5 common soundproofing myths: are they true?

We all want to have the perfect soundproofing conditions in our homes and offices, and in order to achieve this we might try a whole host of different tactics. This has led to many soundproofing myths being formed over the years, and subsequently a lot of confusion amongst homeowners and office managers around which soundproofing techniques are worth pursuing.

In this article, we address 5 of the most common soundproofing myths. From egg boxes to soundproof paint, we discuss the wackiest soundproofing tactics around to ensure that you have a better understanding of how to effectively soundproof your interior. Read on to learn more about this important topic.

sound absorption vs soundproofing

Before we discuss the most common soundproofing myths, we need to outline the difference between sound absorption and soundproofing. These two terms are often confused with one another, and the materials you should use to achieve each outcome are different, so it’s worth knowing the difference.

Sound absorption is the technique of reducing noise from resonating, echoing and amplifying through the use of sound dampening materials. On the other hand, soundproofing is a technique used to isolate or block sound inside a room or to stop sound entering a room altogether.

Depending on the type of space you’re looking to improve the acoustics of, you’ll want to understand whether you need to improve the soundproofing qualities of the space or the sound absorbing properties.

1. using egg boxes for soundproofing

The first soundproofing myth on our list is using egg boxes to make a space more soundproof. The popularity of the egg box technique comes from the fact that it is a cost-effective and convenient method, but does it actually work?

The short answer is no, well, not particularly well anyway. The reason for this is that egg boxes don’t have much mass. You’d need to install an unrealistic number of egg boxes to create a mass dense enough to keep out sound from your room.

2. using thick carpets and rugs to soundproof a floor

Although thick carpets and rugs will reduce both impact and airborne noises for anyone living below you, they don’t offer enough mass to completely nullify the sounds created. This is a very popular technique of soundproofing, but often leaves one party unhappy with the result.

As a rule of thumb, opting for thick carpets and rugs is a much better option than wooden floors or other similar hard materials if you’re concerned with soundproofing and sound absorption, but you’ll want to follow this up with further, more proven, soundproofing techniques.

3. is soundproof paint effective?

Another potential soundproof solution that has come to light in recent years is soundproof paint, with companies looking to provide a stress-free solution to unwanted noise. But is soundproof paint effective?

Similarly to using egg boxes for soundproofing, soundproof paint doesn’t have the mass required to effectively keep out noise, so we would recommend being cautious if this is the solution you’re considering using within your spaces.

4. does soundproof wallpaper work?

Similar to soundproof paint, soundproof wallpaper should be treated with caution if you’re looking to use it as a solution for noise issues. Again, this comes down to the issue of mass. In order to create soundproof walls, you need to ensure there is enough dense mass protecting the space from outside noise.

Wallpaper isn’t usually that dense, so our recommendation would be to find a different, more effective, soundproofing solution for your spaces.

5. are heavier curtains effective for soundproofing?

Heavy curtains have also become a popular soundproofing myth, but are they effective? We need to consider what type of noise you’d be looking to keep out if heavy curtains are your solution of choice.

You’re most likely suffering from noise created by neighbours or people going past your house, and in order to stop these types of noise, you’ll need to install dense materials to block the noise from entering your room. Additionally, there will always be a gap present when curtains are drawn, meaning there is space for noise to come through, and let’s not forget that you’ll want your curtains open during the daytime!

In summary, heavy curtains aren’t an optimal choice for soundproofing. There are much better solutions out there instead, including effective acoustic hangers or wall insulation.

how to soundproof effectively with Oscar Acoustics

So now that we’ve busted some of the most popular soundproofing myths, you might be left wondering, how can I effectively soundproof my space? At Oscar Acoustics, we recommend the following types of soundproofing solutions:

• Acoustic hangers for soundproofing ceilings
• Wall and ceiling insulation

acoustic hangers

In order to effectively soundproof your ceilings, we’ve created the Oscar Iso-Mount range – two types of acoustic hangers that can help you improve the soundproofing qualities of your roof.

Oscar Iso-Mount Type1

If you’re wanting to keep out noise from above, Oscar Iso-Mount Type1 offers a great solution for ceiling soundproofing timber joist ceilings with minimum ceiling height loss. How do they work? These hangers cleverly create an isolated space where any vibrations caused by noise from the upstairs floor will be absorbed before they transfer to the floor below.

The best part about this option is that you’ll lose a minimal amount of height in your room, which is often a concern of homeowners looking to improve the soundproofing qualities of their spaces.

Oscar Iso-Mount Type2

The other acoustic hanger solution we’ve created is the Oscar Iso-Mount Type2, and these hangers are suitable for timber and concrete. They are suitable for a range of spaces too including flats, homes, offices, classrooms and more.

wall insulation

Another great way to soundproof your spaces effectively is by improving wall insulation. Quality insulation makes it difficult for sound to get through walls, meaning that the people inside the room aren’t affected by noise as much.

Celbar insulation

At Oscar Acoustics, we created Celbar recycled insulation, a great solution for soundproofing that also helps to reduce your heating bills. This offers a quick, easy and cost-effective method for improving the soundproofing qualities of your home or office.

contact us

If you’re unsure how to soundproof your spaces effectively, or have some further questions around any of the soundproofing myths we’ve discussed today, we recommend speaking to one of our soundproofing experts.

Contact us today to speak with one of our expert team.

frequently asked questions