SCG Sound Insulation

How do sound-insulating and sound-absorbing materials differ?

Noise annoyance depends on loudness (dB) and frequency (Hz). Humans hear 20-20,000 Hz. High-frequency sound is more disturbing than low-frequency sound, and a single pure tone is more disturbing than a mix of tones. Two kinds of material reduce noise.

• Sound insulation: blocks airborne sound from passing through, for example rigid insulation boards used inside walls together with gypsum, lightweight-block or brick wall systems.
• Sound absorption: reduces echo within a room, for example wall panels and ceilings made of high-density glasswool.

Absorbing wall panels are used in listening rooms, home theatres, meeting rooms, recording studios and music practice rooms. Glasswool boards wrapped in glass-fibre cloth suit machine rooms and cinemas. Sound-absorbing ceilings fit onto suspended frames and make a building quieter and more private.