Sound absorption vs sound insulation: What is the difference?

What is sound absorption?

Sound absorption is about reducing reverberation and dampening sound within a space by absorbing sound waves. This process occurs when sound waves enter the absorbing material and their energy is converted into (negligible) heat.  

Soundproofing panels absorb and dampen sound, which improves acoustics and reduces echoes and reverberations. As a result, noise pollution is reduced and speech intelligibility is increased. This creates a comfortable environment. 

Examples of sound-absorbing materials 

1. Acoustic foam: Porous material that can absorb sound waves and reduce reflections. 

1. Acoustic panels: Panels made of acoustic material to improve the acoustics in various spaces and buildings. 

1. Soft materials like carpet and curtains: These materials help to absorb sound in a room. 

Practical tips for sound absorption 

• Use soft textures: Materials such as rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture can help absorb sound. 

• Add acoustic panels: These are specially designed to absorb sound and can be easily mounted on walls or ceilings. 

• Strategically place absorbing materials: Identify the areas in the space where sound reflects and place absorbing materials there. 

What is sound insulation?

Sound insulation includes the methods and materials that prevent sound from being transferred from one room to another. The aim of sound insulation is to keep sound out of, or in, a particular space. 

With sound insulation material, you can tackle two types of noise: airborne noise and impact noise. Airborne noise includes, for example, sounds from the television or conversations. Impact noise arises from vibrations and thuds in the structure, such as footsteps, a vibrating washing machine, or a slamming door. 

Both airborne sound and impact sound can be reduced with a false wall.  

Examples of soundproofing materials 

1. Cyclin pure: 100% circular acoustic insulation board that can be used as insulation material for roofs, floors and as cavity fill between walls. 

1. Cycling partition wall: Durable insulation panel for creating an acoustic partition wall. 

1. Mass plates: Sound-insulating mass plates provide high mass with minimal thickness, making them ideal for improving sound insulation, for example in wooden floors. 

1. Damping plates: Sound-dampening solution that absorbs vibrations in metal structures, thereby reducing resonance. 

Practical tips for sound insulation 

• Use heavy and dense materials for construction: The heavier the material, the better the sound is isolated. 

• Use double walls: This prevents sound vibrations from being transmitted from one wall to another. You can do this using a secondary wall. 

• Seal gaps and cracks: Ensure there are no openings through which sound can escape. 

The difference between sound insulation and sound absorption

Although the terms sound insulation and sound absorption are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand their differences in order to effectively improve the acoustics of a space.  

Sound insulation focuses on preventing the transmission of sound between spaces, while sound absorption improves the acoustics within a space by dampening sound waves. Both techniques are important for optimal sound management and can complement each other to create a pleasant environment. 

A suitable solution

Whether you want to improve a home, office, restaurant, or studio, it is important to choose the right materials and solutions. These must fit your specific needs and problems.  

In need of professional advice or acoustic solutions? We are happy to help you identify your problem and tackle it. Please contact us!