How Do Sound Barrier Sheets – Noise Reduction Nets Work? 4 important facts about them

Sound barrier sheets are becoming more common in wall constructions for different structures. They are installed in both interior and exterior walls for buildings of commercial and industrial use. Some residential spaces have started to see the value of soundproofing too; while not a necessity, some homeowners have opted to include sound barrier sheets as part of their walls.

What are sound barrier sheets?

These are soundproofing sheets that provide sound control in different ways. Depending on the material/materials in which they are made of, these sheets block the transmission of airborne sound, such as voices and noises from the outdoors. They also dampen reverberation or vibratory sounds, or sounds made by force or construction work.

Sound barrier sheets are made of different materials, such as acrylic, impacted wood, and foam. These materials, however, are specially designed to render specific sound mitigation functions; this way, the sheets become effective in mitigating noise present within its premises.

Why sound barrier sheets are installed

When soundwaves are released by a source, they travel into space. They also penetrate physical boundaries, that’s why they are heard in areas far from their source. While attributes such as pitch and volume can be controlled from the source, it cannot always be managed right away.

Sound barrier sheets help soundproof space, particularly one that is exposed to noise and unwanted sounds. They either block noise from entering a room, or block sounds from leaving the room. By having sound barriers installed, a dedicated area is protected from noise pollution, especially when the traveling sound waves are from sources that cannot be immediately controlled.

Soundproofing works by using materials that can either absorb or reduce sound. Sound cannot be fully blocked, though; but it can be significantly reduced.

What the sheets do

Sound barrier sheets may either block the sound or absorb the sound in a given space. Depending on your need, you can use a specific sheet to serve a particular purpose, or opt for a composite barrier sheet that can both block and absorb sound.

Sound barrier sheets that absorb echo and reverberation are usually installed in the walls of enclosed spaces, such as rooms. What they do is that they capture the noise that tries to penetrate the walls and invade exterior spaces. This way, the sounds made inside the room will not disturb the areas outside its enclosure. You can then play high volume sounds within the room without affecting your next-door neighbour.

Echo-absorbing sheets also improve the sound quality inside the room. These sheets are usually installed in the walls and ceilings of recording studios or indoor stadiums, or in auditoriums where people gather to listen or perform music.

Materials used for sound barrier sheets

Sound barrier sheets can be very dense and compact. These make them capable of blocking and absorbing noise, as well as reflect soundwaves rather than allowing it to pass through walls and ceilings.

They are usually made of the following materials:

·     Fabric-wrapped acoustic panels – are made of non-porous vinyl, leather, or acrylic fabric. They usually absorb sound and are ideal for maintaining speech privacy.

·      Wood wool – these are cementitious wood-fibre panels that reflect sound.

·     Acoustical foam – are used to absorb echo and reverberation.

·     CFAB cellulose – an eco-friendly variant, these are cost-effective barrier sheets that also absorb sound.

·     Acrylic acoustic sheets – acrylic sound barrier sheets such as plexiglass eliminates outside noise. Depending on their thickness, acrylic sheets help prevent noise from the outdoors entering an interior space, making it ideal for classrooms or office spaces situated in front of busy streets.