Types of Acoustic Foam Panels for Soundproofing

Sound recording studio with soundproof wall
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Even the best-constructed kind of building might be unable to keep out some sound at times. The noise will at times be the primary source of distraction in your property and keep you from engaging in any productive work. Moreover, it will disturb your mental and physical rest and lower your productivity.

The best solution irrespective of the location of your property is the installation of sound insulation. There are several elements insulation contractors in Kansas City will evaluate your building before recommending an ideal soundproofing option.

The most crucial of these is the noise level in your surroundings and the required sound transmission category (STC) rating of your insulation material to keep it out. Acoustic foam panels are among the most effective solution for eliminating sound frequencies and echoes of a low and high nature.

Here are the types of acoustic foam which might adequate for your property’s soundproofing.

Wedge Panels

These have a spiked and cool appearance which makes them popular for property owners on the lookout for an edgy design option for their interiors. Other than the aesthetic benefit, wedge acoustic foam panels will absorb considerable sound but only to the extent of the direction they face. As such, they are installed in a perpendicular orientation to the expected spread of sound waves.

Pyramid Panels

These look like wedge panels but feature a pointed end. They comprise a base sheet with a protruding four-sided shape which resembles a pyramid. This pyramid-like shape absorbs sound and directs it in various directions by reflecting the sound waves.

The degree of sound reflection depends on the course of the panels’ vertical and horizontal grooves. Pyramid acoustic foam panels are often used in quiet rooms, shooting ranges and music studios where moderate sound control for ceilings and walls is required.

Smooth Panels

These are poor sound mediums which will reflect rather than absorb sound waves. They are generally used for music studios to avert the bouncing off of sound on walls.

They are easy to install and store when not in use. Unfortunately, smooth acoustic foam panels offer minimal sound control and are hence commonly used as foundation layers for other types of acoustic panels.

Spade Panels

Home theater with sound proof ceiling

These have a flat layout and less pronounced design compared to other options. Spade panels will absorb different sound frequencies and hence offer better sound insulation compared to smooth panels but less than wedge and pyramid panels.

Wave shape panels are variations of spade panels and have a more curved design than the latter though their performance is similar. Most people will opt to have the spade and wave acoustic foam panels in one room for a pleasing appearance.

There is no superior acoustic panel from another from the types mentioned above. In some cases, contractors might recommend using a combination of all the above panel types in one room.

This will maximize your sound insulation since you will benefit from the different strengths of all the panels and minimize their drawbacks. Most people assume the installation of sound insulation panels is a DIY task. Professional application is, however, the only guarantee for the optimal performance of the above acoustic foam insulation panels.


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