By Akos Sandor, Acoustic Market Manager at SOPREMA UK.
At SOPREMA, we are committed to offering the best insulation solutions on the market. We not only dedicate our R&D to developing premium thermal insulation products and systems; soundproofing is equally high on our agenda – as is the case for contractors, architects and specifiers all over the UK, who want to keep noise pollution to an absolute minimum for the building occupant. In this article, we explain exactly what acoustic insulation is, which types of noises can be cancelled, how acoustic insulation works, and which SOPREMA solutions you can use to soundproof walls, floors and ceilings.
What is Acoustic Insulation?
Acoustic insulation works in two directions. On the one hand, it serves to keep out annoying noises that would prevent building occupants from focusing, relaxing or getting a good night’s sleep, ensuring a quiet and peaceful indoor environment. On the other hand, acoustic insulation helps keep loud noises in, which is crucial for discotheques, recording studios, industrial workshops and other busy or loud establishments.
In general, soundproofing comes down to reducing the unwanted transmission of sound waves. These waves can be transmitted by objects and materials, such as furniture, floors or walls, but they can also be airborne. Airtightness, in other words, is an important part of acoustic insulation. Wherever air can flow through gaps or cracks, sound can also escape and travel through a building.
How Acoustic Insulation Works?
Acoustic panels, sound insulation foam and other acoustic insulation products create a barrier to sound, greatly reducing the level of noise transmitted – or even blocking the noise completely. More specifically, acoustic insulation systems create a mass spring effect, forcing sound to travel through two masses or materials, separated by a layer of air or an insulation material that decouples those masses. Such a system, with layers of different densities, steers sound waves in a variety of directions, thus defusing the sound and reducing its volume.
Tecsound Soundproofing: Characteristics
To reduce noise pollution, you can rely on TECSOUND. These synthetic soundproofing membranes are available in a range of weights and sizes (matching gypsum plasterboards), and they come with numerous advantages:
Exceptional acoustic performance
TECSOUND provides an excellent sound barrier thanks to its high viscoelasticity.
High density, minimum space
The membrane’s high density allows you to add mass to traditional construction systems without occupying practically any space. As a result, you obtain high levels of soundproofing with a minimum-thickness acoustic insulation layer.
Damping effect
TECSOUND offers first-rate vibration damping for metal panels and lightweight materials, so any noise produced by rain or wind on a metal or timbered roof is significantly reduced.
Ease of installation
All the TECSOUND products are easy to install. We even provide a self-adhesive version of the TECSOUND membrane, namely TECSOUND SY, which enables even faster application.
High elasticity and flexibility
The product is adaptable to uneven surfaces, angles and joints.
Rot-proof and ageing-resistant
TECSOUND’s properties remain unaltered through the years. The product does not absorb water and is mould-proof.
Fire resistant
TECSOUND meets Euroclass standard UNE-EN 13501-1:2007 with an exceptional rating: Euroclass B, s2, d0 up to TECSOUND SY 70.
Heat and cold resistant for all habitual types of construction support
TECSOUND is compatible with gypsum plasterboard, metal, plastics and carrier board.
TECSOUND Applications: Soundproofing Walls, Floors and Ceilings
TECSOUND is an optimum solution to
- soundproof vertical walls made of gypsum plasterboard or fibre plasterboards, as well as ceramic brick, concrete blocks etc.
- soundproof ceilings and flooring
- reduce impact noise and vibrations in parquet, wooden, and floating floors as well as under mortar screed
- reduce airborne noise in metal and timbered roofs
- reduce rain-fall noise on metal and timbered roofs
- insulate drainpipes and vents
Want to find out more about our acoustic insulation solutions? Please don’t hesitate to contact our experts.