A sound mat can help dampen noises in your house or office, creating a quieter indoor environment. The mat minimizes distracting noises caused by neighbors, machinery, and busy streets. Installing sound control materials also lessens echo noises resulting from reverberations or sound wave reflections. Here are four types of noises that a soundproof mat can help with:

1. Impact Noises

Impact noises include sounds from foot traffic, splashing water, or objects falling to the floor. A sound mat separates the floor surfaces from impact sources like shoes and feet, preventing direct transmission of impact energy into the floor and throughout the house. These acoustic mats also reduce impact noises by absorbing and dispersing sound vibrations. Sound vibration dispersal and dampening increase quietness by causing the impact energy to disappear gradually. 

2. Airborne Noises

Airborne noises happen when sound waves travel through the air, entering and spreading around a room. These noises result from loud pets, cars, music, furnaces, or conversations. Attenuating unwanted noises in your residence can help prevent conversation leaks. A quiet room may promote effective communication, potentially reducing misunderstandings.

Acoustic mats have dampening properties. They reduce the sound energy from airborne noises, resulting in a lower sound wave amplitude and improved quietness in a room. The mat's material composition has resonant properties to efficiently cancel the targeted sound frequencies from airborne noises. The air pockets in soundproof mats absorb low-frequency sound waves.

3. Structural Vibrations

Structural vibrations may come from pumps or machinery operating near your home or office. Acoustic mats designed to attenuate structure-borne noises are thick and dense for effective soundproofing, reducing this type of noise by promoting sound isolation. Heavy machinery can be set on top of acoustic mats or foam underlayments for effective dampening of structural vibrations. Reducing the transmission of structure-borne noise helps one comply with noise regulations. Soundproofing structural vibrations could also lower the risks of hearing problems.

4. Flanking Noises

Flanking noises happen when sound waves get transmitted to a room through indirect paths. Voids within ceilings or walls, thin partitions, floor-to-wall joints, or window and door openings can allow flanking noises into your room. Soundproof mats made of materials like mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) handle this type of noise by blocking sound waves. The materials add mass to the walls for effective sound insulation. Install acoustic mats on the walls, floors, and ceilings for better decoupling. Adding caulks and sealants along with your sound mats can also help if the noise is coming through cracks or gaps in windows and doors.

Choosing a Suitable Soundproof Mat

Soundproof mats come in various materials, such as rubber, foam, mass-loaded vinyl (MLV), and combinations of these materials. Each material has its own acoustic properties and is suitable for different applications. Rubber mats are practical for impact noise, while MLV is dense and effective for blocking airborne and flanking noises. A rubber underlayment may be a suitable option for reducing impact noise in offices or gyms.

Look for quality acoustic mats with fire-resistance properties for improved safety. Compare the sound insulation ratings of different mats before choosing one. Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings can help you know the mats' sound insulation properties, with higher ratings generally indicating more effective sound blocking. If you're dealing with impact noise, such as footsteps or machinery vibrations, assess the mat's Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating. A higher IIC rating indicates better performance in reducing impact noise.

Install a Sound Mat Today

A sound mat enhances comfort by dampening noises from foot traffic, heavy equipment, falling objects, or loud conversations. Sound attenuation can reduce distractions and promote a quieter environment in your home or business. Contact an acoustic mat installer today to review their soundproofing options for impact, airborne, structural, and flanking noises.