Is Spray Foam Insulation Good for Soundproofing?

Reducing and blocking noise transfer became an increased worry as the distance between homes decreased. Exterior walls decrease sound transfer and insulate a space, while the interior walls remain hallow. We’re going to take a look at the question, “Is spray foam insulation good for soundproofing?” since it’s a common type of insulation to find in houses.

Let’s Answer the Burning Question

Spray foam insulation is available in both closed and open-cell options. It’s made by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) with a mixture of catalysts, fire-retardants, and surfactants. These mixtures are combined as they’re sprayed into the cavities of walls and ceilings. The insulation will then expand and harden to create a block that prevents air from flowing through it.

Stopping the noise from flowing through walls means blocking, absorbing, and dampening sound waves. You want to prevent noises from penetrating the wall barrier. That takes quite a bit of mass.

Spray foam insulation is fantastic at insulating, but it’s not the best insulation for soundproofing. Open-cell spray foam performs better at sound absorption than closed-cell. It will reduce noise between rooms and homes and has a similar effect to hitting a drum with a kitchen sponge.

Benefits of Using Spray Foam Insulation for Soundproofing

The benefits of using spray foam insulation are:

• A decrease in utility bills because it’s terrific at its job.
• Excellent thermal insulation.
• Prevention of sound from traveling in and out of rooms or buildings.
• A terrific moisture and air barrier.
• Contractors can apply it to ceilings, walls, and wall crevices and cavities.
• It does have some sound deadening benefits.

It may not be the perfect choice for soundproofing, but it can keep your home protected in many ways.

Open vs. Closed-Cell

Open-cell foam is a porous substance of connected, open cells. It’s less rigid than closed-cell, allowing for some air and moisture infiltration. Because of the open structure, it’s better at trapping sound. This is why it’s better at noise reduction than closed-cell spray foam insulation. The hard surfaces won’t absorb the sound waves, and they’ll simply reflect, bounce, resonate, or block more.

We hope we answered the question, “Is spray foam insulation good for soundproofing?”

If you’re looking for a spray foam insulation contractor in the Cary, Illinois area, please call Paragon Protection. We’ve been serving the Chicagoland area for over 20 years.