Not many people can boast of good sound insulation in their home, except perhaps residents of Stalin-era houses. The rest have to listen to how the TV is working in the next apartment, how children are running, how repair work is going on, and much more.
To make the room as comfortable as possible, you need to take care of sound insulation. First of all, you need to pay attention to the windows - they must be multi-layered, with sufficient distance between the layers. But if the windows are already installed and there is no way to change them, you can use acoustic fabric.
It’s worth noting right away that this will not solve the problem 100%, but it will still significantly improve sound insulation and create a more comfortable atmosphere.
What is acoustic fabric?
Acoustic fabric is most often used as curtains. It differs from ordinary textiles in that it has additional properties that make it more practical to use. Plus, it works to improve sound insulation, which traditional curtains cannot do.
Acoustic fabrics can be used not only in the apartment. Libraries, clinics and hospitals, government agencies and any other premises where excess noise is undesirable. Reducing background noise from conversations, slamming doors, people walking and other work processes will make the atmosphere more pleasant.
Also, soundproofing fabric will be useful for owners of noisy pets that bark and meow loudly. In order not to listen to complaints from neighbors, it is enough to place a canvas made of acoustic fabric on the wall.
Styling options
Acoustic curtains differ from classic curtains in that there is a layer of special coating on the inside. This substrate performs a reflective/absorbing function. The front side makes the canvas look like curtains that do not have similar properties. Products differ in the method of opening.
Classic
Consist of 1 or 2 canvases. The opening method will depend on this. The classic model is fixed on the cornice above the window opening. The effectiveness of curtains in reducing the intensity of sound waves depends on the tightness of the fabric to the wall. They can be multi-layered with lambrequins and curtains. As a result, it is externally impossible to distinguish them from analogues without soundproofing properties.
French
This is the name for lush curtains, characterized by the presence of multi-cascade folds. Sound insulation is provided due to the features of the device. Numerous folds create a barrier to sound. The difficulty lies in the significant thickness of the soundproofing sheet, which makes it difficult to give the folds the desired shape.
Austrian
Outwardly they resemble French ones - they are characterized by a cascade of folds, but they are weakly expressed. The main parameter of the product is the assembly of the lower part of the material as it rises (the curtain moves in a vertical plane). The difficulty in creating and implementing such a design in the production of soundproof curtains lies in the low light transmittance of the finished product. Due to their large thickness, it is not possible to use Austrian curtains in the traditional way (they are made of transparent material, so they rise only partially).
Roman
This is one of the most effective options, because the density of contact with the wall is high. The curtain opens using a lifting mechanism. The window opening is covered with a folded cloth. The model is considered universal, because it looks good in different interiors (from classic to high-tech).
Individual design and photo printing
The front side of curtains with soundproofing properties is decorated in different ways. This can be a one-color product. You can order a curtain with a print on the front surface. The pattern does not affect the sound absorption of the canvas. It must match the design of the room. Many companies offer photo printing, but the cost will be higher.
Material characteristics
Here are the main advantages of acoustic fabric:
- The ability to perfectly absorb airborne noise and reflect sounds. It is thanks to this ability that acoustic fabric is used for sound insulation.
- High material density. Compared to regular fabrics, this one is much denser. It is almost impossible to tear and quite difficult to damage in any other way.
- UV protection. Thanks to this feature, soundproofing fabric protects not only from noise, but also from excess light. For those whose windows face the sunny side, this is an excellent solution.
- Not afraid of dust. Thanks to special treatment, the fabric is not saturated with dust and therefore does not need frequent washing. To clean such curtains, just walk over them with a dry brush.
- Safe for children and pets. The fabric is made from environmentally friendly raw materials and is therefore safe for all family members.
- Resistant to chemicals. Thanks to this property, you can use chemical cleaning agents and not worry about the condition of the fabric.
- Large selection of colors. Thanks to the wide selection, everyone can choose the option that suits their interior.
Considering these points, acoustic fabric is much more convenient to use than regular fabric. Even if you do not suffer from poor sound insulation, curtains made from such fabric will also be useful to you.
Fastening and installation rules
Sound-absorbing products can be fixed above the window in different ways:
- using a cornice;
- using a guide system;
- on frame;
- using a shaft with a lifting mechanism.
The first method is used for attaching single- and double-sided panels (classic model). The frame is used when it is necessary to increase the soundproofing properties of a blank wall, and the curtain does not open. A guide system is used to shape the product. In this case, there is a high density of contact with the enclosed surface. A shaft with a lifting mechanism is a method of fixing certain types of products, for example, Roman ones. A guide is also provided at the bottom, which weights the edge.
Self-tapping screws and dowels are used for fastening. High-density fabric is characterized by greater weight, even when it is not a multi-layer, but a single-layer model. If you plan to mount a shaft with a lifting mechanism on a window profile, markings must be made first.
Types of fabric
Acoustic fabrics can be divided into two types, each of which is applicable under certain conditions. They differ in their characteristics and have certain features. By choosing different types of fabric, you can eliminate different problems.
- Sound-absorbing fabrics. Such fabrics are used as finishing material for walls in public places and for finishing car interiors. Their key property is the ability to absorb sound waves, reducing the overall noise level.
- Decorative fabrics. Used primarily for decoration. Most often, curtains and drapes are made from such fabrics or used to create decorative accents in wall decoration. This type of fabric comes in a huge variety of colors, so you won’t have a problem finding something suitable for yourself.
Modern manufacturers, understanding the needs of their clients, create and produce new types of acoustic textiles every day. Here are the most popular fabrics:
- Velvet. This material is already incredibly beautiful in itself. Thanks to its noble shimmer, velvet is used as curtains in classic interiors and wall decoration. In addition, velvet can be found in theaters, libraries, museums and so on. The long fibers of this material capture sound waves and dampen them, creating silence so you can relax or, on the contrary, concentrate on work.
- Blackout. This fabric is used primarily in the form of curtains. If your windows allow sounds from the street to pass through, such curtains can reduce the noise by a third. In addition, they have the ability to absorb light up to 90%, so if you want to relax and get a good night's sleep, just close the curtains.
- Multilayer curtains. This fabric has a wool layer on both sides, which is covered with polyester fibers. Thanks to this, it is very soft, but at the same time effectively protects both from excess noise and from unwanted sunlight.
Peculiarities
In public places (restaurants, cinemas, hotels), for safety reasons, it is preferable to use noise-absorbing curtains made of non-flammable materials (using special fire-resistant impregnation).
It is better to drape all types of fabrics as much as possible - the more folds and waves, the better the sound will be absorbed.
Nuances you need to know
When using acoustic fabrics, there are a few secrets you need to know to ensure you get the maximum benefit.
- Drapery enhances sound insulation. If you hang curtains in frequent folds, this will almost double the soundproofing effect.
- Dry cleaning is preferred. Some types of acoustic fabrics do not like contact with water, as water can damage the protective layer. Try to dry clean curtains made from such fabrics.
- The right choice of acoustic curtains. When choosing, be guided primarily by your needs. If you are interested in both improving sound insulation and light protection, immediately select curtains that meet both criteria.
As you can see, acoustic fabrics are an easy way to help improve the ambience of a room by reducing noise. And thanks to the wide range, they can also decorate a home, office or any other room.
Specific application examples: improving the acoustics of office spaces
Modern business is dynamic, impulsive and constantly changing.
Therefore, office spaces must be flexible enough to respond to these organizational changes and the need for personal comfort and technological development. An acoustic curtain system can be a solution for reorganizing an office space, providing endless possibilities in terms of functionality and appearance.
Find out how our engineers improved the acoustics of an office space filled with sound-reflective materials. (Photo © Tim Van de Velde)
READ THE STORY ABOUT OFFICE ACOUSTICS
