Sound Control Blanket Enclosures

Soundproofing is an art that can be approached in many ways, as is evident by the plethora of products on the market promising to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise. However, no one-size-fits-all soundproofing product exists that will successfully combat noise across all applications. Effectively reducing undesirable noise involves understanding the science behind sound and implementing techniques and treatments that counteract the natural tendency of sound waves to pass through and reflect from structures.

Sound transmission describes a sound wave's tendency to pass through molecular mediums such as walls, floors and air, while sound reflection refers to the portion of the wave that reflects from a surface rather than traveling through. Professional sound reduction treatments are commonly aimed at controlling sound transmission and capturing sound reflections in order to reduce the audible decibel level in a specific area.

Since combating sound transmission and sound reflection require different treatment techniques, some soundproofing solutions target both behaviors while the goals of other projects can be achieved by absorption treatments alone. Sound control blanket enclosures are extremely effective, custom fitted treatments designed to absorb sound reflections and affect a drop in the audible decibel level in an area surrounding a stationary source of sound.

In many cases a source of unwanted sound is not contained within an enclosed area, as is the case with outdoor residential air conditioning units, pool pumps and loud industrial equipment. For such stationary sound sources, an indoor or outdoor sound control blanket enclosure can be assembled to absorb sound waves in the area surrounding sound source, reducing the overall decibel level audible to people in the vicinity. Sound control blankets may be affixed to a frame encompassing noisy equipment, suspended from a ceiling or wall, or attached directly to the equipment if suitable.

Several types of sound control blankets are available to meet the varying demands associated with controlling stationary noise. Some sound blankets are designed to suspend from an indoor ceiling or wall and act as sound absorption curtains. More heavyweight sound control blankets, consisting of fiberglass surrounding an inner layer of vinyl, absorb sound waves while serving as a barrier to further reduce noise levels in an area. Specialized sound control blankets have also been designed to meet the demands associated with harsher environments. For use in industrial environments, sound control blankets are lined with a layer of dB-Bloc on the exterior, guarding the blanket against abuse and allowing more flexibility than its vinyl lined counterpart. For outdoor environments or indoor settings characterized by excessive heat and moisture, sound control blankets are available with a protective silicone facing to protect against heat, moisture and UV rays.

Sound control blankets are usually custom cut to create fitted enclosures that serve to maximize absorption of sound while allowing for proper ventilation of equipment. Given precise dimensions of a frame or area to be enclosed, an experienced soundproofing company can provide custom sound control blankets which include the necessary grommets, holes, slits or patches to accommodate the unique requirements of any sound reduction endeavor aimed at reducing noise originating from a stationary source.

About the Author: Mark Rustad is President of NetWell Noise Control, based in Minneapolis, MN. Founded in 1991, NetWell is a leading supplier of soundproofing products, sound reduction treatments, and online acoustical consulting services. NetWell's sound management skills are packaged into the industry's premier website. Discover first hand why so much of NetWell's business stems from the referrals and repeat orders they receive from satisfied clients around the world.