In the conditions of urban life, living in apartment buildings, the issue of sound insulation is very relevant. The neighbors are undergoing repairs, children are noisy, TVs are on, the proximity of highways, other noises penetrating into the apartment make it necessary to resort to a soundproofing device for the room.
The article discusses the materials used for soundproofing walls and ceilings in an apartment, as well as their pros and cons. How to choose the right material to get the desired effect and get rid of extraneous sounds penetrating into the home.
Among the variety of materials, you need to make the right choice, which depends on the definition of the type of noise. They are divided into categories:
- airborne noise. Sound waves propagating through the air cannot penetrate walls and other obstacles. Colliding with them, they cause vibrations that are transmitted through the air, so the sounds penetrate into neighboring rooms. Effective soundproofing materials dampen such vibrations and fluctuations, relieving you of the problem.
- impact noise. With a direct impact on the structure (drilling, stomping, hammering nails), this type of noise occurs. Often in such cases, a soundproofing device for the ceiling in the apartment is required.
- Structural noise. The most difficult type of noise that is difficult to neutralize, they are transmitted throughout the structure. Then you will need a device for complete soundproofing of an apartment or other room, including walls, floors and ceilings.
Soundproofing the walls in the apartment - what you need to consider
1. Purpose of the premises
The use of soundproof materials for living rooms (living room, nursery, bedroom) is not allowed in the kitchen, rooms with high humidity. For them, you will have to buy a material with increased moisture resistance, resistant to temperature extremes.
2. Size and area of the room
In rooms with a large area, it is possible to install sound-absorbing multilayer structures using the frame method - these are mineral wool, Izotex plates. For a smaller children's room, non-shrinking ultra-thin membranes or drywall should be chosen.
3. Quality and texture
The price of soundproofing materials depends on the quality, which is important. The invoice provides for the interior decoration of residential premises, therefore, the composition should not contain toxic substances, formaldehyde, lead, etc.
4. High-quality installation and integrity of the coating
Effective soundproofing of walls in an apartment requires compliance with the integrity of the coating, a very important requirement. All joints, joints are carefully sealed with sealant to avoid reducing sound insulation. You should also make a quality installation of sound insulation to achieve the desired result.
Classification: sound-absorbing, sound-proofing, ultra-thin (soft insulation, hard insulation)
Soundproof panels Fonstar (PhoneStar)
Quite in demand on the domestic market of soundproofing materials are the multilayer panels of the Fonstar system. The structure of the sheets consists of several layers with a mineral granular filler between them. This design and composition delay all sound waves and dampen vibrations.
Advantages:
- Quick and easy assembly when installing a soundproof coating;
- The versatile PhoneStar system is suitable for insulating walls, ceilings and partitions;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Moisture exposure is unacceptable;
- Large weight and sheet area;
- A material with a fairly high level of flammability, which limits the scope of the material.
Soundproofing TechnoNIKOL
Very practical thin modern material in rolls. Thin insulation. Well absorbs sound at the device of floors and partitions. Such protection is in demand for interior decoration on walls, thin sheets do not reduce space. On floors, TechnoNIKOL protection does not let in the sound of steps and vibrations of the building structure.
Advantages:
- Ease of installation;
- Protects against air and shock sound waves;
- Neutralizes electromagnetic radiation (even from devices from neighboring apartments);
- Durability, does not lose its properties for 50 years or more;
- Affordable cost.
Disadvantages: none found.
Shumanet-BM
Shumanet-BM mineral slabs are made from basalt fiber. It belongs to modern premium-level materials, despite the low price. User reviews show that the material is fully consistent with its name. Let out production passes strict quality control, at a production stage. One of the few soundproofing materials that can be used with confidence in rooms with high humidity.
Advantages:
- High noise-protective qualities;
- Water resistance;
- Easy installation on any surface;
- High fire resistance;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
There are no obvious cons, except for the unpleasant smell from the newly made material, which quickly disappears.
Tecsound
Eco-friendly, practical new generation noise-absorbing material. It is produced in rolls and is mainly used for walls and ceilings. Soundproofing the walls in an apartment using Texound soundproofing is ideal, because it reduces the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, which allows you to isolate even small rooms.
Advantages:
- Effective noise protection;
- Practicality (fits on different surfaces);
- Easy installation;
- High fire resistance (the material is non-combustible);
- Not afraid of temperature changes;
- Durability. Does not lose its properties for 40 or more years;
- Environmental friendliness of Tecsound is confirmed by certificates and meets high European standards.
Frame soundproofing of the entire apartment - Video
Frameless soundproofing (soundproofing) of walls and ceilings in the apartment - Video
Soundproofing walls in an apartment: common mistakes
In conclusion, we should especially note the frequent mistakes made by homeowners who want to protect themselves from external sounds. When soundproofing an apartment with modern materials, the types of noise should be taken into account first of all.
Manufacturers indicate the sound absorption characteristics of this material. Manufacturers cannot determine the type of sound waves, their nature.
To obtain the desired result when installing soundproofing in an apartment, it is important to choose the right material and install it. It is recommended to consult a specialist before starting work.
Sometimes living in apartment buildings can be quite difficult due to the often occurring noise. Thin soundproofing of the walls in the apartment will help to correct the situation.
You can do this work yourself, using modern materials that are widely represented in the construction markets.
This article will discuss the types of sound insulation, their characteristics and materials that will need to be used to create it.
Soundproofing materials
All materials for isolating an apartment from extraneous noise can be divided into 2 types:
- sound-absorbing;
- soundproof.
Soundproofing is a barrier that prevents the penetration or propagation of sound in a room. Sound absorption, in turn, is carried out by converting sound energy into heat and reducing its intensity.
The thicker the cork sheet, the better it localizes sounds. Materials for such procedures are used different. For sound insulation, it is necessary to choose products with a large mass and density, and sound absorption itself is carried out using soft and porous coatings.
There are the following options for sound absorbing materials:
It is possible to achieve a greater absorption effect when using a crumb diameter of no more than 3 mm.
Features of thin sound insulation
Membranes are convenient in that they take up little space, but at the same time they isolate sounds very effectively. Recently, thin soundproofing materials have become quite common, which provide protection without losing living space.
They are called soundproof membranes. They can be installed not only on the walls, but also on the ceiling or floor.
Thin has a number of significant advantages:
Installation of the membrane begins with the installation of the frame To mount the membranes, you will need to build a metal frame, its fastening will be carried out using a direct suspension.
- a frame is being built;
- slabs based on mineral wool are laid in it;
- the membrane is stretched;
- the structure is covered with a sheet of drywall. For more information about modern soundproofing materials, see this video:
The length of 1 roll of the membrane is 5 m, and the width is 1.25 m. The weight of 1 m² of material is approximately 8 kg.
Liquid soundproofing
Liquid polyurethane foam well fills all the smallest cavities Liquid soundproofing of the walls is carried out by spraying polyurethane foam. This material has good soundproofing properties. Liquid wall mix fills almost any hole, while creating a layer of monolith that prevents the penetration of unwanted sounds. After hardening, the foam does not have a lot of weight, so there will be no extra load on the coatings.
Liquid soundproofing of the walls in the apartment will also protect against rodents and many insects. The polymer can be applied without prior preparation, the construction of the frame is also not required. During operation, a minimum amount of pollution is formed. The service life of the foam is extremely high, the coating can last up to 50 years. For more information about wall decoration with polyurethane foam, see this video:
The only drawback of this method is the need to use a professional tool. It does not make much sense to acquire it, the best option is to call a specialist. The cost of such processing is approximately 1500-2000 rubles for 1 m².
In the following table, you can see the sound absorption values of different materials.
Benefits of liquid soundproofing
Foam has high adhesion to all types of surfaces Liquid soundproofing mortar has the following advantages:
- After processing, the wall acquires excellent heat and sound insulation properties. This will not only get rid of extraneous noise, but also save on heating.
- The polymer is able to penetrate into the smallest cracks, which will allow you to process openings in doors and windows. This procedure, in addition to soundproofing, will help to forget about drafts.
- High adhesion to the surface. It is not necessary to install the crate, the polymer can also be applied to the ceiling without prior preparation. After work, a minimum amount of pollution is formed.
- The ability to carry out a complete sealing of the room. After processing, a monolithic layer is created that will fill all the holes between the structures.
- The lightness of the material. The frozen foam has a minimum weight, so there will be no load on the load-bearing elements of the dwelling.
- Thanks to the structure consisting of small cells, sound insulation allows you to suppress sound waves in a wide range.
Types of polyurethane foam for liquid sound insulation
The material of Russian-Chinese production has quite affordable prices There are a fairly large number of varieties of polyurethane foam.
Such material is manufactured in different countries, the types differ in their effectiveness and, of course, cost.
The most common are the following options:
- Synthesia polyurethane foam. Produced in Spain. The main advantages include reasonable cost, environmental friendliness and the ability to use at any time of the year at any temperature.
- ecotermix. Produced by China together with Russia. The material has a high level of fire resistance and is able to provide protection against the formation of mold, fungus and other bacteria. The cost of such products compares favorably with the main competitors.
- Demilec polyurethane foam. Produced in the USA and belongs to the premium soundproofing materials. It is the highest quality and most reliable solution for protection against extraneous noise. The only drawback can be considered a high cost, but you have to overpay for the quality.
- Polyurethane foam Bayer. It is a reliable solution from a German brand. The product quality is at an acceptable level, spraying is carried out using a special device. For more information about the components for the production of polyurethane foam, see this video:
As can be seen from the article, liquid soundproofing is the best solution for protecting against extraneous noise. This processing option allows you to achieve maximum protection efficiency, while the product life is at an extremely high level.
The comfort and even the state of health of the residents depends on what kind of sound insulation is made in the apartment. Conventional fences in residential buildings do not provide complete protection of dwellings from noise coming from the street and from neighboring apartments.
The only solution to the problem is reliable protection against. The photo below shows how the frame is mounted with heat and sound insulation under drywall.
Before you make noise insulation, you first need to understand the types of sound interference and how to protect against them.
The types of noise are:
- shock - is formed from the mechanical impact on the building structure: the sound of heels, the fall of objects on the floor, the jumps of children, etc .;
- structural - periodic mechanical impacts on the building structure and the spread of vibration throughout the building: the operation of power tools, rearrangement of furniture, etc .;
- air - transmission of sound waves through the air from the street, from neighboring apartments from working audio and television equipment, colloquial speech, etc.
Before you fight with the spread of sound and getting it into the apartment, you need to know how to transmit it.
Sound waves travel in two ways:
- direct - sound transmission into windows or through adjacent surfaces;
- indirect - passing through the supporting structures of the building, communications, holes and crevices.
Factors affecting sound propagation:
- doors and windows do not have seals;
- materials of building structures have poor soundproofing properties;
- voids, cracks and cracks in structures have the property of resonance;
- low-quality finishing materials.
What to fight: with noise or sounds
Many consider soundproofing and noise cancellation to be synonymous, but they are not. There are differences between them. The soundproofing of walls and floors consists in changing the spectrum of unwanted sounds to such a level that meaningful components that can be heard by ear become indistinct.
Even with the same intensity, an indistinct sound causes less irritation, and with prolonged exposure does not harm a person.
Noise isolation is the general suppression of extraneous sounds. The noise background remains, but is not perceived psychophysiologically. Even harsh sounds do not cross the threshold of comfort. You can hear them, but they are not annoying.
A person does not need complete silence and is even harmful. There should always be some background noise.
Noise levels
Soundproofing properties are laid in the load-bearing enclosing structures during design and construction. First of all, they are provided with their massiveness. Protection against airborne noise by walls and ceilings is set in the range of 45-55 dB.
Now this is not enough: for acoustic comfort, it should not exceed the level of 62 dB, and for interior partitions - 52 dB. Most building envelopes require additional installation of sound insulation.
Sound insulation index and sound absorption coefficient
Protective equipment can reflect sound or absorb it. Sound-reflecting materials are selected according to the sound insulation index Rw - a numerical characteristic in decibels, showing their ability to reflect sound.
In sound insulation, mass and density play the main role. The higher these parameters, the higher the protective properties. The most common are concrete, brick, MDF, drywall.
Indices of sound insulation materials
| Material | Thickness cm | Construction weight, kg/m² | Airborne sound insulation index, dB |
|---|---|---|---|
| ceramic brick | 12 (half brick) | 267 | 40 |
| silicate brick | 12 (half brick) | 330 | 45 |
| Aerated concrete blocks | 10 | 74 | 40 |
| Gypsum concrete slabs | 10 | 92 | 40-45 |
| GKL (one layer) with a wooden frame | 8,5 | 30-40 | 35 |
| GKL (one layer) with a metal profile frame | 10 | 21,5 | 40 |
| glass blocks | 10 | 65-75 | 45 |
| Sliding wood, glass, aluminum | - | 6-20 | - |
Rw depends on the thickness of the partition and its density. It is advisable to attach light soundproofing material to the walls, since increasing their thickness by 2 times improves protection by only 10-15 dB, which indicates low efficiency. Here you can solve the problem if you buy material with Rw = 15-20dB in a hardware store and cover the wall with it. After that, the conversation behind the wall becomes inaudible.
In the calculations, another indicator is used - the sound absorption coefficient. The ability to reduce the strength of sound due to its absorption is possessed by porous, soft and cellular structures. In their environment, sound overcomes many obstacles and weakens.
To evaluate sound absorption, a scale between 0 and 1 is used. The closer the parameter approaches the upper limit, the better the sound insulation of the walls or floor of the protective material. Equality to zero means total reflection of the sound. The table below shows the values of the sound absorption coefficient of some materials. It follows from this that its value is also affected by the frequency of the sound.
Sound absorption coefficient of materials
| material, object | Frequency response, Hz | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 250 | 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 4000 | |
| Gypsum plaster | 0,02 | 0,026 | 0,04 | 0,062 | 0,058 | 0,028 |
| lime plaster | 0,024 | 0,046 | 0,06 | 0,085 | 0,043 | 0,056 |
| Fibreboard (Fibreboard), 12 mm | 0,22 | 0,30 | 0,34 | 0,32 | 0,41 | 0,42 |
| Gypsum panel 10 mm with a distance from the wall of 100 mm | 0,41 | 0,28 | 0,15 | 0,06 | 0,05 | 0,02 |
| Parquet floor | 0,04 | 0,04 | 0,07 | 0,06 | 0,06 | 0,07 |
| Plank floor on logs | 0,20 | 0,15 | 0,12 | 0,10 | 0,08 | 0,07 |
| Glazed window frames | 0,35 | 0,25 | 0,18 | 0,12 | 0,07 | 0,04 |
| Doors lacquered | 0,03 | 0,02 | 0,05 | 0,04 | 0,04 | 0,04 |
| Woolen carpet 9 mm thick for concrete | 0,02 | 0,08 | 0,21 | 0,26 | 0,27 | 0,37 |
The sound-absorbing properties of materials become noticeable from a thickness of about 50 mm. They are divided into three categories of rigidity:
- Soft - with a fibrous chaotic structure. These include felt, cotton wool, basalt wool. The advantage of mats or panels from them is a high sound absorption coefficient (0.7-0.95) with a low specific weight (no more than 80 kg / m³). A significant effect is achieved starting from a thickness of at least 10 cm.
- Semi-solid - plates with fibers and cells. Materials contain mineral wool or foamed polymers. Their sound absorption coefficient is slightly lower (0.5-0.8), and the specific gravity reaches 130 kg / m³.
- Solid - products containing cotton wool in the form of granules or suspensions with fillers such as vermiculite or pumice. The sound absorption coefficient is about 0.5, and the specific gravity is up to 400 kg/m³.
Installing soundproofing from mats and panels requires a lot of space in the room. The space occupied can be reduced by gluing panels with exterior decorative trim directly to the wall.
Soundproofing from airborne noise
They are part of structures where Rw is in the range of 0-20 dB. A person perceives this as a reduction in noise by 2 times.
Increasing the mass of the wall is inefficient and leads to an increase in the load on the base of the building. It is possible to reduce the thickness of sound insulation by using multilayer panels, where both sound-reflecting and sound-absorbing properties of different layers are used.
It is important that air gaps are created between them. Especially the sound wave weakens when passing from one material to another through the air gap. Specialists offer sound-absorbing materials as part of multilayer structures. 
Homogeneous products give less effect than multilayer boards. Hard and soft products must be alternated, where the former are responsible for sound insulation, and the latter for sound absorption. Cotton mattresses are made no thinner than 5 cm and occupy more than half of the structure in terms of thickness.
Sound insulation of walls is carried out using frame and frameless structures. Sandwich panels are placed between load-bearing walls and plasterboard cladding. At the same time, the attachment points contain vibration-isolating pads so that there are no sound bridges.
Soundproofing against impact and structure-borne noise
To prevent the sound wave from being transmitted through building structures, complex sound insulation is used. Floor protection is especially important, for example, with a screed up to 60 mm thick. An effective design is a floating floor, consisting of an elastic layer of sound insulation, on floor slabs and a prefabricated or monolithic screed laid on it.
Now buildings are often put into operation without finishing, where the floor consists only of a ceiling. If the upstairs neighbors do not protect their floors from impact noise, this will create problems for everyone living on the lower floors in the future.
Materials for soundproofing load-bearing walls
A popular material is fiberglass with chaotic fine fibers. Elastic glass threads absorb sound waves well. Thin material is suitable for pasting the joints of building structures and can be used for walls.
- Styrofoam- a good material that provides moisture resistance, heat, and noise insulation. The disadvantage is the combustibility of the material.
- Mineral wool- non-combustible material and the best sound insulation in terms of price-quality ratio. It is often used for laying under drywall, but it loses its properties when moisture gets into it. Therefore, it is used mainly in dry rooms and with reliable waterproofing.
- Cork- high-quality and environmentally friendly material is used more often for the floor. The advantage is the low thickness of the coating, but the material is not very effective compared to others. Application is limited due to the high price.
Modern soundproofing materials
The increasing noise level leads to the need to create reliable protection against it. To do this, use noise-absorbing materials in the form of thick mattresses or sound-reflecting wall panels. The best sound insulation is achieved by combining these methods.
Before you make the soundproofing of the walls, first of all, you should establish the source of noise. If the city noise does not interfere, and the sounds come from the neighbors, it is not necessary to isolate the outer walls.
You need to know what insulation materials to choose for walls, their advantages and disadvantages.
Plasterboard structures filled with porous materials protect the premises well from noise and cold. The disadvantages are the loss of space, the complexity and laboriousness of installation, the accumulation of dust and moisture inside.
Wood-based decorative panels are easy to assemble thanks to the tenon-and-groove connection. On the outer surface there is already a decorative coating, which eliminates the need for finishing. This soundproof eco-friendly wall material allows you to quickly decorate a large room, although it is far from the cheapest.
Polyurethane sheets have good soundproofing properties. Moreover, their thickness is 15 mm. The material is convenient to mount due to its low weight, elasticity and ease of processing. The disadvantages are high price and flammability.
Styrofoam or Styrofoam is a foamed thermoplastic with microscopic air cavities. It is a reliable thermal insulator, but it provides poor noise protection.
The soundproofing membranes are only 35 mm thick and can be combined with other materials. The material is highly flexible and quite dense. Its cost is also high.
Sandwich panels are sound-absorbing material placed between gypsum sheets. The material is more used to protect public spaces, trading floors, pavilions due to the large thickness of the panels. Fastened with dowels or screws.
Soundproofing the walls in the apartment
Do it yourself at the stage of repair. It is advisable to produce such interior decoration with sufficient room sizes, since up to 8 cm will be removed from each wall.
For work, you should purchase profiles, drywall sheets, sound-absorbing material and fasteners. The effectiveness of sound insulation can be significantly improved by using:
- modern sound-proof and sound-absorbing materials;
- soundproof pads under the frame;
- special profile;
- lining of greater thickness (can be made double).
First, a strong frame is built along the width of the mat, for example, from mineral wool. A soft tape is placed under the guide profiles to protect against vibrations. It is better to make two layers of insulation. Soundproof tape is also glued to the racks.
Then the wiring is laid. It is important to follow the rules of electrical and fire safety, especially if combustible material is used for sound absorption. The ends of the wires are brought out.
The sound-absorbing material fits tightly. These can be panels, mattresses made of mineral wool, fiberglass, etc. There should be no gaps in the joints and cavities inside the frame. It is also not recommended to apply a lot of cotton wool, otherwise bumps form on the walls afterwards. Mattresses should be fastened with dowels with wide caps.
An effective addition to mineral wool is a soundproof membrane. It is mounted on top of the slab or on a layer of insulation.
The wall is covered with drywall. You can purchase acoustic plasterboards with holes that reduce noise and a non-woven fabric glued on the inside. The two-layer casing significantly increases the protective properties. Only the seams should not match. This will require more frame racks. Repair will cost more, but it's worth it.
If the dew point is inside the room, moisture will accumulate under the soundproofing. Expedient is the external thermal insulation of load-bearing walls. Then the wall inside will be dry, and mold will not form.
When using external insulation with soundproofing properties, interior decoration may not be necessary. If you use a soundproofing material in the composition of the plaster, the effect of sound protection will increase.
Soundproof panel manufacturers
The PhoneStar panels of the German company Wolf Bavaria produce material of European quality. The presence of subsidiaries in Russia allows you to buy material at affordable prices. The panels are suitable for reducing airborne and impact sound with a thickness of only 12 mm, which gives them undeniable advantages over thick sound-absorbing mats that occupy a significant usable area of the premises.
The domestic company EcoZvukoIzol produces similar plates using German technology. The small thickness of the panels (13 mm) and the availability of a range of sizes make it possible to use them in apartments, industrial and public buildings.
Acoustic Group, a German company, has developed an innovative product with unique acoustic properties - the ZIPS panel system. The basis is a wood fiber with a magnesite binder, which has a high sound-absorbing ability. The company has also developed anti-vibration materials that can be used in combination with sound absorbing boards. The product is available in numerous design options.
"EcoHor" - acoustic plates with a stylish design and good performance.
Video: floor soundproofing
Noise insulation of walls is most effective when comprehensive protection is in place, including the reflection and absorption of sound waves, as well as thermal insulation. First of all, you should determine the source of noise, and then choose effective protective equipment against it. Soundproofing the walls is done by hand, if everything is done correctly.
High-quality soundproofing of the dwelling requires additional measures: installation of double-glazed windows, finishing the apartment with cladding with high sound-reflecting properties, etc.
First you need to consider the benefits of high-quality sound insulation. Sound-absorbing materials should ideally provide:
- opportunity to relax and unwind;
- the absence of extraneous sounds that prevent you from concentrating on a particular lesson;
- complete sleep.
It is not possible to achieve 100% noise isolation, nor is it necessary. It is enough to reduce extraneous sounds to a level where they do not cause irritation and do not interfere with proper rest. Soundproofing materials will perfectly cope with this task.
It is known that noise is the sound vibrations of air. They are able to influence a person, and most often negatively.
Annoying sounds include:
- loud conversations behind the wall of flatmates;
- sounds of power tools during construction and repair work;
- activities of household appliances;
- extraneous noise from the street;
- operation of communication systems;
- many other actions unpleasant for our hearing.
Soundproofing materials, with which it will be possible to provide high-quality soundproofing of walls and partitions in a new building or a long-standing residential building, are diverse. These include polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, mineral wool and cork. You will learn about them in this article.
Styrofoam is a modern product for soundproofing an apartment or house. It is a foamed plastic gas-filled mass of white color.
Its main volume is occupied by gas, the density of which is much lower than the density of the polymer - the main raw material of the product. This is due to the high heat and sound insulation properties of the foam.
Specifications and properties of foam
Polyfoam is produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The Knauf Corporation produces it by the non-pressing method from foamed polystyrene. Each cell consists of dense cells, and each cell contains 98% air and 2% polystyrene.
If you need foam, then as an example, you can use products that are made from environmentally friendly raw materials. A flame retardant is added to the composition, because such material:
- not amenable to combustion;
- not subject to decay;
- not afraid of exposure to microorganisms;
- has a high service life.
Styrofoam is one of the most popular for insulation of partitions in an apartment. First of all, this is due to its physico-chemical properties, safety and operation characteristics.
The table below describes the main parameters.
Thanks to modern technologies and equipment, it is now possible to produce foam plastic of various mechanical strength, density, and resistance to various types of impact. Products made from it are safe for humans, therefore they are widely used in the food industry; goods and products intended for our nutrition are packaged in it.
Polyfoam is widely used in other industries and has the following advantages:
- resistant to moisture and aging;
- it is not capable of being affected by microorganisms;
- it is easy to work with it, it is cut with a hand saw or a knife;
- easily sticks together with other materials intended for partitions and walls in an apartment or outside the house;
- easy to install.
Polyfoam is a waterproof material, but at the same time it has a high rate of breathability. The temperature at which it is located is not capable of adversely affecting the properties of the material. For example, at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, the foam will not change its properties over a long period.
Many developers, choosing materials for soundproofing in a residential area, opt for polystyrene foam. First of all, it is necessary to note its operational and technical properties:
- Low thermal conductivity, due to which the air is evenly distributed inside the material.
- Durability. Subject to all operating conditions, the foam will last a long time. Even with the passage of time, he is not able to change his properties.
- Resistance to various destructions - weak acids, alkalis, moisture. It is important that the material is chemically neutral.
The industry produces GOST 15588-86 foam grades listed in the table.
And the indicators for physical and mechanical properties must comply with the GOST standards, which are indicated in the table below.
In order to install foam on the wall, use special glue or a dowel with a wide cap.
Let's consider the first option. Some experts prefer cement-based dry mixes, which are distinguished by their durability, reliability and high level of adhesion.
But you can also use aerosol polyurethane types in your work. The laying technology consists of the following steps:
- The plates are laid on the starting bar, which is fixed along the perimeter of the surface to be treated. This is done with dowels, the pitch is 300-400 mm.
- The surface must be clean, free of dust and dirt.
- Break up the glue. There are exact instructions on the package: pour the mixture into cold water and stir with a construction mixer. Then the composition is left for 5 minutes, for maturation, and re-mixed.
- Using a spatula, glue is applied to the plates, evenly distributing it around the perimeter and with a few slaps in the middle.
- The foam is placed on the bar and pressed strongly in those places where the glue is located.
- Care must be taken to ensure that there is no distortion of the plate. You can control this process using a level. Inaccuracies are corrected by light tapping with a hand or a hammer on the plate. But do not forget to do this through a wooden block so that the foam does not destroy.
- Plates are laid horizontally from below. The next row is already performed in a checkerboard pattern, so that a dressing of the joints is formed.
- The seams are filled with glue, the excess is removed with a spatula. Next, the glue is allowed to dry, sometimes it takes 2-3 days.
The second option makes it possible to fix the foam with a special dowel. It has a wide cap, which makes its contact with the surface significantly increased and it reliably presses the plate against the wall. A hole of the required depth is drilled in the wall with a puncher. There should be 5 such holes on the sheet - in the corners and in the middle.
The dowel should sink into the foam, and not protrude from it. Otherwise, when puttying, you will have to spend a lot of material. Just don't push too hard or the foam will crack.
Sometimes, for reliability, foam professionals stick it on the wall and fix each sheet with dowels. This method is common in cases where the surface of the wall is uneven. Then the glue is applied in the corners and in the center of the plate. Then the foam is pressed to the base. And then at the same points it is attracted by plastic dowels - "fungi", adjusting the evenness of the sheet along the plane and fixing it in a given position.
Many experts believe that foam is better suited for soundproofing partitions and walls. It is easy to install, does not require knowledge of special skills, is easily cut with a knife and lasts a long time.
Before starting a descriptive characterization of expanded polystyrene, it is necessary to distinguish between it and polystyrene. There is an opinion that this is the same sound-absorbing material, since the composition is identical - air and styrene (hydrogen + carbon).
So, the differences between polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam are as follows:
- Different manufacturing technology - the first is produced by processing with dry steam, the second - by melting expanded polystyrene granules.
- Differences in the characteristics of production methods.
Technical characteristics and properties of expanded polystyrene
This product is just as famous in construction as Styrofoam. Many people choose expanded polystyrene because it has:
- High strength - the material never crumbles, bending resistance is 5-6 times higher than the foam. That is why it is better to use it in places that are sometimes subjected to mechanical stress, for example, for partitions in an apartment.
- A high rate of sound insulation due to the presence of many voids in the polymer.
- The density is several times higher than the parameters of the foam, so its weight is greater.
Expanded polystyrene is a material whose characteristics in some cases exceed the parameters of polystyrene. Despite this, the latter polymer is recommended for light duty applications where expensive materials are not required.
In accordance with GOST 30244-94, the fire hazard of raw polystyrene foam has a flammability class G4. So, its ignition can come from:
- match flame;
- blowtorch;
- oxy-fuel sparks.
The material stores energy from a heat source, propagates fire, and initiates flame amplification. The fire safety index depends on the additives that are used in the production of the material. The temperature regime of ignition is determined by the certification class.
Ordinary expanded polystyrene (G4) reaches 1200 ° C in a short time, and having special additives (flame retardants) in its composition, reduces the combustion temperature and corresponds to the G1 flammability class.
When Styrofoam burns, toxic smoke is produced. In ordinary material, it is 36 times larger in volume than in wood, in particular, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen bromide and other substances are released. And depending on the impurities that are part of the expanded polystyrene, the smoke acquires a different intensity and degree of release of harmful substances.
Expanded polystyrene products with flammability class G4 are not allowed for use in construction. Only material modified with special additives is used in the work. It is called self-extinguishing and has a flammability class G1. Domestic manufacturers mark it with the letter "C" (PSB-S).
To ensure high-quality sound insulation of partitions in rooms, it is recommended to pay attention to a polymer whose thickness is 2-3 cm. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account that soundproofing qualities will increase with increasing thickness. Before buying, break off a piece of material, if at the fracture site it has granules in the form of regular polyhedra, then the polymer is of high quality.
Consider in the table below the dimensions, volume and weight of expanded polystyrene sheets manufactured by Knauf Corporation:
Expanded polystyrene boards are considered one of the most affordable sound insulators on the construction market. They withstand loads of 6 t/m 2 , are easy to install and durable.
polyurethane foam
Soundproofing materials include material such as polyurethane foam. This is a type of plastic with a cellular foam structure. The composition of the material is dominated by a gaseous substance, the content of which varies from 85% to 90% of the total mass. The polymer consists of many thousands of cells, each of which is isolated from the others.
There are two types of polyurethane foam:
- Foam rubber is an elastic type of the presented polymer, the density of which reaches from 5-35% per 1 m 3.
- Rigid polyurethane foam available in over thirty grades (suitable for insulating indoor partitions).
The characteristics of rigid polyurethane foam used for soundproofing walls and partitions in rooms include:
- low thermal conductivity;
- light weight;
- high level of strength;
- no need to use fasteners;
- high anti-corrosion protection of metal structures;
- there are no cold bridges in this polymer;
- insulation can take various forms;
- proven environmental friendliness - in accordance with hygiene standards, it can be used in a food refrigerator.
Polymer sputtering is possible on many materials (in which its versatility is manifested) - on wood, glass surfaces, metal and other coatings. It does not matter the configuration of the surface. An important point is the resistance of the polymer to acid, the possibility of using it in the ground.
When working with polyurethane foam, it must be remembered that direct exposure to sunlight is not desirable for it.
The durability of PPU is 25-30 years, subject to the rules of use. Excellent climate-resistant parameters of the material, in particular its resistance to moisture, have been confirmed. According to the flammability class, it belongs to the categories G1-G4. The polymer contains flame retardants that prevent the spread of fire.
When exposed to open flame, the material tends to burn. But in its deep layers there is no flame propagation. This is explained by the cellular structure of the material and the fact that trichloroethyl phosphate, a fire retardant, is present in its composition. Therefore, this material of the G1 and G2 combustibility groups is allowed to be used in kindergartens and schools.
Polyurethane foam is also resistant to microorganisms and decay processes.
The physical properties of this material can be seen in the following table.
The popularity of such a building material is explained by the fact that specialists have the opportunity to get it right at the place of use. Liquid products, mixed in certain proportions, create a chemical reaction with simultaneous foaming. Which is sometimes very convenient and physically justified during construction processes.
Just remember that working with polyurethane foam requires specialized equipment and personal protective equipment.
If you are interested in information about polyurethane foam and all its properties, then in more detail this information can be found in the article ""
Basalt wool
Sound-absorbing materials include rock wool, also known as stone wool. It is used for soundproofing walls, decorative partitions and ceilings in the apartment. Products made from it are supplied in the form of slabs or rolls.
The table below shows the types of components and specifications.
The named material has a lot of advantages, among which thermal insulation stands out. This quality is confirmed by a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, heat loss is the lowest of all heat insulators. In addition to the above qualities, there are a number of other advantages:
- The material is not destroyed when exposed to aggressive environments or chemicals. Basalt wool does not externally change its appearance and does not lose its qualities. She is not afraid of fungi and microorganisms.
- The durability of the material is guaranteed by the manufacturer, it reaches 30-40 years. True, experts say that a couple of decades can be added to this period. Its fibers are short, they are randomly located in basalt wool. And this provides high mechanical characteristics for many years of operation.
- The structure of the material is not afraid of vibration.
- Basalt wool tolerates ultraviolet radiation better than others.
- Temperature fluctuations do not affect the technical characteristics of the material.
- Basalt wool perfectly absorbs extraneous noise, loud and harsh sounds.
The table shows the sound absorption coefficients of some building materials.
The use of high-quality mineral wool cannot be a guarantee of reliable sound insulation, since the material is an integral element of a sound-absorbing structure, the construction of which must take into account proven techniques.
Mineral wool slabs with a synthetic binder are produced according to GOST 9573-96 and have the dimensions shown in the table.
The physical and mechanical properties of the material must comply with the following characteristics.
Products are labeled according to GOST 25880 with the obligatory indication of the time of issue and the symbol. Each package is labeled "Keep away from moisture" GOST 14192. Basalt wool is one of the non-combustible materials, therefore, when heated, it does not emit toxins or other harmful substances. An equally important indicator is the smoke-generating ability of basalt, which does not emit smoke. It is mounted quite simply - the plate fits between the profiles and keeps perfectly. You can also fix it with cement-based adhesive, as in the cases described above with foam or polystyrene foam.
Many believe that basalt wool is unhealthy. One can argue with this. It does not emit odors, its properties are similar to natural basalt stone. True, phenol and formaldehyde resins are used as binders, but if the necessary norms and requirements were observed during the production of the material, harmful substances remain in a bound state. Therefore, we can state the fact that basalt wool is harmless to human health and its environment.
An excellent option to solve the problem of soundproofing is to cover the walls with cork.
This coating is one of the environmentally friendly materials, since the material has a natural composition. The cork is able to retain heat, has reliability and durability. An equally important advantage is the aesthetic appearance.
On sale cork is found in two types:
- Soundproof panels.
- Rolls (film).
For its fastening to the walls, it is necessary to use an adhesive composition. The internal structure of the material is represented by a huge number of tiny bubbles that perfectly retain heat inside. In addition, this structure improves the acoustic picture in the rooms.
Soundproof panels have the following characteristics:
- light weight - the material is light, does not sink in water;
- elasticity - even after applying high pressure, the panel returns back to its original shape;
- tightness - due to the presence in the composition of the tree bark, the material becomes impermeable to substances in the liquid and gaseous state;
- high rate of water resistance;
- hypoallergenic - the plate does not absorb dust, therefore it is not capable of provoking allergic reactions;
- fire resistance - it does not contribute to the spread of fire, in addition, when ignited, it does not emit toxins, which is confirmed SNiP 23-03-2003;
- the internal structure of the plate provides excellent soundproofing properties, so with its use it will be possible to ensure peace and tranquility in the house;
- durability due to the unique structure of soundproofing boards and their qualities - elasticity and elasticity. Even after a long period of time, the material will not lose its original properties.
Cork is a natural product, the link in which is made of polyurethane. The thickness of the plate depends on the variety - it varies from 0.6 to 1.2 mm. It is recommended to protect the material from prolonged exposure to sunlight. The ability of cork to dampen vibrations provides a significant reduction in noise in the room where it is used.
Soundproofing a room using cork is a great option for new builds that do not provide for the use of special materials to provide sound insulation. Cork can be used for walls, ceilings and decorative partitions, as evidenced by numerous expert reviews.
The characteristics of this material can be found in the table.
For a more detailed explanation, we studied this material and described our observations and research in the article ""
If you choose sound-absorbing materials for walls, decorative partitions or ceilings in a new building, then it is necessary to be based not only on the performance properties or advantages of a particular polymer, it is also recommended to pay attention to the technical properties of the product. The presented table includes a comparison of all the considered materials in technical terms. For the analogy, the following indicators were used: density, thermal conductivity, porosity, durability, operating temperature. Taking into account each of these parameters, you will make the right choice in favor of a particular product. Technical properties of soundproof materials
So, all of the listed soundproofing materials are able to show their qualities only in a properly assembled structure. They are distinguished by high parameters for each indicator, which determines the popularity of their use.
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