Soundproofing foam is a great way to reduce noise in your home or office. Because it is lightweight and easy to install, it is a popular choice for many people. But is soundproofing foam really works?
According to the report of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Soundproofing is the process of reducing the amount of sound that travels from one area to another.”
It means that if you want to reduce the noise in your home, you need to find a way to block the noise from traveling from the outside to the inside. However, it is not as simple as it sounds.
There are different types of soundproofing materials, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But soundproof foam is one of the most popular choices and is known for its ability to block noise.
But is it really that much effective? That’s why you need to read this complete article. Because in this article I have shared some facts and deep information about soundproof foam.
Also, I have covered some basic differences between acoustic or conventional foam and different types of soundproof foams. That you should consider before buying the right one.
So Let’s Get Started!
Table of Contents
What Is Soundproof Foam In General?
Soundproof foam is a type of insulation that is used to reduce the amount of noise that travels through walls, ceilings, and floors. It is made up of small cells that are filled with air or a sound-deadening material, which helps to absorb and block sound waves.
It can be used in homes, schools, offices, and other buildings where noise reduction is desired, and is available in a variety of thicknesses and densities to suit different needs.
It’s typically cut into tiles. Pyramid, cone, wedge, and uneven cuboid patterns are on one of these surfaces. That may be used to absorb sound and change the sound characteristics of a space by being placed on sonically reflecting surfaces.
When it comes to high-frequency sounds like human speech, thinner and softer foams are better at absorbing noise. For low-frequency sounds like music or machinery, thicker and denser foams are better at blocking noise.
So it means that the thickness and density of the foam will determine how effective it is at soundproofing foam.
Differences Between Acoustic vs Conventional Foams?
Acoustic foam is a type of insulation that is designed to reduce noise. It is made of porous material that absorbs sound waves. Generally, it is used in recording studios and concert halls.
On the other hand, conventional foam is made from synthetic materials such as polystyrene or polyurethane. They resist heat flow and are used as insulation in homes and buildings.
When it comes to the differences between acoustic and conventional foam, here are the key points:
- Fire Resistance Rating: Humans are vulnerable to extreme heat or an open flame during activities like smoking or lighting candles, thus good acoustic foam should have a passable fire-resistance rating. But conventional foam lacks this property.
- Durability: Acoustic foam is designed to be “non-dusting,” which means it can resist crumbling and wearing away. If utilized within a casing, for example as a couch cushion, this wouldn’t be an issue, but in an open and exposed space, it may be challenging. On the other hand, conventional foam is not made to be non-dusting. So it provides more durability.
- Absorption: Acoustic foam is made to have the optimum absorption across all frequencies with a firmness that ensures the greatest absorption at all frequencies. But conventional foams only resist heat flow. That’s their primary purpose.
Types Of Soundproof Foam: Which One Should You Have?
Types of soundproofing foams help to improve the quality of your recording or listening experience by absorbing certain frequencies and sounds. So before having one of them you should know about their types:
1. Flat Panel Acoustic Foam
From the name itself explains this will be like flat soft panels and you can easily adjust to the wall with minimum efforts, it won’t look different than your usual wall and you can buy in varieties of colors.
But such flat panels are not sufficient to minimize the echos, It is better to use them underneath other acoustic foams to make a double layer and help them deadening sounds at a great level.
I have been reading the reviews of the people and many of them have initially installed and then later replaced with the other types.
So flat panels are not recommended if you really wish to deaden the sound waves which are of high frequencies as it absorbs the less and reflects more.
Flat panels are cheaper in price,e so as an alternative to trying you can use them and experience. if it helps or not, let’s focus on the most used type of foams.
Here is our best finding for you which is worth looking for best Flat Acoustic Foams(Amazon) selling in the market.
2. Egg Crate Acoustic Foam Panel
Egg crates are a far better solution than the flat acoustic foam panels as its ability to absorb the low as well as high frequencies sound waves.
Its shape is more like an Eggcrate with the rounded end and these are very easy to install on top of the walls or doors and even it gives some attractive looks to the walls.
Some people use the acoustic cloths(Amazon) with the Eggcrate foam panel to get some more reduction of the noise.
By having Eggcrate Acoustic foam you can not get that much-proven result but yes somehow it helps to minimize ehos in your minimum budget because of missing edges which helps to redirect soundwaves.
Here are a few of our best findings if you really want to buy Eggcrate Acoustic Foams(Amazon) from reliable sources.
But if you really need high precision of the sound quality then suggested looking for below.
3. Pyramid Acoustic Foam Panel
Pyramid Foam panel is the most recommended foam to be installed in your room or studio if you really think of deadening the sound waves or improving the voice quality immediately.
It is one of the most effective ways because of its ability to absorb the medium and high frequency of sound waves and ability to redirect them with its 4 edges spiked look.
It is like in pyramid shape where its top is more like pointed wedges of a pyramid and also gives outstanding look after installing in your room.
These are available in various colors to create a different combination of colors and make your private space, even more, decorates and its ability to help to minimize unnecessary noises makes its prime choice among most of the people.
Due to pointed edges, it also disturbs the direction of the sound waves which makes it more efficient to more absorption and less reflection.
These Pyramid shapes foam really help to absorb high-frequency soundwaves but not good enough for low frequencies which need to be overcome by installing the corner foams discussed later in this guide.
Pyramid Foam will the best choice for you to start with and here are our best findings of Pyramid Foams, if you really looking for buying from reliable sources.
4. Wedges Acoustic Foam Panel
It is more like of spiked look which makes it popular for edge experiences and an outstanding look inside the room same as a Pyramid foam panel.
Its ability is the same as the pyramid, where it is able to absorb more soundwaves and help to distract the reflection of the sound waves.
It is the best optimum solution at an affordable price and its edge machine-cut shapes make it more efficient to minimize installation efforts.
It is more efficient to absorb any high-frequency bandwidth soundwaves for any size of the room and can also help to absorb the soundwaves coming in from the other side of the door.
If you are really willing to buy then here are our best findings with Wedges Acoustic Foam(Amazon).
5. Grid Acoustic Foam Panels
It is well suits for a smaller area and due to some raised lines, it is able to absorb the sound waves and also help them to redirect and minimizing the vibrations.
It looks good due to its size capacity to cover a large enough area of the room with only one installation. It is available in varieties of the pattern.
Like waves sheet and grids or maybe few more but it is an efficient solution as compared to flat foam panels.
Here are our best findings for the Grid Acoustic Foams if you are really willing to install and experience.
6. Corner Acoustic Foam Blocks solutions
It is easy to deaden the medium to high-frequency soundwaves by installing the most efficient acoustic foams solutions.
Which absorbs and redirects most of the sound waves but still you need to handle another solution of low frequencies.
This could be possible by installing in the corner of the ceiling or the corner of the gound walls. These corner blocks are mounted at 90-degree angles.
If you are having bass issues it is recommended to fill the corners with such foams really help to improve sound quality and minimizing echos in the room.
These could be of many types like the one which required installation to the top corner of the ceiling and the other which you need to install the ground floor corner coverage.
This is the most recommended solution, to be installed in parallel to the Pyramid, wedges or any other type of acoustic foams.
Here are our best findings for Ground Corner Blocks and Ceiling corner foams for soundproofing.
Wrap Up On Is Soundproofing Foam Really Works
From the explained guide you already got an idea that the installation of the acoustic foams is to absorb most of the soundwaves and minimize the echoes.
But if you really think of soundproofing your rooms then installation of acoustic foams is just one part. you need to focus on some other areas like how to soundproof a door and how to soundproof a window to prevent noise from coming in.
If you ask anyone Is Soundproofing Foam Really Works? then yes it works but this is more of sort of a sound-deadening source instead of soundproofing.
Make sure to go with Pyramid acoustic foams for a better and more efficient experience due to its 4 edges and pointed shaps really help to redirect the soundwaves.
Make sure to install the corner blocks in addition to other acoustic foams for great sound quality experiences.
If you have installed any let’s share your experience with us in the comment box so will help others to get a better idea of buyers guide.
FAQ: Is Soundproofing Foam Really Works (Brief Guide)
Understanding is soundproofing foam really works is a tricky thing. That’s why many people just like you have lots of questions. That can be solved easily. That’s why I have added some of them in this article to provide appropriate answers.
Q1. Does A Foam Completely Soundproof A Room
Ans: No, the foam only absorbs some sound. It does not completely eliminate it. So whether you use any type of soundproof foam, there will be some noise that will still penetrate the foam and enter the room.
Q2. How Long Do The Foam Last?
Ans: The lifespan of the foam depends on how often it is used and how well it is taken care of. Generally, they will last around 3-5 years. So make sure to take good care of your foam so that it can last its lifespan.
Q3. What is The major Disadvantage Of Using Foam?
Ans: The main disadvantage of using foam is that it needs to be replaced after some time. This can be costly and it is not always easy to find the same type of foam. Also, if the foam is not installed properly, it can cause some serious problems.
