The difference between soundproofing and sound absorption is key when you’re considering the materials you may need for your space. Are you looking to keep sound in or keep sound out?
If you’ve read our previous blog, What is Soundproofing you’ll know that we use this term to describe the process of reducing and minimising noise levels by creating a barrier to come between the sound vibrations and your ears. This can often be between walls, ceilings and floors.
Sound absorption is how we improve the sound inside a space by reducing echo and reverberation (think: recording studios, cinemas, classrooms). To consider sound absorption, imagine a large open space like a gym or a school assembly hall. If you had a conversation in this empty space, you would experience echoing because there aren’t any other materials to absorb the sound waves from your voice. Now imagine that room is full of soft furnishings – the sound of your voice would be partially absorbed by the furniture inside the room and you would no longer experience the echoing.
Knowing the difference between soundproofing and absorption will help you to decide what products you can use to improve your overall sound experience.
When you are soundproofing, whether it is during construction (and you need to meet Part E criteria) or it’s additional soundproofing needed in your home, we recommend using additional building materials to create a sound barrier.
Sound absorption is ideal for shared spaces such as schools, offices and restaurants. If the space you are working with has big open areas that suffer from noise reverberation and echoing, sound absorption is the best option for you.
Sound absorbing materials such as our beautiful new wooden slat panels, can perfectly blend into walls and ceilings to look like a design feature, but in reality they’re absorbing noise and creating a quieter environment for the people inside.
Wall panels can provide the ultimate sound control in environments where atmosphere and sound clarity are valued. Using decorative acoustic panels will not soundproof your space, but they will improve the sound quality by reducing echo and reverberation.
Sound absorption can help you to create a cosy atmosphere in your pub or restaurant; it can provide the perfect sound environment for your recording studio; it can improve sound quality in your home cinema; it can provide a productive working environment when everyone comes back to the office. Sound absorption is certainly functional, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. We provide high quality acoustic wooden slatted panels and create custom-designed artwork for installation in whatever space you’re working with.
Soundproofing is not only needed, but is a legal requirement in homes and places of education. It’s important to consider and adhere to Part E soundproofing regulations when you are constructing a building.
Soundproofing not only takes place during construction, you may also find that you need to soundproof a space that experiences additional noise after construction. We typically advise that walls, floors and ceilings are the main areas of concern when you experience unwanted noise levels or poor sound quality.
Here are some areas where we can help: construction, home residencies, classrooms, cinemas, recording studios, sheds, offices.
Now that you know the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption, let us know which one you need. If it’s both, we can help there too! Tell us your requirements using our live chat or give us a call to discuss the best solutions.
