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 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 that falls short of the precision achieved by laboratory professionals. Thus, the installation method must be simple; otherwise, on-site installers are prone to errors, preventing the wall from meeting its target sound insulation performance. For instance, resilient channels were once widely used in the United States; while they are an excellent sound-insulating product-capable of boosting the sound insulation of lightweight gypsum board walls by 5–10 decibels in laboratory settings-installation workers in actual construction projects often fail to mount the boards precisely onto the channels, resulting in only marginal improvements to the wall's actual sound insulation performance.
Consider the thickness and weight of the sound-absorbing board.
Some standard sound-absorbing boards on the market attempt to improve sound insulation by simply increasing the board's 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 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 and raise concerns regarding the floor structure's load-bearing capacity. (4) Thicker and heavier boards require more raw materials, driving up the product price, installation costs, and the value of lost living space, ultimately leading to a higher total project cost. This specific type of 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 the right wall assembly configuration, this can reach as high as 80 decibels. Compared to other sound-absorbing boards of similar thickness and weight, this product not only offers the best sound insulation performance but outperforms them by a significant 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 offers a short-term boost in sound insulation, the effectiveness diminishes over time. It is well known that materials like rubber age upon exposure to air, gradually hardening and losing elasticity, which compromises 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 remains undiminished for at least 50 years. Similarly, the Zhilv acoustic sealant used to seal wall gaps maintains its viscoelasticity indefinitely-never cracking or deforming-thereby ensuring the sound insulation performance remains constant.
Consider the panel's strength, water resistance, 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 a retrofitted existing wall must meet specific requirements. If heavy objects-such as flat-screen TVs, large paintings, large picture frames, or substantial decorative light fixtures-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 overall strength to prevent cracking caused by accidental collisions. Excellent water resistance is necessary if the panels are installed near moisture-prone areas like faucets or bathrooms. If high fire resistance is required (such as for walls and ceilings in kitchens or garages), one should select panels that offer both sound insulation and fire resistance. The recently launched "458" sound-absorbing panel not only delivers 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 offers significantly higher strength and fire resistance compared to gypsum boards of the same thickness. Customized products and solutions are also available for clients with specific requirements regarding strength, water resistance, mold resistance, or fire resistance.
