Recommendations for practical soundproofing materials to solve noise problems at their source

In daily life, noise from neighbors, traffic, or equipment can all affect living comfort. Choosing the right soundproofing materials can reduce noise interference at its source. Below are recommendations and application instructions for commonly used soundproofing materials for different scenarios.

I. Wall/Ceiling Sound Insulation Materials

These materials are mainly used to block solid-borne sound (such as footsteps, furniture moving) and airborne sound (such as talking, television sound), and are suitable for soundproofing renovations of walls, ceilings, partitions, and other parts.

Sound insulation cotton:

Made of materials such as polyester fiber and fiberglass, it is lightweight and has good sound absorption and insulation properties. Its porous internal structure effectively absorbs sound wave energy and reduces sound reflection. Installation requires a supporting frame and is done by filling the gaps in walls or ceilings; construction is convenient and cost-effective. The disadvantage is that its sound insulation effect is limited when used alone; it is recommended to use it in conjunction with soundproofing panels.

Sound insulation panels
include damping sound insulation panels, solid wood sound insulation panels, and composite sound insulation panels. Damping sound insulation panels contain high-density materials and a damping layer, which can dissipate sound wave energy through the "damping effect," and are particularly effective at blocking low-frequency noise (such as elevator operation and water pump noise). They can be directly fixed to walls or ceilings, and the surface can be directly painted or wallpapered, making them suitable for scenarios that prioritize convenient installation and aesthetics.

Sound insulation felt:
a high-density roll material (commonly made of rubber and asphalt composite layer), typically 1-3mm thick, yet effectively blocks mid- to high-frequency noise. Due to its good flexibility, it can be cut into any shape, making it suitable for application to walls, ceilings, or pipe surfaces. It is often used in conjunction with sound insulation cotton and sound insulation boards to enhance sound insulation, and is especially suitable for soundproofing irregular surfaces.

Sound-absorbing cotton:
Unlike sound-insulating cotton, sound-absorbing cotton focuses more on "absorbing" sound waves rather than "blocking" them, reducing indoor sound reflections (such as room echoes and music reverberation). Common types include sponge sound-absorbing cotton and polyester fiber sound-absorbing cotton, suitable for spaces that require optimized acoustic environments, such as home theaters and studies. It is usually used as an auxiliary material in conjunction with sound-insulating materials.

II. Soundproofing materials for doors and windows

Doors and windows are the main channels for noise to enter, and the use of targeted sound insulation materials can significantly improve airtightness.

Sealing strip:

These sealing strips, including rubber and silicone ones, are used to fill gaps in doors and windows, reducing airborne sound transmission. Installed at the contact points between door/window frames and glass/door panels, they are extremely low-cost yet highly effective, making them particularly suitable for upgrading the sound insulation of older doors and windows. When selecting a sealing strip, ensure the size matches the gap to guarantee a tight seal.

Soundproof glass:

Double-glazed windows (with an air or inert gas layer in between) can block most high-frequency noise (such as car horns and human voices); laminated glass (with a PVB film sandwiched between the panes) is even more effective at blocking low-frequency noise and impact sounds (such as the sound of breaking glass or heavy objects hitting the ground). These are preferred options when replacing doors and windows, and are suitable for residences near streets or noise sources.

Soundproof door core panel:

For soundproofing interior doors, common materials include honeycomb paper, high-density fiberboard, and sound-absorbing cotton. Filling the inside of the door panel with these materials can improve the door's sound insulation performance. Combined with a well-sealed door frame and soundproofing strips, it can effectively reduce the transmission of sound between indoors and outdoors.

III. Ground Sound Insulation Materials

The main purpose is to address solid-borne sound (such as footsteps and furniture dragging sounds) and prevent noise from being transmitted to downstairs or adjacent rooms.

Sound insulation pad:

Made of foam materials such as EVA and XPE, it is soft and elastic. When laid between floors, it reduces vibration and sound transmission through cushioning. It is typically 3-10mm thick and suitable for laying under wood flooring or tiles, especially in homes or apartments with children or pets.

Carpets/Floor Mats:

Plush carpets and thick mats absorb sound waves and vibrations through their fiber layers, reducing the generation and transmission of floor noise. While their sound insulation effect is not as good as professional soundproofing mats, they combine decorative and comfort features, making them suitable for daily use in bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas, and can be used as a supplementary soundproofing method.

Floating floor system:

The composite structure, consisting of shock-absorbing pads, reinforced concrete layers, and sound insulation layers, uses a "floating" design to break the rigid connection between the ground and the floor slab, providing excellent insulation against low-frequency vibration noise (such as piano sounds and treadmill noise). It is suitable for scenarios with extremely high sound insulation requirements, but the construction is complex and the cost is high.

IV. Pipe sound insulation materials

This refers to the noise generated by the operation of equipment such as sewer pipes and air conditioning pipes, including the sounds of water flow and vibration.

Pipe sound insulation cotton:

This rubber and plastic sound insulation cotton with an aluminum foil layer combines sound insulation and heat insulation functions. When wrapped around the surface of pipes, it absorbs the sound of water flow and vibration. It needs to be secured with tape during installation. The aluminum foil layer reflects sound waves, enhancing the sound insulation effect, making it suitable for bathroom and kitchen drainage pipes.

Damping sound insulation tube sleeve:

This cylindrical sound insulation material, specifically designed for ductwork, features an inner damping layer and an outer sound-absorbing cotton layer, effectively suppressing duct vibration and absorbing noise. For high-frequency noise sources such as air conditioner outdoor unit connection pipes and exhaust pipes, its sound insulation effect is superior to ordinary sound-absorbing cotton.

Purchase and usage tips

Combination is more effective: a single material is not enough to completely block noise. It is recommended to use a combination of "sound insulation felt + sound insulation cotton + sound insulation board" to treat different frequencies of noise in layers.

Pay attention to construction details: sound insulation materials must be installed in a tightly sealed manner to avoid sound leakage through gaps; when constructing walls and ceilings, sound insulation cotton can be filled before sealing with boards to reduce sound wave penetration.

Based on the scenario: for street-facing residences, prioritize upgrading soundproof glass and sealing strips for doors and windows; for neighborhood noise, focus on soundproofing mats on the ground and soundproofing panels on the walls; for equipment noise, focus on soundproofing cotton and damping materials for pipes.

By selecting and installing soundproofing materials appropriately, the disturbance of daily noise can be significantly reduced, creating a quieter living environment.