s best for you.
