Types of Sound Dampening Materials

Types of Soundproofing Materials

Different materials have different effects on sound. Your soundproofing needs will depend on your goals. For example, if you’re a guitar player who likes to rock out in the middle of the night, you’ll want to focus on keeping sound in, and you’ll also want to improve the acoustics in the room. If you are the neighbor of a guitar player, you’ll want to keep sound from entering your bedroom while you try to sleep. Let’s look at the features, benefits and uses of the soundproofing materials we offer at Soundproof Cow to help you find the best solution for your noise-reduction needs.

Different Types of Sound Dampening Materials

1. Dampening and Deadening Materials

Dampening and deadening materials are often used in situations where extreme temperatures or limited space is an issue. Sound deadening works by reducing vibrations to make a space quieter. They are commonly used to stop rattling in cars for a quiet ride with improved stereo sound.

Materials for sound deadening also help reduce distracting noise exposure in construction. You might install a sound dampening material inside an engine compartment to decrease the noise for heavy equipment operators. One study from 2016 confirmed that the use of sound dampening mats substantially reduced the engine noise reaching the operator. It proved to be an easy-to-install and affordable solution to a common problem.

At Soundproof Cow, we offer a variety of sound deadening materials to fit in awkwardly-shaped spaces like appliance interiors or to create a smooth finished look inside a trunk. Whether you want to paint a surface or install a customizable peel-and-stick material, our sound dampening materials are udderly amazing. Our products include:

• Silent Running SR-500: Silent Running SR-500 is a high-performance coating designed to eliminate unwanted noise and vibrations. You can apply this coating easily to wood, fiberglass, metal and most plastic surfaces. It is not affected by extreme temperatures, so you can expect durability no matter what the weather is. This coating is also nonflammable, waterproof and will not chip or crack.
• RoadBlockR™: Want to enjoy your music while you drive and not feel like you’re cruising in an empty aluminum can? Install RoadBlockR which is perfect for reducing automotive noises and creating a quality ride. RoadBlockR comes in attractive foil-facing sheets that are easy to peel and stick in tight spaces.
• Vibra Block®: Available in a sheet, pad or strip, Vibra Block is a premium industrial-grade material to used to dampen vibration on steel panels. Engineered for maximum performance with an easy peel-and-place application, Vibra Block is a lightweight solution to stop rattling.

Sound deadening products are commonly used to reduce noise and vibrations in:

• Cars
• Construction equipment
• Marine equipment

Why install sound deadening acoustic products? These benefits will surely mooove you:

• They are easy to use.
• They are highly versatile.
• They are composed of durable materials.
• They offer a cost-effective soundproofing method.
• They create a finished look.
• They improve audio quality within a space for a luxury ride.

2. Door Seals and Sweeps

Put the finishing touches on any total-room soundproofing transformation with a door seal or sweep to block the noise completely. Our Quiet Door™ line shrinks the amount of sound escaping from around and under a door to the absolute minimum.

The following products create an impenetrable seal against sound so that you can block out noisy neighbors or traffic on the other side of the door:

• Quiet Door™ perimeter seal: A perimeter seal forms a tight fit around the perimeter of a new or existing door. Made of heavy-duty aluminum framing and silicone, these seals can be adjusted or trimmed to fit your needs. Our adjustable perimeter seal allows you to make it like new with a couple turns of a screwdriver once it starts to wear.
• Quiet Door™ sweep: Our door sweeps push down firmly against the threshold of a door. Our sweep is built to treat standard doors that are between 28 inches and 36 inches wide. However, you can trim the material to fit any sized door. Or, if your door is much wider, give us a shout, and we’ll construct a custom door sweep for you. Our automatic door sweep pushes tightly against the threshold as the door closes.

We also offer Quiet Door™ soundproofing kits which include soundproofing composite, perimeter seals, door sweeps and sound sealant for protection against noise.

Door seals and sweeps can be used just about anywhere there’s a door and a person who wants peace or privacy. However, here are some places that can make good use of soundproof doors:

• Apartments
• Band practice rooms
• Broadcast studios
• Computer and equipment rooms
• Home theaters
• Hotels and resorts
• Kennels
• Offices and conference rooms
• Recording studios
• Warehouses or manufacturing facilities

Our door seals and sweeps offer a range of benefits beyond shutting out noise, such as:

• Save energy by reducing airflow transfer
• Made of durable, long-lasting materials
• Tested for quality acoustic performance
• Can be installed on new or existing doors
• Last longer than vinyl or foam seals
• Are flexible in a variety of temperatures

3. Flooring Underlayment

You can soundproof living and office spaces with floor underlayment designed for a range of flooring options. These sound-reducing flooring materials provide airborne sound protection and vibration control caused by impact. Not sure which underlayment is needed for a location? Talk to a member of our sales team and let us put our experience to work! We have options available for carpeting, tile flooring and locations that see more than their fair share of foot traffic. Products include:

• PROFLEX™ 90: PROFLEX 90 is a self-bonding sound-reduction membrane specially engineered for use under tile, stone and hardwood floors. You can easily peel-and-stick this material to help quiet your dancing feet for neighbors down below.
• Impact Barrier QT soundproof underlayment: Made of environmentally-friendly materials, this underlayment works with just about any type of flooring. It’s designed to provide the highest impact insulation class (IIC) rating improvement, with results proven by over 200 independent laboratory and field tests. It easily surpasses cork, felt, plastics and roofing membranes when it comes to soundproofing, and it’s available in a variety of sizes.

You do not have to keep flooring underlayment just for indoor use, because you can apply these materials outdoors too. Flooring underlayment can be used to reduce impact noise in:

• Apartments
• Boats
• Cars
• Homes
• Hotels
• Any multi-level building

Benefits of a soundproofing floor underlayment include:

• It’s a great way to soundproof the floor.
• It improves sound quality.
• It makes cold floors warmer.
• It protects against mold and mildew.
• It’s easy to install.
• It helps reduce both impact and airborne noise.

4. Soundproofing Installation Products

We sell a full range of installation accessories — soundproofing primer, acoustical sealants, soundproofing tape and more — that help make the mooo-st of all your other investments in noise control. You’ll receive the maximum benefits from all of your efforts and help create spaces that are as quiet and relaxing as possible. You can use the following products to make soundproofing materials stick to many different surfaces or to close up gaps and create a truly soundproof space:

• Acoustical sound sealant: Acoustical sealants keep unwanted sounds from escaping through cracks, and they help block external noises. A soundproofing sealant provides a simple solution to spaces surrounding walls, doors and windows. You can apply the acoustical sealant to a wide range of materials such as metal, concrete, wood, drywall and studs. This latex-based nonflammable sealant can also be applied to unexposed and exposed ceiling and floor runners, around electrical outlets and more. Best of all, it won’t crack, harden or separate.
• Soundproof primer: Ready to build a long-lasting soundproof floor? You can prepare a floor substrate for the application of a composite underlayment using a soundproof primer to ensure a strong bond between the subfloor and the underlayment. Our PR 11 water-based primer is easy to install indoor or outdoors.
• Soundproofing adhesive: A soundproofing adhesive allows you to permanently adhere sound absorption material to wood, metal, drywall, concrete, bricks and other surfaces. Choose our PL® Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive in a 10.2-ounce tube or a case of 12.
• Soundproofing tape: Soundproofing tape is perfect for achieving a smooth, finished appearance when installing soundproofing materials. Our Reinforced Aluminum Seam Tape is specially designed to seal seams between aluminum or polyester soundproofing products. The Quiet Barrier® Tape is perfect for sealing seams between sheets of Quiet Barrier®. You can also use soundproofing tape to seal tears or cracks in soundproofing material.
• Acoustical mounts: Acoustical mounts hold soundproof insulation products in place and are easy to install. Quiet Batt® Insulation Supports make it simple and fast to secure soundproofing products like Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation. All you need to do is push the insulation supports in place between the studs and the floor joists to keep insulation secure. We also offer hanger pins made of galvanized steel for a temporary and extremely easy, flexible solution to installing soundproofing materials.

Soundproofing installation products can be used with a variety of soundproofing materials in home studios, garages, bedrooms and anywhere you want to hang insulation, seal cracks or make a room a quiet sanctuary. Benefits include:

• Provides maximum noise blockage
• Made of heavy-duty materials
• An affordable and easy way to seal cracks and bind materials
• Creates a finished look
• Has sound dampening qualities

5. Quiet Batt® 30 Soundproofing Insulation

Use our Quiet Batt® 30 Soundproofing Insulation in the ceiling and walls to create a peaceful, climate-controlled retreat in any space. Quiet Batt® is easy-to-use and an effective sound deadening material for walls. Quiet Batt® features include:

• Made of specially formulated high-density cotton insulation
• Has a 3-inch thickness for high-quality soundproofing
• Has an NRC rating of 0.95
• Fits snugly between wood and metal studs
• Does not require special tools for installation

You can use Quiet Batt® as a standalone product or with other soundproofing materials for the ultimate noise-blocking experience. It’s ideal for use in:

• Interior or exterior walls
• Ceilings
• Attics

Benefits include:

• Does not contain harmful chemicals
• Has a Class A flammability rating
• Reduces impact and airborne noises
• Has a higher NRC rating than other types of insulation
• Keeps a room warmer in winter and cooler in summer
• Improves acoustical quality in restaurants, homes, offices, studios, theaters, workshops and more
• Is easy to install
• Offers an itch-free sound insulation solution

6. Sound Isolation Systems

Significantly reduce the noise level in any location with a sound isolation system. The best soundproofing material for chapels, funeral homes, bedrooms, classrooms and more, these kits provide you with many tools for isolating noise and vibration before it’s noticeable. We’ll cow-culate the best kit for your needs using our free acoustic analysis and will work directly with your contractor or architect to get the best option for your property.

Our soundproofing systems for walls or ceilings include:

• IsoTrax® Sound Isolation System: Our isoTrax® soundproofing system is one of the simplest methods for installing sound deadening inside a wall or ceiling. This is the best soundproofing system we have, and it’s ideal for rooms that need maximum peace like bedrooms, nurseries or study rooms. Each kit covers 64 square feet and includes sound isolation rails, sound deadening pads, hex head screws and viscoelastic washers.
• IsoTrax® Soundproofing System Ceiling Package: For superior ceiling soundproofing, the isoTrax® ceiling package does not disappoint. This package includes more pads and hex screws than the standard package to make sure you have what you need to silence ceiling noise. Otherwise, the ceiling package is identical to the standard sound isolation system and delivers the same versatility and outstanding noise reduction.

Sound isolation systems are perfect for:

• Classrooms
• Conference rooms
• Equipment rooms
• Libraries
• Offices
• Recording studios
• Restaurants
• Theaters

Benefits include:

• An affordable highly-quality soundproofing solution
• Excellent performance
• Ideal for DIY soundproofing projects or anyone with basic construction knowledge
• Requires minimal tools
• Noise reduction in the 52 to 61 STC range

7. Soundproofing Barriers

You may find a soundproofing barrier is essential to keeping the peace around your property. From blocking out airport noise to minimizing hum from your air conditioner, we have large and small noise-reducing materials capable of handling all types and sizes of annoyance.

Soundproof barriers use vinyl, foam or fiberglass layers to block and deflect sound. They are usually flexible and feature a peel-and-stick backing so they can easily fit just about anywhere. We offer the following products to block sound in various situations:

• Fiberglass composite: Our soundproof fiberglass composite combines a fiberglass blanket with Quiet Barrier® high-performance soundproofing material and a reinforced polyester film facing. Only 1-inch thick, these sound panels are easy to use just about anywhere you need to reduce noise. For example, you can adhere them to noisy machinery or hang panels on the wall using one of our soundproofing installation products. Fiberglass composite is a highly flexible, powerful soundproofing solution.
• Foam composite: Our foam composite soundproof barriers contain at least one layer of Quiet Barrier® soundproofing material and one layer of acoustic-grade polyurethane foam. The Quiet Barrier® layer works to block sound while the foam separates the barrier from the wall to prevent impact noise. The result is optimum sound control. We offer a range of foam composite products from a wrap you can use to soundproof pipes to easy peel-and-stick panels.
• Temporary barrier: If you need a temporary noise control solution, a temporary barrier may be the answer you’re looking for. Temporary barriers are acoustic quilts you can simply hang or lay down wherever you need soundproofing. Made of fiberglass and a nonporous vinyl covering, you can use temporary barriers as a sound-blocking curtain or to cover loud equipment. It’s a cost-effective way to solve noise issues in all kinds of situations.
• Mass loaded vinyl (MLV) barrier: MLV barriers are composed of salts, sands and metal particles to give them highly effective noise-reduction power. MLV barriers add mass to an area to block sound waves from penetrating through walls and ceilings. It’s a popular way to soundproof music studios. MLV barriers are safe to use and easy to apply between drywall layers or other building materials.

Soundproofing barriers are excellent options when you need to keep sound in or keep sound out. You might use a soundproofing barrier in:

• Cars
• Firing ranges
• Home theaters
• Machinery
• Music studios
• Marine cabins
• Offices
• Restaurants

Barrier benefits include:

• High versatility
• Flexibility
• Easy to install
• Outstanding sound-blocking performance

8. Vibration Mounts and Feet

We have individual vibration-reducing mounts and appliance feet for purchase to manage particular problems in any location. The perfect professional or DIY soundproofing material, the mounts are easy to install and offer immediate relief. Silence a noisy washing machine or prevent rattling from the TV with a quick and simple installation any installer can manage.

Our VibeAway™ pads easily slide under a vibrating machine and are specifically designed to quiet noisy washers and dryers. However, they are available in a range of shapes and sizes so you can use them anytime you to need to silence furniture feet or loud appliances. It’s an affordable way to reduce noise and may eliminate the need for other soundproofing materials. Our VibeAway pads also help extend machinery lifespan by minimizing movement and banging.

Made from recycled tires, these pads help hush a range of equipment and appliances and may be used with:

• Freezers
• Dryers
• Table saws
• Washers
• Any vibrating appliance or piece of furniture or equipment

Benefits include:

• Protects floors
• Reduces the transfer of vibration
• Helps prolong the life of appliances
• Reduces the need to reinforce upper-level floors
• Prevents machine “walking”

Sound Dampening Material Applications

Sound Dampening/Deadening products are perfect for:

• Automotive doors
• Floors
• Walls
• Hoods
• Trunks
• Heavy equipment
• Compressors
• Generators
• Cabinets
• HVAC
• Pumps
• Hatches
• Metal applications

At Soundproof Cow, we’re happy to talk about what solution would work best for your project or particular need.

Our Premium Sound Dampening & Deadening Materials:

• Silent running (1 gallon)
• Silent running (5 gallons)
• RoadBlockR™ sound deadening material
• Vibra Block® sound deadening material (sheet)
• Vibra Block® sound deadening material (strip)
• Vibra Block® sound deadening material (pad)

At Soundproof Cow, we know typical acoustic materials don’t work well in every space. Sometimes there are special situations that require different sizing or adhesion. Silent Running SR-500 is one of our premier products for tight and awkward locations, particularly for appliances and machinery. This paint-based material is a permanent installation, applied directly to any surface with a traditional paint roller or spray gun. Once dry, the coating controls noise by converting sounds and vibration to heat.

Silent Running SR-500 is incredibly versatile. You can apply it to any number of surfaces, including metals, plastics, glass and even wood! Plus, it can resist both extreme cold and heat, making it a superb resource in industrial noise pollution control. As is true for most of our products, there’s little mess involved in application or cleanup. The water-based solution cleans up easily with soap and water. When dry, it leaves a coating that will shrink and expand with the surface it’s adhered to. Even in extreme environments this material will not ship or crack.

RoadBlockR™ is designed specifically for automotive applications. Thin, capable of withstanding extreme conditions and easy to apply, RoadBlockR™ is adept at controlling sounds from both inside and outside of a moving vehicle. It’s also proven to be successful in other applications. From industrial to residential applications, RoadBlockR™ provides protection from noise pollution in a myriad of situations. Use it as intended to create a crystal clear stereo sound as you block out the hum of the road or dampen noise from a commercial air conditioning unit.

Finally, we carry an extremely effective vibration and acoustic dampening material called Vibra Block®. The industrial-grade material comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s applied directly to the surface of machinery using our convenient, mess-free peel-and-stick adhesive. This is the most powerful anti-vibration application on the market and one of our favorite products here at Soundproof Cow. Order today to see its performance first-hand.

Benefits of Soundproofing Materials

Soundproofing materials keep noise from escaping, and they block noise from entering. Noise reduction has many benefits for everyone it affects. For example, soundproofing materials provide a quiet space for learning. Whether you’re in an office, library or classroom, noise affects how you focus and learn. One study found that students in a standard or noisy environment did not learn as well as students in a quiet school.

Noise reduction also reduces stress. When you are less stressed, your memory and your overall health improve. Those are just a few of the benefits. Soundproofing materials:

• Provide privacy
• Provide simple solutions
• Are easy to install
• Are highly versatile and affordable
• Reduce energy costs
• Improve sound quality
• Make everyone happier

What to Consider When Choosing Soundproofing Materials

If you are ready to enjoy sweet silence or turn up the bass, you’re probably wondering where to begin. After all, there are so many soundproofing materials to choose from. Before you shop, you’ll need to ask yourself the following two questions:

• What type of product do I need: If you wish to keep noise from entering, you want a soundproofing material that blocks noise and keeps it from traveling through the walls, doors, and ceilings. Any items mentioned in this post are designed to block sound. If you are interested in reducing echo and improving the sound quality of a space, a sound absorbing material is the way to go.
• Where or what am I trying to soundproof: Consider what you are trying to soundproof as this will affect your decision. For example, if you need to quiet noisy pipes, you’ll want a flexible material that you can trim and wrap around pipes. If you’re trying to block sound from slipping under the door, you’ll need to seal up gaps where sound can escape.

Shop DIY Soundproofing Materials With Soundproof Cow

While our name is unique, that’s not the reason our products are often recommended by building pros. We carry some of the top-performing acoustical and noise-reducing materials in the industry. Despite this, we keep our products reasonably priced. Keep an eye out for our ultra-low No Bull pricing as you browse our selection.

Customers also trust our business, as we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and we stand behind it whenever there’s a problem. Contact us immediately, and we will work diligently to ensure all issues are corrected.

To avoid problematic situations with your noise reduction materials, we offer a free acoustic analysis to everyone. This will help identify the best products for your soundproofing project. Our selection is constantly changing, so get in touch to discover the latest solutions available.

Ready to get started on your new ultra-quiet home or office? Get in touch today online or call 1-866-949-9269.