I know what you’re thinking: how can cork be used for soundproofing? Isn’t it just used to stopper bottles of wine?  Cork is good for soundproofing due to its physical properties. Its composition comprises millions of tiny, air-filled cells that act as an acoustic barrier. The cells trap sound waves, so they don’t pass through the material, and excess vibrations are broken down and diffused. This article will discuss why cork is excellent for soundproofing and how to use it in your home or professional space. I’ll also cover the benefits of using cork for soundproofing, so you can make a ..read more

Unwanted noise can be irritating and should be dealt with to the best of your abilities. You might’ve heard about spray foam as an insulator, but can you possibly use it for soundproofing? Spray foam is good for soundproofing, but it won’t block out the highest noise levels. It can only reduce the amount of ambient noise that reaches your ears. Spray foam is not intended as a substitute for traditional soundproofing materials like acoustic panels. In this article, we’ll talk about the noise-reduction capabilities of spray foam and discuss the most effective soundproofing materials. I’ll help ..read more

Window films are a popular option for homeowners looking for an effective, affordable soundproofing solution. But do they really work? Window films work for soundproofing by dampening the vibrations and frequencies that create sound, preventing it from entering a space. The insulation layer between the glass and the room blocks and absorbs sound waves, limiting its transmission and making the area more soundproof. In the rest of this article, I’ll examine how soundproofing window films work, the factors to consider when choosing one, and how to install them properly. I’ll also provide alterna ..read more

Maybe you like to play your music extra loud, or sometimes host band practice. Maybe your neighbors seem to be playing their music extra loud or hosting band practice, and you can’t tell whether you need to call management or not. Whether you’re hearing a loud noise or creating it, you may be wondering if your neighbors can have you through concrete walls.  Your neighbors shouldn’t be able to hear conversational noises or average volume music through concrete walls. To hear something through a concrete wall, it would have to be a pretty loud noise.  Concrete is not completely soundp ..read more

A semi-detached/attached house or duplex is a dwelling where you share one wall with another homeowner. But can you hear them when they talk or move, or…other activities? You can hear your neighbors in a semi-attached house because of the shared wall. Likewise, the neighbor’s sounds can be more pronounced in dwellings with rolled steel joists into the party wall. Next-door noise can also penetrate through wood floors, ceiling downlights, coving, and chimney stacks.  Below, you’ll learn more about spotting these signs, and what you can do to soundproof your semi-detached home.  Signs ..read more

There are plenty of reasons you might be using soundproof insulation, such as for a home-based studio. Some people living in heavily populated areas might also opt for sound dampening insulation for added comfort. But is it fireproof, and should you use it? Some soundproof insulation is fireproof, though it does depend on the type of material used. The most fire-resistant insulations are mineral wool or fiberglass, which can help reduce sounds but won’t wholly soundproof an area. If soundproofing is your top priority, you also need acoustic panels.  Insulation alone isn’t the best way to ..read more

Dampening sounds from the street is key to preserving the peaceful bubble separating you from the outside world. Doorways are the largest opening in any wall, so the first step in your soundproofing mission should be to ensure that your doors block out as much noise as they can. There are a variety of soundproof doors in the market, but are they expensive?  Soundproof doors can be expensive, as they come with extra noise-reducing properties that typical doors don’t usually have. A soundproof glass door, in particular, can set you back $1,300 to $4,000 depending on its quality and size. H ..read more

Acoustic insulation is a go-to choice to soundproof your home, but should it also be for insulation? To know, you should probably check its R-value.  Acoustic insulation has an R-value, which measures insulation ability or how well it can resist heat flow. However, this may vary according to material and is expected to be lower compared to thermal insulation. To measure soundproofing quality, it is better to use STC or Rw. Keep reading this article if you want to know how acoustic insulation can have an R-value or what values should be used to indicate soundproofing quality. We will also ..read more

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that’s making waves in the industry, as it allows gamers to use it as a home console and as a handheld device. While it’s an amazing piece of technology, it has a drawback — its fan — which can get loud at times, loud enough to spoil your gaming experience. But there are ways to make the console’s fan noise more bearable. Here’s how you can silence a Nintendo Switch’s loud fan noise: Clean your  Nintendo Switch. Use a portable fan. Set the dock in a cool place. Avoid playing your console for extended periods. Change your grip. Check whether the fa ..read more

Whether you’re new to the streaming scene or just looking to improve your viewer’s experience when tuning in, there are many factors to consider when tweaking the quality of your live stream. This might leave you with the question, how much soundproofing do you need for streaming?  Since there’s no way to go back and edit external noises or interference in a live time stream, soundproofing is necessary to ensure there are no distractions as you record. The more soundproofing you include, the better your viewers will be able to enjoy your stream. The following sections will further outlin ..read more