Depending on the application method, different thicknesses (with roughly equivalent volume) are suitable for providing the same level of sound reduction. The two basic methods of application for sound deadening rubber are either as large sheets across a surface (i.e. complete flooring) or as individual pads installed as underlayment. The individual pads or block must be much thicker than large sheets to provide equivalent noise reduction, but the total material volume should be comparable because significantly less area needs to be covered. The material characteristics serve as the final criteria for determining the necessary thickness of rubber sheet to use in your specific soundproofing application. Softer rubbers provide slightly improved vibration reduction up to a point. Medium (55-65) or soft (35-45) durometer Neoprene are most common, with medium durometer Neoprene preferred slightly due to pricing. For use as underlayment, EPDM is often utilized because it offers a longer life span than Neoprene. However, EPDM is rather expensive compared to Neoprene, which is used as a cost effective compromise for this type of application. Robert Morris Email: robert@rubbercal.com |
Sheet Rubber for Soundproofing and Noise Reduction Applications Robert Morris 04/08/05 Rubber-Cal Inc. Because of its physical properties (i.e. high density, regular consistency throughout, etc.), sheet rubber can be used for soundproofing and noise reduction applications. Most rubber materials will absorb vibrations and distribute the energy evenly throughout the material, rather than transmitting the vibrations. This results in a high level of noise reduction, even when the material used is not especially thick. The thickness of rubber used is determined by the desired level of sound reduction, the method of application, and the characteristics of the material, "rubber" itself (including price). Since thicker rubber will obviously provide more noise reduction, the thickness should primarily be determined by the desired level of sound dampening (from slight vibration reduction to complete soundproofing). |
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Sheet Rubber for Soundproofing and Noise Reduction Applications Robert Morris 04/08/05 Rubber-Cal Inc. Because of its physical properties (i.e. high density, regular consistency throughout, etc.), sheet rubber can be used for soundproofing and noise reduction applications. Most rubber materials will absorb vibrations and distribute the energy evenly throughout the material, rather than transmitting the vibrations. This results in a high level of noise reduction, even when the material used is not especially thick. The thickness of rubber used is determined by the desired level of sound reduction, the method of application, and the characteristics of the material, "rubber" itself (including price). Since thicker rubber will obviously provide more noise reduction, the thickness should primarily be determined by the desired level of sound dampening (from slight vibration reduction to complete soundproofing). |
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Depending on the application method, different thicknesses (with roughly equivalent volume) are suitable for providing the same level of sound reduction. The two basic methods of application for sound deadening rubber are either as large sheets across a surface (i.e. complete flooring) or as individual pads installed as underlayment. The individual pads or block must be much thicker than large sheets to provide equivalent noise reduction, but the total material volume should be comparable because significantly less area needs to be covered. The material characteristics serve as the final criteria for determining the necessary thickness of rubber sheet to use in your specific soundproofing application. Softer rubbers provide slightly improved vibration reduction up to a point. Medium (55-65) or soft (35-45) durometer Neoprene are most common, with medium durometer Neoprene preferred slightly due to pricing. For use as underlayment, EPDM is often utilized because it offers a longer life span than Neoprene. However, EPDM is rather expensive compared to Neoprene, which is used as a cost effective compromise for this type of application. Robert Morris Email: robert@rubbercal.com |
