Methods For Selecting Sound-absorbing Panels

Check if the sound-absorbing panels have performance test reports.
Theoretically, any material has sound insulation properties; even a thin sheet of printing paper can provide some sound insulation. Therefore, many manufacturers market ordinary materials as sound-absorbing panels, including gypsum board, magnesium board, calcium silicate board, and wood panels, leading to consumer deception. One of the most important principles in choosing sound-absorbing panels is whether the product has an authoritative test report. The most authoritative domestic testing units for wall sound insulation include the Architectural Acoustics Institutes of Tsinghua University and Tongji University. Many manufacturers on the market advertise the excellent performance of their sound-absorbing panels, but fail to provide authoritative test reports to substantiate their claims. All sound-absorbing panels and sound-insulating coatings should be tested at Tsinghua University and Tongji University, and official test reports should be issued, specifying the sound insulation effect of the wall constructed with the sound-absorbing panels. If a sound-absorbing panel is advertised as having excellent sound insulation performance but cannot provide a formal test report, consumers should be wary. Secondly, consumers should also pay attention to whether the sound-absorbing panels sold by the manufacturer are the same product as the samples submitted for testing. If the samples submitted for testing are thicker, heavier, made of different materials, or specially treated, while the actual products sold are different, then the sold products will obviously not achieve the sound insulation values ​​indicated in the test report. In this regard, consumers should pay attention to the manufacturer's qualifications, credibility, and reputation to avoid being cheated.

Check if the sound-absorbing panels are easy to install.
To achieve good sound insulation, the installation method of the sound-absorbing panels must be very simple; otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve the ideal sound insulation effect. Professional acoustic engineers understand that if a wall can achieve X decibels of sound insulation in a laboratory test, in actual engineering projects it often only achieves X-2 decibels, or even lower. The main reasons for the lower sound insulation value in actual projects compared to laboratory tests are: lateral sound transmission issues in actual projects, and the installation quality of wall panels in actual projects is not as good as the installation quality by professionals in the laboratory. Therefore, the installation of sound-absorbing panels must be simple; otherwise, on-site installers will inevitably make mistakes, resulting in the wall's sound insulation value failing to meet the target. For example, resilient channels were once widely used in the United States. They are a good sound insulation method and product; in laboratory settings, using resilient channels can improve the sound insulation of lightweight gypsum board walls by 5-10 decibels. However, in actual construction projects, installers often fail to accurately install the panels onto the resilient channels, resulting in very limited improvement in the actual sound insulation of the wall.

Consider the thickness and weight of the sound-absorbing panel.
Some ordinary sound-absorbing panels on the market increase their thickness and weight to improve sound insulation. While this method can improve sound insulation to a certain extent, it has many drawbacks: (1) Low sound insulation efficiency (i.e., limited improvement in sound reduction), because according to physical laws, doubling the surface density of the panel can theoretically only increase sound insulation by a maximum of 6 decibels; quadrupling the surface density can only increase sound insulation by a maximum of 12 decibels. (2) Thicker panels occupy more space, resulting in a loss of valuable living space. (3) Heavier panels are more difficult to install; and excessively heavy panels require consideration of whether the floor can bear the weight. (4) Thicker and heavier panels require more raw materials, resulting in higher panel prices, higher installation costs, and a higher value of lost living space, leading to a higher overall project cost. Sound-absorbing panels are a sound insulation material based on a completely new sound insulation principle. Their significantly improved sound insulation effect is not achieved by increasing weight and thickness. In fact, the thickness of the sound-absorbing panel is only 18 millimeters, or even thinner, but a light steel frame wall constructed with it can achieve a sound insulation effect of 53 decibels. With a suitable wall combination scheme, the sound insulation effect of the wall can even reach 80 decibels. Among sound-absorbing panels of the same thickness and weight on the market, this type of sound-absorbing panel not only has the best sound insulation effect but is also many times better than any other sound-absorbing panel of the same thickness and weight.

Consider how long the sound insulation effect can be maintained.
Some sound-absorbing panels on the market are made by installing a rubber layer, vibration-damping materials, or sound insulation felt between two panels. While this method can improve sound insulation to a certain extent in the short term, its sound insulation effect will gradually decrease over time. It is well known that materials such as rubber gradually age in the air, causing them to harden and lose elasticity, thus leading to a gradual decrease in sound insulation performance over time. On the other hand, the method of installing a rubber layer or sound insulation felt layer between two panels is also very expensive. Sound-absorbing panels, however, utilize a special process to composite a layer of new polymer material between two panels. This material's performance remains unchanged throughout its lifespan, and its sound insulation effect is maintained for at least 50 years without degradation. The Zhilü acoustic sealant used to seal gaps in walls also maintains its viscoelasticity throughout its lifespan, never cracking or deforming, and its sound insulation effect never diminishes.

Consider the strength, waterproofing, and fire resistance of sound-absorbing panels.
While improving the sound insulation of walls, other properties of the wall must also be considered. For example, whether the strength of a newly constructed soundproof wall or a renovated wall meets the requirements. If you want to hang heavy objects on the wall, such as flat-screen TVs, large oil paintings or picture frames, or large decorative lights, the wall panel needs to have sufficient strength to bear a certain weight. If there are many people or high traffic in the room, the wall panel needs to have strong impact resistance and high strength to prevent cracking caused by people bumping into the wall. If the wall panel is near faucets, bathrooms, or other damp areas, it needs to have good waterproofing performance. If the wall requires high fire resistance (such as the walls and ceilings of kitchens and garages), you should choose a sound-absorbing panel that is both soundproof and fire-resistant. The currently available Sound-absorbing Panel 458 not only has several times better sound insulation than similar products, easily achieving a sound insulation effect of over 53 decibels for single-stud walls, but its strength is also much higher than gypsum board of the same thickness, and its fire resistance is significantly improved. If customers have higher requirements for strength, waterproofing, mold resistance, and fire resistance, different products and solutions can also be provided.