If you need to reduce noise levels in your facility, installing soundproof curtains is an easy, versatile solution. And yet, how can you install sound blocking curtains for the best results? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about industrial noise curtains and discuss the best way to install them for maximum sound control.
Why Do Soundproof Curtains Work?
Soundproof curtains are incredibly effective in industrial settings. This is because, unlike regular fabric curtains, sound blocking curtains are made with heavy-duty, multi-layered materials that trap and absorb sound waves. Some common materials used to make these curtains include vinyl, mass-loaded vinyl (MLV), and insulated quilted fiberglass. These materials are all dense enough to block sound while also reducing echoes inside large facilities. This double benefit is what makes them a great choice for warehouses, factories, auto shops, commercial kitchens, and other settings where noise can be an issue.
How to Install Soundproof Curtains for Maximum Noise Reduction
According to studies, 16 percent of workers with jobs in noisy environments experience some degree of hearing loss, making it one of the largest safety concerns for employees in industrial settings. If you’ve decided your facility needs industrial curtains for safety or productivity and want to make sure you’re installing them for maximum noise reduction, here are the steps you should take.
Identify Your Noisiest Areas
First, you’ll need to figure out where your noise is coming from and what areas need the most help. For example, heavy equipment and production lines tend to create consistent noise, as do loading docks and areas with trucks, forklifts, and workers. By focusing on these areas first, you’ll be able to get the best possible industrial noise reduction.
Measure the Area
Soundproof curtains need to cover the entire area you want blocked. If there’s even a small gap, the sound will be able to come through. To get started, you’ll want to measure the area using best practices. Take note of the height from floor to ceiling. In industrial spaces, ceilings can be high, so you may need custom lengths. Next, measure the full width of the area you want to cover. Finally, consider openings. Do you need access points, like doors or pass-through sections?
These will be your base measurements. From there, you should add a few extra inches to make sure you’re getting full coverage. For example, if you’re covering a doorway that’s 10 feet wide, don’t order a curtain that’s exactly 10 feet. Order one that’s at least 11 to 12 feet wide so you can overlap the edges.
Choose the Right Type of Industrial Curtains
There are a few main types of industrial curtains you’ll be able to choose from. If you have a facility with high noise levels and want the best sound reduction, industrial soundproof curtains with multiple layers are going to be your best option.
Pick a Mounting Method
One of the biggest benefits of soundproof curtains is their flexibility. Unlike drywall or permanent partitions, curtains can be adapted to your needs, and you can choose a mounting method that offers the most noise reduction for your specific setup. Typically, you’ll be able to choose from ceiling-mounted track systems where the curtains slide along a track, making them flexible and easy to adjust; wall mounted systems which are great if you need to cover doors or a specific section of wall; and free standing frames that are good if you can’t drill into walls or ceilings, or if you need a solution that’s portable.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to buy hardware that’s heavy duty and made specifically for industrial soundproof curtains.
Install With Care (Or Hire a Professional)
Once you’ve chosen your sound blocking curtain material, size, and mounting strategy, you’re going to want to install the curtains carefully, making sure to leave no gaps. Here’s a straightforward installation process you can follow.
Mark the Space
Use chalk lines or painter’s tape to mark exactly where your curtain track or frame will go.
Mount the Hardware
Attach your track, brackets, or frame securely. If you’re mounting to the ceiling, make sure you’re hitting beams, not just drywall.
Hang the Curtains
Slide the soundproof curtain panels onto the track or attach them to the hooks.
Seal the Edges
Overlap panels slightly and make sure they extend all the way to the floor. If you leave a gap, the curtains won’t be as effective.
Test and Adjust
Step back and listen to see if the curtains are doing their job well. You can make adjustments here if needed.
Consider Hiring a Professional
If you want to make sure your curtains are hung for maximum noise reduction, consider hiring an experienced professional to help with installation.
Seal Any Gaps
Soundproof curtains won’t perform well if there are gaps around their edges. To seal gaps, make sure the curtains touch the floor, and add a floor sweep if needed. Overlap multiple panels by at least a few inches. If you’re hanging against a wall, consider adding Velcro strips or magnetic seals to keep the edges tight.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Once your industrial curtains are up, regular maintenance can keep them working at their best. Inspect your curtains regularly, checking for things like tears or broken tracks. Clean the curtains as recommended, usually with mild soap and water. Finally, if you notice the edges loosening over time, adjust them to keep them overlapping. By maintaining your soundproof curtains, you’ll extend their life and have the best industrial noise reduction possible.
Additional Tips for Maximum Noise Reduction
Want to get even more performance out of your sound blocking curtains? Here, we share a few more tips.
Ask for Custom Sizing
Custom sizing can make your curtains fit perfectly in your facility, avoiding common pitfalls like gaps.
Combine with Other Solutions
Use acoustic screens, ceiling baffles, or acoustic foam along with your curtains for even more noise blocking.
Get Creative
Don’t just hang your curtains around walls. You can also hang them around specific machinery or workstations that produce extra noise.
Learn More About Industrial Curtains With Singer Safety
At Singer Safety, our mission is to reduce excessive noise and improve safety in easy, efficient ways with our range of high-quality noise reduction curtains. Each of our products is designed with durability in mind, and we offer both standard and custom sizes.
Need help deciding which option is right for you? Our staff can help you determine the products that will work best for your facility. To learn more, contact us today.
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