The Importance of Gymnasium Soundproofing
When you think of a gymnasium filled with people, you always know that it will be loud. Most people don’t know the importance of gymnasium soundproofing, not only for the athletes, but also for the fans. Gyms are exciting and fun, and a place for holding all kinds of events. Unfortunately, because there are so many types of activities that take place there, they are often made out of concrete, metal, and polished wood. This means that sounds echo and it is often very loud, even to the point of damaging the hearing of those playing or watching. This is why there is a focus on the importance of gymnasium soundproofing.
How Does Sound Work?
Sound travels through the air in soundwaves, which are similar to vibrations. These soundwaves bounce off of flat or smooth surfaces and are absorbed by rough ones. This is why walking around in an empty gymnasium is so much louder than walking in a carpeted room full of furniture.
Loud Sounds
Sound travels quickly, and loud sounds can actually damage your ear. Sounds are measured in decibels, which can be measured by certain devices. Loud sounds over a certain decibel rating can actually destroy the nerve endings in your ear. Continuous loud sounds can even cause high blood pressure, stress disorders, sleeping problems, and more. The importance of gymnasium soundproofing has a lot to do with containing and controlling the sound level so that people do not have permanent hearing loss as a result of gymnasium participation or attendance.
Clarity of Sound
Another important aspect of soundproofing your gym is that when sounds are not well contained, it makes it harder to hear one another. If your gym has no soundproofing materials, it is echoey. This means that players can’t hear one another or their coaches nearly as well. Clarity of sound is almost as important as reduction of sound, especially in a team setting. The importance of gymnasium soundproofing is so much more than just making it quieter!
How to Reduce Gymnasium Sound
There are several ways to go about reducing sound in a gymnasium. The two most common ways to go about reducing sound are by blocking reverberations or by sound absorption. This can be done by using several products that are gym safe and can be adapted to what your gym’s specialties allow.
Gym Sound Panels
If you’ve ever been to a particularly large gym, you have likely seen gym sound panels. These usually look something like large tarps suspended from the ceiling as dividers. Not only are these functional by keeping courts separate, but they also help absorb or block sound. When a gym holds several sports courts, dividers like this are essential. It helps a gym facilitate tournaments and other large events. When there are dividers, multiple games can go on at once without being overwhelmingly loud. It is also difficult for players to focus when another game is going on next to them. Indoor games are often very loud, so the players need to focus on one another, not on the loud cheers from the neighboring court. Sound panels like these are “game-changers”!
Gymnasium Acoustic Screens
A similar sound-blocking device is a gymnasium acoustic screen. Which can be set up in small areas, large areas, or even just block off certain portions of the gymnasium. A good example of acoustic screens is that sometimes there are newscasters or radio broadcasters in the gym who want to see the game in person, but need it to be quiet enough for their listeners. Acoustic screens can be used to separate them so that their booth can be quiet enough, but they know what is going on in the game. There are many uses for acoustic screens that work for many different sports and other events.
Ceiling Baffles
Ceiling baffles are incredible noise absorption devices for gymnasiums. Often gyms need every inch of space on the floor for courts, bleachers, walkways, and more. Ceiling baffles use the available open space on the ceiling for sound absorption. These panels are highly customizable for school colors, gym themes, and length or width requirements. The importance of gymnasium soundproofing is clear, but for some gym owners, it feels like they just don’t have the room. Make the most of your ceiling space!
Sound Absorbing Exercise Mat
One of the most simple ways to absorb sound in a gymnasium is through sound-absorbing mats. On the walls of gyms, you often see colorful padding. This isn’t just for show, it’s also a sound-absorbing exercise mat. You can also get sound-absorbing mats for wrestling, gymnastics, martial arts matches, and other events. These events are harder to separate by gym sound panels or other materials, so a sound-absorbing exercise mat is another way to protect the athletes and spectators.
Panels and Foam
After all of these options, some gymnasiums are still pretty noisy. There are a few other products that can help mitigate those sounds. Fiberglass panels can be placed on walls to help absorb sound. These are hardly noticeable, and can often be placed higher up on walls where athletes and spectators won’t touch them. These can cover unusable wall space and absorb sound. Acoustic foam is another incredibly sound absorptive material. This material is very versatile and can even go under bleachers, on walls, or anywhere you can attach it. Acoustic foams are one of the most effective sound-reducing materials you can find, so they can be one of the best options, although they can be difficult to clean depending on where you place them.
Soundproofing Your Gymnasium
While this can seem complicated, the importance of gymnasium soundproofing is centered on the athletes and the fans. If your gym is too loud and dangerous, you will lose your patrons. Having a safe environment is so important, especially in sports. If you are unsure where to start, contact us and we’ll be happy to direct you to the best products for your needs.
