Sound mats provide your space with insulation and noise reduction. Thicker soundproofing mats reduce the impact noise of footsteps, movement of furniture, or objects being dropped. Mat thickness usually depends on several factors, including the type of flooring in your space and the level of noise you want to block. Here is what to keep in mind when determining how thick your sound mat should be:
Material Composition
Acoustic mats can be made of various materials, such as foam, rubber, or cork. Thick foam mats help reduce sound transfer between your room and others. Rubber mats also work as noise barriers and may be more resilient than foam. Cork is a natural material that absorbs noise, making it ideal for soundproofing.
A sound mat’s composition impacts its soundproofing capabilities and helps determine its recommended thickness. Acoustic foam has an open-cell structure designed for high noise absorption, but it often needs to be thick. Cork can usually be applied in thinner layers.
Room Use
The level of soundproofing required frequently depends on how you intend to use your space. For a home theater or recording studio, you might need thicker acoustic mats to minimize sound interference as much as possible. Soundproofing a bedroom or home office for privacy could benefit from a thinner option. Thicker mats can be used in public offices, commercial buildings, or apartments where noise levels are often higher.
Floor Structure
A floor’s surface can also determine the ideal thickness for your acoustic mats. Tile, hardwood, or laminate may have a thicker sound attenuation underlayment to better absorb noise and reduce echoes in a room. Carpeted floors usually absorb more sound than hard floors, so sound mats may not need to be as thick.
Installation Limitations
Thicker acoustic mats can be difficult to install in areas with limited space between the floors or ceilings. This may limit a room’s square footage or usable space. Door frames may also have to be trimmed to accommodate a mat’s thickness. Pair thinner mats with rugs, curtains, or soft furniture to improve sound absorption and reduce echoing.
Layering Possibilities
Sound mat types or thicknesses can be combined in a single room to achieve the desired level of sound attenuation. Rubber is a naturally shock-absorbant material and could be used as floor underlayments to reduce footfall vibrations. Acoustic foam may be better suited for wall applications to absorb voices or noise produced by machinery.
Layering different thicknesses of acoustic mats also allows for greater sound absorption and less vibration transfer. Thick mats usually become compressed when layered, which may limit their functionality. Make sure your selected layers are designed to be used together and adhere well to each other.
Order Your Sound Mat
A sound mat provides a soundproofing solution for your space. With the right thickness, you can reduce noise levels and improve privacy in any room. Many acoustic mats can be combined with other sound attenuation designs, like gypsum concrete. Contact a sound attenuation expert today to learn more about selecting the right acoustic underlay for your space.