Acoustic foam is one of the best soundproofing materials that can reliably protect a car or room from the penetration of extraneous sounds and dampening of internal ones. This type of polyurethane foam has a special softness that can vibrate when exposed to acoustic waves and absorb their energy. In this way, the “flying echo” effect is dampened, and the tonality of the reproduced sounds, musical instruments and voices becomes clearer and clearer.

Scope of use

Highly effective soundproofing foam rubber is in high demand in many sectors of human activity. The main directions of its use are as follows:

1. Cinemas. The category includes both small home theaters and a network of entertainment venues.
2. Recording studios. According to buyers, these objects cannot do without acoustic foam rubber. Firstly, it is necessary to exclude the penetration of extraneous noise from the outside. Secondly, it is necessary to ensure that the sound does not reflect from the wall and does not create an echo. It is worth noting that often the lyrics and music are commercial secrets, so it is not advisable to “release” them outside the studio.
3. Assembly halls and rehearsal spaces. It doesn't matter whether the rehearsal is for a choir, a dance group, or a musical ensemble. The best acoustic foam rubbers are able to ensure that the silence in neighboring rooms is not disturbed, and the sound is excellent.
4. Office premises and production workshops. The choice of sound insulation for walls and ceilings in such rooms is voluntary and not mandatory. The need to purchase popular polyurethane models is present when managers care about their subordinates and want to improve their comfort in the workplace. This is especially true for rooms with high ceilings and a large area, when moving on a chair or dropping a pencil on the floor causes an unnatural rumble.
5. Lecture halls and gyms. In large rooms there is always an echo. To avoid this, experts recommend installing acoustic foam rubber on the walls.

Polyurethane foam spraying method

Ceiling sound insulation in multi-storey buildings is applied by continuous spraying of a composition of interacting reagents onto the surface of the base using several approaches, the number of which is determined by the thickness of the ceiling from the top floor and depending on the financial capacity for installation work. If suspended ceilings made of plasterboard are provided, then before you start spraying the insulation, you need to install the ceiling frame structure, and when equipping the ceiling with tension material, there is no need for these actions, since the main parts are mounted on the walls.

Noise insulation on the floor is carried out using two methods:

• between the logs on which the floorboard is laid;
• on the floor from the lower floor, which forces polyurethane foam to be filled with concrete mortar fifty millimeters thick.

Before applying polyurethane foam to the partitions between rooms and external walls, you need to install the sheathing using wooden bars or metal profiles, which make it possible to attach a mesh for plaster or cladding with sheet building materials.

Advantages and disadvantages of products

The material used has its own characteristics, and therefore has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:

• variety of colors;
• originality of decorative solution;
• a large number of reliefs;
• convenience and ease of installation;
• installation speed;
• Possibility of gluing to ceilings, walls and other surfaces;
• excellent soundproofing characteristics;
• increased hygroscopicity;
• no odor;
• resists mold;
• the average price is acceptable;
• there is no need to purchase additional materials.

There are few disadvantages, but they are worth knowing about:

• fear of mechanical influences;
• demands for careful attitude;
• the material is quite soft and can tear easily;
• for greater strength it needs to be covered with fabric;
• increased flammability;
• impossibility of using special fire-fighting impregnations and additives.

Peculiarities

Soundproofing a room with polyurethane foam is done by jet spraying a composition of certain reagents, namely:

• polyester in interaction with polyisocyanate, forming foam with a high expansion rate;
• fire retardants that prevent smoldering and the formation of corrosive smoke in the event of a fire.

After combining the components in the sprayer and applying them to the plane of the walls or other surface, instant polymerization and hardening of the polyurethane foam occurs.

Residents who simply need soundproofing of their living space can resort to the help of companies offering a full range of services. Many of them have materials that meet safety standards, the latest technology and reasonable prices.

What type of foam rubber is used for sound insulation?

To avoid mistakes when choosing a product, you need to understand its classification. To achieve maximum effect, you need to take into account the rules of designing an acoustic space. There should be no sound reflections, and the sound level should be high.

All manufacturers produce panels of this type:

• for absorption of low frequencies (LF);
• for absorption of high and medium frequencies (M/HF).

The most common types of coatings are considered to be:

What to look for during the purchasing process? There are sets for sale for the studio and for the home with expanded functionality:

1. "Studio" Equipped with four bass traps, “Pyramid” and “Wave” sheets, 4 pieces each, and a stand. The purchase price is 10,750 rubles.
2. "Home". In addition to the stand, the composition contains 2 bass traps and four “Pyramid” sheets. The average cost is 5550 rubles.
3. "Rehearsal." The most expensive set, for which you will have to pay up to 25,050 rubles. The composition includes bass traps (8 pcs.), “Wave” sheets (10 pcs. 2 cm each) and “Pyramid” sheets (10 pcs. 7 cm each).

The cost of bass traps is greatly exaggerated. They are only able to eliminate the reflective effect, but by no means completely absorb low frequencies. To completely eliminate a certain frequency, acoustic foam will not help. At the same time, the relief does not play a big role in this matter. It is worth paying attention to the shape and weight of the panel.

The third alternative to combat reverberation

And finally, another way - of course, everyone's favorite mineral wool - but in this case you need to drape the sound-absorbing panels with acoustically transparent fabrics (one of the best options is English CARA fabrics), but the cost of acoustic fabrics is much higher, you have to pay for quality. If you try to choose analogues similar to acoustic fabrics, then you need to have very good knowledge in the textile industry, and if you just focus on prices, then the cost of any analogues of a good CARA acoustic fabric should be 800 rubles per square meter of fabric - at least focus on this

Sound absorption factors

There are two ways to reduce the sound:

1. Use active noise generators.
2. Increase the range of the sound receiver and source. This is facilitated by the presence of sound barriers.

The degree of absorption of sound waves is directly affected by:

• product density;
• thickness of the structure;
• cell parameters;
• number of pores in the material;
• the presence of bends and convolutions.

Manufacturers produce acoustic sheets covered with foam rubber of different appearances: pyramids, waves and other figures. Models are produced whose pyramid heights reach more than 7 centimeters. Smooth foam rubber sheets are laid under drywall when facing walls and ceilings. The dimensions of the most common sheets are 50*50 cm or 200*200 cm.

How to choose the right model? The question is complex and depends on many factors. Everyone's selection criteria are different. Some prefer to purchase products from the world's best manufacturers, while others are content with products from China. Which company is better depends on personal preferences and the tasks assigned to the product. Inexpensive foam rubber is suitable for home use; for a “sophisticated” recording studio, you need to pay attention to a well-promoted brand, regardless of how much the product costs.

The question of where to buy a model is not difficult. You can visit a specialized retail outlet and plunge into the variety presented. There you can also get advice from a sales manager. There is another option - to place an order online in an online store, having previously chosen a design, studied the characteristics of the product, and checked the supplier for integrity.

Types of noise

There are many different noises, here are some of them:

Airborne noise. This noise is particularly annoying and creates an uncomfortable feeling. Airborne noise is produced when vehicles drive and due to the operation of equipment outside the window. Loud neighbors or passers-by, sounds made by animals (dogs, cats and others) - all this includes airborne noise.

• Impact noise. This type of noise appears due to some kind of knocking. The annoying sound of the percussion variety produces disturbances in the air, and the knocking can be heard over long distances.
• Structure noise. Occurs in ventilation ducts due to improper operation of the water supply. Unpleasant sounds of a structural type can be heard through various devices in the room. These are various heating, plumbing and ventilation communications.

How to do the installation yourself

There is nothing complicated about the manipulations. Soundproofing in a room or recording studio can be done with your own hands, without the involvement of specialists in this field. If you have any difficulties installing the sheets, detailed step-by-step instructions posted on the Internet will come to your aid. In addition to a description of the process itself, detailed photos are also posted.

How to install panels at home? Experts recommend taking the following steps:

1. The surface is put in order: thoroughly washed, freed from dirt and dust.
2. Metal and concrete structures, as well as laminated coatings, are cleaned with sandpaper and then primed.
3. Markings are made on the ceiling and walls to make it easier to “plant” the sheets on the glue.
4. Cover the soundproofing boards on the back side with a thin adhesive layer. For these purposes, you can use a sprayer. If the glue is applied manually, it can accumulate in certain areas and the foam can slide down the wall towards the baseboards.
5. The sheet is pressed tightly to the surface. It is necessary to fix the product for 30 seconds so that the glue “seizes”.

To avoid any difficulties while performing the work, experts advise strictly following the following rules:

1. The panels must be treated with care: do not wrinkle or deform. Otherwise, they will lose their basic characteristics.
2. How to attach sheets? Only using adhesive or double-sided tape. For installation, you can use glue both Russian and foreign, including those made in China. If only the quality of the composition was at its best. This is especially true for actions in the apartment. An important role is played by the absence of a pungent odor and safety.
3. The location of the soundproofing panels is indoors. These can be floors, suspended ceilings or walls.

Another installation option is in the video:

It is worth noting that all manufacturers produce panels in brown or gray shades. If desired, you can make an individual order for products of any color. Only the cost will be higher. As for the glue, it should not contain organic solvents. You need to purchase water-dispersion compositions based on polyurethane, polychlorpropylene or neoprene. What is the best glue to buy? If you are going to finish walls made of gypsum plasterboard, fiberboard or wood, you need to take a closer look at the “Porolon” ​​glue. A review of reviews shows that this is the best option. To ensure that the sheets adhere firmly to concrete or plaster, adhesives with the function of combining with foam rubber are used.

Manufacturers

Today there are many companies that produce soundproofing materials. In the manufacture of soundproofing mats, environmentally friendly components are used. Components that do not have a negative effect on the human body are used as a binder. The fibers of the mats are made from volcanic rock without additives, which guarantees safe use of sound insulation in residential areas.

@Shumoizolyatsiya_mat

The production of soundproofing in the form of mats uses high-tech equipment, thanks to which all work processes are controlled automatically. It is worth noting that before products reach the consumer, they undergo mandatory testing and inspection so that the buyer receives high-quality products.

If you decide to purchase sound insulation, then preference should be given to reliable and trusted suppliers who adhere to technological standards and parameters. The effectiveness of sound insulation also depends on the quality of the product.

Rating of quality bass traps

280 ED BassTrap

Relatively inexpensive model. It features a carved working surface. Allows you to absorb sound waves as much as possible and eliminates low frequencies. Often found in professional studios. Successfully combats negative acoustic effects in the room. Can be mounted in the corners of the room. For installation, it is enough to purchase adhesive fasteners, a special adhesive composition or double-sided adhesive tape. The reviews are only positive.

The average cost is 2635 rubles.

280 ED BassTrap

Advantages:

• environmental cleanliness;
• aesthetics;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• resistance to negative external influences;
• long service life;
• low mass.

Flaws:

• none.

280 ED BassTrap (art. 578)

Sheets with an interesting carved work surface. Excellent absorption of low frequencies. Not a single self-respecting sound studio can do without their device. It is very popular among musicians who set up special rooms in their homes. Can be placed in corners of the room. Creates acoustic comfort. Mounted using adhesive fasteners, double-sided tape and glue.

Purchase price – 2635 rubles.

280 ED BassTrap (art. 578)

Advantages:

• ease of care;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• wear resistance;
• environmental cleanliness;
• practicality;
• installs on any surface.

Flaws:

• not identified.

250 ED BassTrap (500*250*250 mm)

The gray bass trap belongs to the budget category. With carved work surface. Allows you to dampen low-frequency sound waves. Designed for professional studios. Suitable for home use. The easiest installation option is in the corner area. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to carry out an acoustic calculation.

The average cost is 1100 rubles.

250 ED BassTrap (500*250*250 mm)

Advantages:

• environmental Safety;
• light weight;
• functionality;
• value for money;
• positive reviews;
• wear resistance;
• ease of care.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Where is it used?

Foam rubber is necessary in many industrial areas.

• Transport. Almost everywhere in the transport sector (cars, trains, planes, ships, etc.) there are components based on foam rubber.
• Construction. Currently, there is a huge variety of polyurethane foams, without which not a single construction site can do today.
• Furniture manufacturing. A common property of foam rubber is its ability to absorb sounds. It is thanks to this feature of foam rubber that it is possible to create a room with acoustic purity and sound insulation.

Rating of the best acoustic foam rubbers

Echoton Piramida 30 (art. 651)

The panels belong to the standard class. Designed to create an ideal acoustic environment in the room. Gray color. Dimensions – 2000*1000*50 mm. The height of the pyramids is 3 cm. Suitable for equipping home theaters. Allows you to get rid of wandering echoes. When used together with bass traps, they help control sound waves in any room. Handles high and mid frequencies. Installation is carried out using double-sided adhesive tape, special fasteners or glue.

You can purchase the product at a price of 2,079 rubles.

Echoton Piramida 30 (art. 651)

Advantages:

• resistance to external influences;
• practicality;
• functionality;
• environmental cleanliness.

Flaws:

• not identified.

ED T-panel (1000*2000*50 mm), art. a2492

Yellow T-shaped foam. The main purpose is interior decoration. It has found its wide application in creating recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and listening rooms. Helps reduce sound reflection and make the acoustic environment in the room acceptable. The decorative model is made of highly elastic polyurethane foam. They are produced in two categories: Base and Standart. The design is made in a modern style. The appearance is seamless.

Retailers offer products at a price of 2,255 rubles.

ED T-panel (1000*2000*50 mm), art. a2492

Advantages:

• perfectly absorbs mid frequencies;
• practicality;
• aesthetics;
• functionality;
• can be purchased from Ali Express;
• moisture absorption rate is low;
• simplicity in maintenance.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Flexakustik Wave-Bass Trap (32304030)

Graphite color model with dimensions 330*330*1000 mm. Made from polyurethane foam. Open cellular structure. Resistant to oils, organic solvents, etc. Practically does not release volatile substances into space. It has increased wear resistance and light fastness. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays it does not change its original qualities. The appearance remains in its original form for a long time. Effectively absorbs sound waves.

Purchase price – 3000 rubles.

Flexakustik Wave-Bass Trap (32304030)

Advantages:

• originality of the relief surface;
• environmental Safety;
• certified products;
• efficiency;
• versatility;
• safety.

Flaws:

• not found.

Echoton Kvadra 1000*500*50 mm (art. 611)

Gray foam sheet. The surface is classic, made in the style of cubism. It is very popular due to not only its attractive appearance, but also its excellent properties. Removes unwanted sound waves. Available in two variations: Base and Standart. For installation, it is enough to purchase special glue or double-sided tape with an adhesive base.

The average price is 1210 rubles.

Echoton Kvadra 1000*500*50 mm (art. 611)

Advantages:

• low moisture absorption coefficient;
• value for money;
• safety;
• durability;
• Suitable for all surfaces.

Flaws:

• none.

Echoton Grid 1000*1000*40 mm (art. 603)

Soft panels are made of high quality polyurethane. The edges are beveled. Color – gray marble. Category – standard. Allows you to absorb high and medium frequencies. They cope with their task “excellently”. The reviews are only positive. You can purchase it at specialized retail outlets or order it online in an online store.

The average cost is 1,777 rubles.

Echoton Grid 1000*1000*40 mm (art. 603)

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• ease of installation;
• does not require careful care;
• durability;
• functionality;
• Suitable for home theaters and lecture halls, as well as studios.

Flaws:

• not found.

BasoTect, Echocore, 1200*1200*20 mm (art. 264)

The material effectively absorbs sounds and reduces the level of reverberation. The appearance is interesting, which makes it possible to install it in a room with any style. It is in high demand among domestic musicians. The panels are flat, optimal sizes. Color – light grey. Sold in all specialized retail outlets. The reviews are only positive. Marriage items are not available for sale.

The average cost is 2734 rubles.

BasoTect, Echocore, 1200*1200*20 mm (art. 264)

Advantages:

• fire safety;
• environmental cleanliness;
• attractiveness of the design solution;
• light weight;
• withstands low temperatures;
• thermal conductivity at a low level;
• sound absorption at height;
• ease of installation;
• ease of care;
• affordable price;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Echoton Hexagon (art. 984)

The product is available in gray color. The set includes 12 panels. The size of one element is 240*210 mm. Rib – 120 mm. Suitable for home use and equipping studios and lecture halls. Easy and simple to install. You can do it without outside help. It is enough to purchase a special adhesive composition. There are practically no defects on sale, since quality control is carried out at every stage of production. There are no negative reviews.

The average price is 1452 rubles.

Echoton Hexagon (art. 984)

Advantages:

• aesthetic appearance;
• tolerates high humidity;
• service life is significant;
• environmental cleanliness;
• safety;
• efficiency.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Flexakustik Wave-30 (art. 32302030)

Budget sheets with dimensions of 1000*1000*30 mm. The structure is soft. The surface is wavy. Foamed polyurethane is used in production. Open cellular structure. It is often used to equip speech booths, studios, home theaters, and other rooms with a similar focus. Ideally corrects acoustics and complements the interior favorably.

Purchase price – 915 rubles.

Flexakustik Wave-30 (art. 32302030)

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• fits any room interior;
• versatility;
• acceptable price;
• light weight;
• suitable for installation on any surface;
• certified product;
• environmental cleanliness;
• can be ordered with a self-adhesive layer.

Flaws:

• none.

Echoton Volna 35 2000*1000*35 mm (art. 575)

The product is gray. Made of soft sound-absorbing material. Suitable for interior decoration of studios and home theaters, rehearsal facilities and listening rooms. Allows you to reduce unwanted reflections and adjust the acoustic environment in the premises. High-quality polyurethane is used in production. Surface in the form of waves. The product is in high demand due to the price-quality ratio, as well as the absence of defects.

The average cost is 1859 rubles.

Echoton Volna 35 2000*1000*35 mm (art. 575)

Advantages:

• reliability;
• wear resistance;
• practicality;
• ease of maintenance and installation;
• not afraid of external influences;
• light weight;
• functionality.

Flaws:

• not found.

Properties

Essentially, noise is a collection of sound waves with a frequency distribution. The waves are absorbed or reflected from them. A flat wall surface in a room reflects a sound wave that begins to maneuver among obstacles. This is how an echo is achieved.

To smooth out noise in rooms, soundproofing foam was created. The foam structure is formed by a myriad of polyurethane cells. There is air inside them, which is revealed when examining the foam rubber under a magnifying glass.

The formal name of foam rubber is elastic polyurethane foam. This is a material with an open cellular structure that allows it to easily absorb liquids and absorb air. When the average thickness of the material is formed, the sound wave is repeatedly reflected from its micropores and loses its energy. The higher the density of the foam rubber and the smaller the cell size, the higher its sound insulation properties.

The main rooms, the sound insulation of which is of practical importance, include:

• company/office;
• residential house/apartment;
• recording studio.

An office is a point of significant concentration of a huge number of employees fulfilling established obligations and creating serious noise pollution. This creates an atmosphere in which employee productivity declines and inattention increases. Significant noise reduction can be achieved by distributing the panels.

A residential building, an apartment are places to relax and recuperate. But you can only dream of peace if the house is located on a holiday street, and the neighbor has started renovations. It is impossible to fully restore strength in such a situation.

Soundproofing foam boards will help solve the problem. They do a wonderful job of blocking the passage of extraneous sounds into the room. Sound isolation will be especially useful for those with small children. It will help maintain an atmosphere of calm and comfort.

It is almost impossible to imagine recording studios without sufficient noise insulation. The characteristics of the recorded sound are negatively affected by any external noise and sounds.