How To Choose Sound-Absorbing Panels

Check for authoritative test reports on performance
In theory, any material possesses sound-insulating properties-even a thin sheet of printer paper can block sound. Consequently, manufacturers often label ordinary materials-such as gypsum board, magnesium board, calcium silicate board, and wood-as "sound-absorbing panels," which can easily mislead consumers. One of the most important criteria when selecting sound-absorbing panels is whether the product comes with an authoritative test report. In China, the most authoritative bodies for wall sound insulation testing include the architectural acoustics institutes at Tsinghua University and Tongji University. Many manufacturers boast about the superior performance of their panels but fail to provide authoritative test reports to substantiate these claims. Genuine products undergo testing at institutions like Tsinghua or Tongji, resulting in official reports that specify the sound insulation performance of walls constructed using those panels. Consumers should be wary if a product is marketed as having excellent sound insulation capabilities but lacks a formal test report. Furthermore, it is crucial to verify that the product being sold is identical to the sample submitted for testing. If the submitted sample was thicker, heavier, made of different materials, or specially treated-while the actual retail product differs-the sold product will inevitably fail to meet the sound insulation ratings listed in the test report. Therefore, consumers should carefully evaluate a manufacturer's qualifications, credibility, and reputation to avoid being misled.

 

Consider the ease of installation
To achieve optimal sound insulation, the installation process for sound-absorbing panels must be straightforward; otherwise, the desired acoustic performance is difficult to attain. Professional acoustical engineers know that a wall system capable of blocking "X" decibels in a laboratory setting often achieves only "X minus 2" decibels-or even less-in actual construction projects. Two main factors cause this discrepancy: flanking sound transmission (sound bypassing the wall structure) and installation quality issues, as on-site installation rarely matches the precision of laboratory setups. Consequently, the installation process must be simple; otherwise, on-site installers are likely to make errors, preventing the wall from meeting its target sound insulation performance. For instance, resilient channels were once widely used in the United States; they are an excellent sound-insulating product. Laboratory tests show that using resilient channels can improve the sound insulation of lightweight gypsum board walls by 5–10 decibels. However, in actual construction, installers often fail to mount the boards precisely onto the channels, resulting in only a marginal improvement in the wall's actual sound insulation performance.

 

Consider the thickness and weight of the sound-absorbing board.

Some ordinary sound-absorbing boards on the market attempt to enhance sound insulation by simply increasing their thickness and weight. While this approach does yield some improvement, it comes with significant drawbacks: (1) Low sound insulation efficiency (i.e., the gain in sound transmission loss). According to the laws of physics, doubling the surface density of a board theoretically increases sound insulation by a maximum of only 6 decibels, while quadrupling the density yields a maximum increase of only 12 decibels. (2) Thicker boards occupy more space, resulting in a greater loss of valuable living area. (3) Heavier boards are more difficult to install; furthermore, excessive weight raises concerns about whether the floor structure can support the load. (4) Thicker and heavier boards require more raw materials, driving up the product price and installation costs. Additionally, the value of the lost living space adds to the overall project cost. In contrast, this specific sound-absorbing board utilizes a completely new sound insulation principle; its superior performance is not achieved through increased weight or thickness. In fact, the board is only 18 millimeters thick-or even thinner-yet a light-gauge steel stud wall constructed with it can achieve a sound insulation rating of 53 decibels. With an appropriate wall assembly design, this figure can reach as high as 80 decibels. Among products of comparable thickness and weight, this board not only offers the best sound insulation performance but outperforms competing products by a wide margin. Consider the longevity of the sound insulation performance
Some sound-absorbing panels on the market are constructed by sandwiching a layer of rubber, vibration-damping material, or sound-insulation felt between two boards. While this method can improve sound insulation in the short term, the effectiveness diminishes over time. It is well known that materials like rubber age upon exposure to air, gradually hardening and losing elasticity, which leads to a decline in sound insulation performance. Furthermore, the process of inserting rubber or felt layers between boards entails high construction costs. In contrast, the "458" sound-absorbing panel utilizes a special process to bond a layer of innovative polymer material between two boards; this material retains its properties for a lifetime, ensuring sound insulation performance does not degrade for at least 50 years. The Zhilv acoustic sealant used to seal wall gaps also maintains its viscoelasticity indefinitely-never cracking or deforming-thereby ensuring the sound insulation performance remains constant.

 

Consider the panel's strength, as well as its water and fire resistance
When enhancing a wall's sound insulation, it is essential to consider other performance characteristics. For instance, the structural strength of a newly built soundproof wall-or an existing wall retrofitted for sound insulation-must meet specific requirements. If heavy objects such as flat-screen TVs, large paintings, large picture frames, or substantial decorative lights are to be mounted on the wall, the panels must possess sufficient strength to bear the load. In areas with high occupancy or heavy foot traffic, the panels require high impact resistance and strength to prevent cracking caused by accidental collisions. If the panels are installed near water sources or in damp areas like bathrooms, excellent water resistance is required. For applications demanding high fire resistance (such as walls and ceilings in kitchens or garages), panels that offer both sound insulation and fire resistance should be selected. The currently available "458" sound-absorbing panel not only offers sound insulation performance several times superior to similar products-easily achieving over 53 decibels of sound insulation with a single-stud wall structure-but also boasts significantly higher strength and fire resistance compared to gypsum boards of the same thickness. Tailored products and solutions are also available for clients with specific requirements regarding strength, water resistance, mold resistance, or fire resistance.