Soundproofing is a set of techniques and materials used to reduce the transmission of sound. In some environments, soundproofing is a personal choice. Homeowners might soundproof bedrooms or play areas to limit noise throughout the house. Office spaces might use soundproofing technology to benefit their employees. When it comes to manufacturing and industrial spaces, soundproofing is more than a preference, it’s a necessity. Loud, heavy machinery can easily result in permanent hearing damage. Yelling over loud machinery can lead to miscommunication and errors. Plus, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has requirements for noise levels in workplaces. In this article, we will explore soundproofing methods and materials used for noise control in industrial spaces.
The Best Soundproofing Methods
Physical methods of soundproofing and noise reduction range from installing barriers and enclosures, to using soundproofing material for walls and acoustic panels, to leveraging insulation methods. The best soundproofing methods will depend on the specific environment and causes of excess noise. In an industrial environment, the primary noise sources are heavy machines and equipment. Employers can use soundproofing methods to limit how noise travels in an industrial space by isolating and absorbing sound vibrations, echos, and airborne noise.
Enclosures and Barriers
Industrial workplaces can use physical enclosures and barriers to isolate and contain noisy machinery and separate sources of noise from the rest of the workplace. These barriers, such as walls and fences, can be made of sound-absorbing materials.
Acoustic Panels and Absorption Materials
If the noise cannot be isolated or contained, the best sound-absorbing materials can be used to reduce excessive noise. Acoustic panels and screens, such as Singer Safety’s modular acoustic panels, can be installed to absorb sounds and isolate noise sources without the use of permanent enclosures. These panels are often made of vinyl or fiberglass. Soundproof curtains and drapes can also be used to divide spaces and absorb the reflection of sound.
Vibration Isolation
Noise is caused by vibrations. Isolating and absorbing vibrations can drastically improve noise levels. Mounting noisy equipment and machinery on isolation mounds reduces vibrations to surrounding equipment and materials. Utilizing a floating floor system can also help absorb vibrations and prevent noise from traveling through the environment.
Sealing and Insulation
Proper sealing of doors and windows can prevent noise and sound from moving between rooms. During building construction and renovation, adding the best soundproofing material for walls and ceilings and insulating pipes and ducts can prevent or limit noise from moving throughout the facility. Proper insulation helps with sound, temperature control, and overall environmental comfort.
Maintenance
Adequately maintained machinery and equipment means less excessive noise. Ensuring any equipment needing repair is properly maintained and all machines receive regular inspection will help with noise reduction.
Soundproofing Materials
The best soundproofing solutions are created when using the best sound-absorbing materials. These materials are used in the soundproofing systems distributed by Singer Safety Company.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is a popular soundproofing material for wall and ceiling insulation that helps absorb sound and improve overall insulation. Fiberglass is one of the best soundproofing insulations and is particularly effective for reducing airborne sound transmission.
Mineral Wool or Rockwool Insulation
Similar to fiberglass, rockwool or mineral wool acts as one of the best soundproofing insulations. Rockwool is a dense material that can absorb sound within walls and ceilings. It is effective for controlling both high and low-frequency sounds.
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
MLV is a reinforced or unsupported barium sulfate-loaded vinyl, evenly coated on both sides. MLV rolls work as a lead-free, dense, highly flexible sound barrier that can be installed on walls or as an area divider.
Acoustic Foam
Acoustic foam is used for sound absorption and insulation. Acoustic foam is a popular soundproofing material for walls, ceilings, doors, and other room features used to reduce noise, vibration, and echoes. The acoustic foam helps create a safer and quieter industrial environment.
Cork
Cork is a natural sound absorber that can be attached to walls or incorporated into interior designs for industrial, commercial, and residential spaces. It is effective for reducing echo and absorbing mid-frequency sounds.
Vibration Damper Compound
A vibration damper compound stops vibration-induced noise at its source. It reduces noise and vibration for an infinite variety of industrial and commercial applications. It is a beige, loose paste you can brush or spray.
These materials can be used in building and construction projects, industrial soundproofing equipment, and even home renovations. In manufacturing, factories, warehouses, and other industrial environments, sound-absorbing materials are used to improve productivity and employee well-being and to comply with workplace safety regulations.
Comprehensive Soundproofing Systems with Singer Safety
Using just one method of soundproofing is beneficial for noise control. Of course, the best soundproofing methods use comprehensive solutions combining materials, tools, and methods for the most efficient noise control.
Singer Saftey’s Sound Stopper Noise Control Systems offer flexible solutions to fit your environment, industry, and any necessary regulations. Our systems offer methods for creating quiet floors and walls, improving space acoustics, providing noise and vibration control in industrial settings, and delivering vibration isolation for seismic and wind restraint.
The Sound Stopper Noise Control System includes modular acoustic screens, ceiling baffles, acoustic foams, and DIY materials, such as vinyl rolls and vibration-damping compounds, which can work together for the most effective noise reduction and sound control in any environment. Our expert team can help you determine which noise control products will work best for your business. Contact us today to purchase your own Sound Stopper Noise Control System!
