Top 10 Best Soundproofing Materials For Home & Office-space: Affordable, cheap and Essential for Peace-Lovers

If we discuss about living today with peace inside our Homes without getting disturbed by the external noise, Soundproofing of our house and office-space is very much mandatory. Soundproofing is basically a technique that focuses on effectively controlling unwanted external noise, with various sound-absorbing materials which are used to overcome the effects of noise while building and decorating the house

But it is more important to know how many types of soundproofing materials are there today, which we are going to discuss thoroughly in this post.

If you guys are seriously concerned about how to avoid external noise and want to live a peaceful life inside your homely abode, then you are at the right place. In this article, we have provided a list of the 10 all time best chosen soundproofing materials in more detail that can help you to overcome the issues.

According to the report published by Verified Market Research website, the Acoustic Insulation Market size projected to reach $ 21.59 Billion by the year 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.44% from the year 2022 to 2030 and it was valued at $13.39 Billion in the year 2021.

If you have just started the research on soundproofing materials, this article will definitely add value to your research. In this post, you will find every best product that a person need to soundproof a house, room, office, or any private space. Also, we will learn the some important basics of soundproofing, which things matter in soundproofing materials, and what things you need to fix your soundproofing issues. 

So, without getting delayed let’s get started the article.

Know the Difference Between Soundproofing Vs Sound Absorbing

People get confused with these two terms in sound engineering, so let me clarify first that sound absorbing is an element of soundproofing, but how? need not to worry, we will discuss this in detail but before that let us know what this sounds all about and what is its physical significance.

“Sound is the vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard by our ears. It’s what we perceive when something makes noise, like when you talk, music plays, or a bell rings. These vibrations move in waves and carry energy that our ears pick up, allowing us to hear different sounds.”

These sound waves or simply call them pressure waves strike our eardrum and create the pressure and later the same will be sensed by our mind and humans can experience the type of sound.

But there are certain cases when there is a mixture of multiple sounds coming together which has a low and high frequency simultaneously, and it is not easy for the humans to differentiate from the actual sound, That is called the “noise”.

If we talk about the major difference between sound and noise we can say that the sound is easy to reproduce, on the other hand noise can’t be not reproduced.

So. In order to avoid noise inside the living space, There are two most important methods used- sound proofing and sound-absorbing.

Soundproofing is a technique to form a specific barrier for soundwave transmissions that move in open space. Let us just think that soundwaves are coming from the neighbor’s house, as we learned earlier if we put a barrier to the transmission path of soundwaves we can easily stop them to move forward in space.

While on the other hand, Sound-absorbing is a technique to nullify the unnecessary echoes and improve the sound quality where our main aim is to absorb the sound waves and reduce the reflections from the various sources.

By this way, using soundproofing technique, we will be able to stop getting unnecessary disturbing noise, however, sound-absorbing helps us to improve the sound quality by reducing the echoes. we will classify all the available soundproofing materials based on the categories to which they belong to such as soundproofing, sound-absorbing, insulation materials etc.

The Physical components that matter in Soundproofing Material

While using a material in making the house and living room, Sound proof, there are certain factors of the material used to be considered in mind, specially the physical aspects of that material, for example if we are going to buy the curtains for the living area, which type and color of cloth to be chosen.

We have discussed below the certain physical aspects of the material used in soundproofing.

1. Density or Mass of That Material

The main idea of soundproofing is to create any specific barrier that can break further movement of soundwaves or it helps to block the soundwaves by reflecting them back to the reverse direction and the capacity of any material to work as a strong barrier, mainly depends on its density or mass. The higher the mass or density, the higher the capacity to stop the waves.

So make sure to research this point, if your aim is to create a strong barrier for the unwanted noise coming from the other side of the area. The best affordable solution for the this is to use MLV or Drywall, we will discuss the same in detail further.

2. Insulation Capacity of That Material

Insulation capacity is another basic factor that collaborates in soundproofing as it gives a strong barrier for the soundwaves to pass through the medium. If we see the Drywalls, which are set on top of the vertical studs will leave a cavity between the vertical studs so the solution which is used to fill them is using a good insulating material.

Such type of insulating material helps to create a strong barrier for the soundwaves coming from the other side of the walls. The good example is Batt, blow-in, or Foam spray insulation materials that are very common nowadays.

3. Decoupling of That Material

Decoupling is the unique concept used in soundproofing. It is basically the technique to trap the soundwaves in between two different environments. As we all know, soundwaves travel faster in solid as compared to air and liquid because in solid, the molecules will be closer to each other. If referring to steel, it is 17 to 18 times faster as compared to air.

Usually, in US and western countries, people generally use drywalls to soundproof their houses and living space by placing an additional layer on the existing wall but if it is not enough then using the resilient channel you can cover another layer of the drywall.

The concept of placing another layer will purposely form an empty space between two walls which help to slow down the vibrations of the soundwaves coming from the first solid surface to the air then again solid.

4. Sound Absorption Capacity of That Material

Absorption of sound waves helps to nullify the echoes, sometimes even a minimal noise due to the reflection from different hard surfaces in the room cause amplification.

For example, we have heard that the music in the bathroom and the same in a room, both have a different level of amplification in the sound, It’s because of the echoes generated depending on the space.

Nowadays, the most affordable solution to nullify the effect of echoes is by using acoustic foams easily available in the market and Amazon store. Before using the same, Just make sure that the material you use is less reflective and has the ability to absorb the soundwaves within it.

5. Dampening Ability of That Material

Soundwaves are basically a form of energy that vibrates air-particles coming on the path, in such a way it moves further from one place to another. While the sound waves travel, it creates certain vibrations in the air molecules, that pass through the next material and thus it moves forward.

Such type of materials dissipate the sound- energy by easily converting them into heat-waves. The best example is Green-glue, which we will discuss in detail further in the article.

Best Soundproofing Material For an Affordable Soundproofing Solution

In below discussion, we have categorized all the available materials based on their use for the purpose of soundproofing, so it would be more convenient to navigate to that specific category and one can get an idea of the best affordable products available in the market.

1. Best Soundproof Insulations

Soundproof insulation is the best way if we wish to break the transmission of the soundwaves in space. It basically creates a strong barrier. Most of the time as we face in our daily lives, people have issues with their neighbors due to louder noise and weak partitions between both the houses, hence, soundproof insulations are are the best solutions.

1.(1) Batt-Insulation

There are multiple type of insulations are available in the market such as Batt insulation or foam-spray insulation. The main job of such insulation is to fill the cavity available and block every nook and corner which allows to pass the sound waves through it.

Out of the two mentioned, Batt-insulation the most affordable solutions you can have in between the vertical studs behind the drywall. It is made of fibers, cotton or mineral wools.

The very well-known insulation available in the market is ROXUL Acoustic Mineral Wool insulation which is available in 6 pieces with each sheet size of 48″24″*2″. This one is the most cost-effective and very high NRC ratings, hydrophobic, water repelling and class A fire rating soundproofing material

2. Best Sound Absorbing Materials

There are thousands of ways to absorb unwanted soundwaves which really help to minimize the reflection of the unwanted noise. As in the house, we have strong walls, glass, or furniture which do not absorb the soundwaves but reflect them back which as a result sound amplifies and gets more annoying, to avoid this you can use below sound absorbing materials.

2.(1) Best Acoustic Foam

The best soundproofing solution in small rooms or studios is the acoustic foam which also known as sound-absorbing foam. These are special type of foams that absorbs the soundwave and in this way reduces the reflections coming on the way which depends on the noise-reduction coefficient (NRC) of the material.

If you are willing to purchase then you should go with the Foamily brand which has a ultimate customer review and provides the best designed for the private room or office space.

It is available in varieties of specific color combinations and each piece is of 1 square foot and 1 inch thick for better acoustic control experience. It is well suited for acoustic treatment by noise reduction, reduces waves, and completely nullify the echoes.

2.(2) Best Soundproof Curtains

The principal source of sound reflections in a room is from the wall or the window or door so the very excellent difficulty is the mirrored image from the window. If we talk about the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of the window, then approximately 90% of the soundwaves mirror again which later amplifies noise to higher level.

With the use of soundproof curtains you can limit reflection as much as a certain degree as it no longer handiest enables in minimizing echoes however allows in maintaining the heat in the room.

The denser and more layer the curtain has, it will likely be more powerful in sound absorption.

2.(3) Soundproof Blankets

Moving blankets are a bit different than a soundproof blanket, but yes good enough solution for sound absorption if you do not have a soundproof blanket. There are various good companies in the US, that sell high quality soundproofing blankets that can absorb upto 90% of the soundwaves.

Generally. the soundproof blankets are made of multiple layers, out of which the outermost layer is a transparent layer that allows soundwaves to pass through and the internal layers are denser enough to block the soundwaves within it.

3. Best Sound Decoupling Materials

As mentioned earlier, decoupling for soundproofing is one of the best ways to trap or hinder the soundwaves moving in the area. As we know that the soundwaves can travel much faster within the solid as compared to the air.

Decoupling is a technique to interrupt the medium of propagation of the sound where once it starts from one layer of the Drywall will enter the decoupling zone before the next layer of drywall and in such a way vibration will come to the minimum level.

3.(1) Noise-proofing Sealant

Noise proofing sealant is a viscoelastic component whose primary job is to reduce the speed of sound energy to heat energy. Its main purpose is to fill the cracks or gaps and thus, to provide noise-proofing environment.

In addition to this, it is widely used between the two-layers of drywall to easily form a very basic decoupling zone. Noise waves pass from the first layer will be dissipated in the decoupling zone by green glue due to viscous nature.

Generally these type of sealant are easily available in the market that come with 6 ,12 or 18 tubes of the noise-proofing compound. If you want to use this in between the plasterboard or drywall then 2 to 4 tubes are enough for an 8*6 feet sheet.

3.(2) Resilient Channel

A resilient channel is the best method to create decoupling between the two different layers, if you want to put a layer of drywall then it is much better to use a resilient channel than screwing this to the existing wall and this will certainly work as an effective tool to minimize the external noise.

This channel will definitely create a decoupling zone in between both layers of drywall and will be very effective in noise-proofing the house-space.

3.(3) Soundproof Drywall & Windows

Drywall is manufactured by grinding the gypsum into very fine particles and then mixing with water to create a slurry that is used in between a two-layer of the recycled thick layer of paper. This is most common nowadays and is used in the US.

It is one of the best way that people use to add mass to the existing wall by setting up a vertical stud and covering it with the Drywall and in this way the back cavities are filled with insulation materials.

The other major area from which soundwaves came through are the windows in houses and offices, due to the single glazing layer it is not efficient enough to block the soundwaves that come from external environment.

So make sure to install double glazing and create a decoupling in between both layers which trap the soundwaves.

4. Some Additional Soundproofing Accessories to be Used

4.(1) Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)

MLV is the closing way to add mass to the existing wall, floor, or ceiling. We already discovered earlier you may create a strong barrier for the soundwaves by using introducing a tremendously dense mass on the existing wall or barrier.

however the problem with any mass cloth is its width and weight in case you look for excessive dense material then probable you need to undergo the load as well.

but Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is extraordinary in the case that’s thinner in first-class however has absolutely the potential to block the soundwaves or reflect returned soundwaves. It is very much flexible in quality and easy to fold or hang on any noise-block-out areas wherever required.

4.(2) Floor Underlays

you have heard the noise made because of vibrations in the car, domestic, or work places, and that noise you may conquer the usage of noise-deadening floor-underways

Many houses are made of wood floors or any engineering ground which can be the cause for the generation of noise which includes footfall noise or noise due to chairs, and furniture impact on the ground.

Here We Conclude Top 10 All Time Best Soundproofing Materials For Home & Office-space

Here, with this post, I have tried to provide the best soundproofing materials you will ever need in designing interiors on your living space. You can choose any of these mentioned materials depending on the current level of noise you are facing inside the house or office-space.

We hope that you found this article helpful and if you have any issues regarding your soundproofing procedure, please let us know in the comments section below, we will certainly try to resolve the same with a early reply. 

Some FAQs on The Topic :

FAQ1. There are certain myths about Soundproofing, that if you fill the wall with egg-cartons, it will reduce the external noise to a certain level, is it true in any sense ?

Ans. It is just a myth and no measurable effects has been shown regarding the use of egg-cartons in sound proofing.

FAQ2. If we put acoustic insulation in the wall, it will certainly reduce the external noise coming inside the living space.

Ans. Yes, of course it will minimize the noise and soundproofing can be achieved up to a level of 3 to 4dB. We have explained this in the above article also.