How Do You Soundproof a Metal Building?

By
Outdooroo
-
How Do You Soundproof a Metal Building
How Do You Soundproof a Metal Building

Metal buildings are a great choice due to its resistance and durability. However, it tends to be noisier than brick-built buildings due to its material. Fortunately, you can employ quite a few methods to soundproof your building effectively, be it a house or a garage. 

To soundproof a metal building, you will need to make sure you completely block the sound waves from traveling in or out of the room. This can be done by insulating the walls with foam, using sound absorbing blankets, or using acoustic foam tiles on the walls, floor, and ceiling of the building. 

While soundproofing a metal building, you need to use different techniques to block all the gaps in doors and windows and also use different methods for your walls, ceiling, and floor. Though it may seem challenging, there are easy ways to do this that are also cost-effective.

Let’s have a look at the different steps employed for soundproofing a metal building!

Insulate the Walls With Foam and Fiberglass

Insulating your building is a great option as it prevents noise from penetrating the building from the outside and blocks sound waves from exiting the walls. Additionally, it’ll improve the room’s temperature, thereby removing the extra expense of cooling or heating a room. 

Most often, people invest in rigid panels when insulating a metal room or building. These boards are made from foam plastics and fibrous materials like fiberglass. They’re also very popular as they produce both acoustic and thermal insulation. 

Let’s have a look at the installation process below.

How to Install 

  1. Measure the length and breadth of the wall you are going to insulate.
  2. Using the exact measurements, cut the foam using a utility knife or any sharp object that will make a clean cut.
  3. Now, fit the foam against the metal wall and use liquid nails adhesive to firmly secure the foam to the wall.
  4. Once you’ve done this, you can either leave it as it is or add a layer of fiberglass against the secured foam.
  5. Finish off by attaching another measured piece of foam over the fiberglass. You can secure it with either cap nails or liquid nails.

Insulating your walls can seem a little tricky if you’ve never done it before. I recommend watching the videos below to get a better understanding of the entire process!

Install Acoustic Foam Tiles

Acoustic foams not only absorb sounds but also enhance the quality of sound in a room. They are used to reduce noise pollution while also preventing echoes and background noises.

However, if these tiles aren’t placed properly, they can have very little to no effect. You must leave no gap unsealed for this method to work efficiently. 

How to Install

  1. Acoustic tiles usually come in small sizes, so you will not have to measure or cut the foam before attaching it.
  2. You can either nail the panels to the wall with cap nails or simply use a strong adhesive to secure them. Hot glue guns work well too!
  3. One of the benefits of using acoustic panels is that you can buy corner pieces that perfectly fit room corners. Make sure you attach these pieces to all the edges in your room.

If you can’t decide whether or not this option is the one for you, I suggest checking out the video below, which documents the entire installation process:

How To Install Acoustic Foam Panels

These tiles are relatively easier to install when compared to other foam insulations. However, there are a few key features you need to remember while buying acoustic tiles.

  • The thickness of the tile. They usually come in two standard sizes of thickness, 2″ and 4″ (5cm and 10cm). The thickness of the acoustic panels makes a big difference with sound insulation, but it does not double the soundproofing level. Hence, it is ok for you to go with any size that suits your metal walls’ thickness.
  • The surface pattern of the tile. Most panels have a 3D pattern on its surface. You will need to pay attention to these patterns if you plan on using the room for acoustic performances. However, if you simply want to soundproof the room, you don’t need to be concerned about these patterns.
  • Fire-retardant acoustic panels. Ensure that the tiles you buy are non-combustible, as most acoustic panels are made out of polyurethane, which is not fire resistant and can be hazardous in the occurrence of a fire.

If you feel acoustic tiles are a great option for your building, I recommend checking the 48 Pack Acoustic Foam Panel on Amazon. It has excellent ratings and works great for noise reduction. Additionally, one set contains 48 tiles, which are a great bargain for its price. 

Use Sound Absorbing Blankets or Sheets

These sheets are made from sound-absorbing materials that prevent noise from entering or exiting a room. They can be hung against the walls and also attached to the ceiling and floor. These are a great option for soundproofing a metal building as they both absorb and block sound waves.

However, if you’re looking for a permanent soundproofing method, this may not be the best option. Additionally, these blankets are not as effective as acoustic tiles and insulation foam. 

But if you’re only looking for a temporary solution, this would be the best option for you, as its installation requires less time and manpower.

How to Install

  1. Measure the area of the surface you want to cover and buy an adequate number of blankets to cover the area. 
  2. Attach the blankets to the walls using nail caps or liquid nail adhesives. 

Sound blankets are usually used against windows and doors, which cannot be permanently sealed like walls and ceilings. The best option is to use insulating foam or acoustic tiles for your walls and ceilings while using sound blankets for windows and doors. 

If you need more clarity on how sound absorbing blankets look and work, I suggest you watch this informative video – Acoustic Blankets for Set or Studio.

Tips for Effectively Soundproofing a Metal Building

All the walls and gaps in the building need to be covered with insulation or acoustic tiles. Leaving any gaps open will allow sound waves to leak through the metal walls. However, if you’ve accidentally left any gap or corner uncovered, you can seal this using an insulation spray foam. 

I recommend buying Loctite TITE Insulating Foam Sealant. This spray is safe to use on metal buildings and also contains UV resistance. Additionally, it comes with an easy to spray straw. It also has great customer reviews!

To effectively soundproof a building, you need to insulate any opening through which sound waves can travel. This includes:

  • Walls
  • Ceiling
  • Floor
  • Windows
  • Doors

While soundproofing windows and doors, you can also use insulated curtains that work as efficiently as sound absorbing blankets. Blackout Thermal Insulated Blind Curtains help prevent sound from entering or exiting a room. It also comes in a variety of sizes.

Summary

Based on the information presented in this article, you now know three methods that you can employ while soundproofing metal buildings. Here’s a quick recap of all the ways you can soundproof a metal building:

  • Insulate the walls.
  • Install acoustic foam tiles.
  • Use sound absorbing sheets.
  • Use insulation spray for gaps.
  • Block or insulate all the openings in the building.

Remember that you can use a combination of these methods for effective soundproofing!

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