The acoustic environment of a building (or the way sound functions within a building) is an important aspect of making a space feel comfortable and hospitable.

Whether you are constructing a new building or renovating an existing space, it is worth giving consideration during the planning phase towards acoustic design elements like sound insulation.

In this article, we discuss the benefits that sound insulation can provide, as well as list some of the best building materials for blocking unnecessary sound.

What is Sound Insulation?

Sound insulation is a specialised type of insulation designed to reduce noise transfer inside and outside your building or room.

It works by using material that absorbs and blocks sound waves to reduce noise transfer, resulting in a quiet, peaceful environment.

Effective insulation allows you to prevent the transfer of airborne sounds like voices, traffic or background noise, as well as impact noises like footsteps, appliances or air conditioning. Whether you want a more tranquil home or are looking to reduce the sound impact of your workspace, good insulation can help.

If you are considering sound installation as a part of a renovation or build, it is worth noting that the best time to install insulation is before any wall linings or floors have been fixed into place.

What are the Benefits?

There are a variety of spaces that directly require effective sound insulation in order to function properly, like recording studios or home theatres.

However, it’s also important to realise that noise can affect people’s comfort and wellbeing, so acoustic insulation has a lot to offer even if the space in question isn’t specifically designed for sound recording or distribution.

Insulation can prevent distracting noises from entering a room, helping to create a calm and quiet atmosphere conducive to productivity. It can also prevent sound waves from bouncing around a room, eliminating echoes.

What are the Best Building Materials?

When constructing a building with acoustics in mind, there are a variety of materials which can be used. Some of the most effective materials include:

Acoustic caulk – This flexible, rubber-like material can be used to seal gaps in doors, windows and walls.

Soundproofing spray foam – This material is sprayed from a can and can be added to walls.

Acoustic fabric – These thick, heavy fabrics can be used as theater curtains, studio blankets or blackout curtains to help sound insulation.

At Solutions Built, we offer the following materials:

Sound-absorbing wall panels – Perfect for large rooms, panels such as Hebel absorb noise and can be custom decorated to match the aesthetic of your room.

Solid brick wall – Typically built with two layers of bricks, a solid brick wall means that less noise can penetrate the building or room.

Need Help With Sound Insulation?

If you have a project requiring sound insulation, our commercial builders can help ensure that you get the result you need. With decades of construction experience, our team can consult with a designer about your plans as well as walk you through your material options. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can bring your dream project to life.