Acoustics is the science of mechanical waves within gases, liquids, and solid materials, as well as vibration, sound, ultrasound, and infrasound. The use of acoustic since is present in almost every aspect of technology known to man. The architecture and materials used to construct buildings is no different. Some buildings require soundproofing while others may need to be able to withstand high levels of vibrations. Even where certain balconies or windows are placed within a building structure deals with acoustics.

In order to reduce the amount transmitted noise, construction workers utilize sound absorbing ceiling panels for the ceilings, soundproof wall panels for the walls, soundproof glass for the windows, and other forms of acoustic wall covering for the doors and floors. The process of soundproofing a room is accomplished using a combination of 4 tactics: Adding Mass, Damping, Decoupling, Filling Air Gaps. Some recording studios go above and beyond to implement decorative acoustic ceiling tiles and high pressure decorative laminate panels for the walls.

For outdoor sound proofing, barriers must be placed in the most sound sensitive areas in order to reduce the sound or noise. These barriers includes fences, walls, and even trees and thick shrubs can be used to dense out the sound coming from the interiors. A combination of each of those elements can create a decent sound proofing effect for a great use of acoustic building products. All of these individual elements must be placed in the most sound sensitive areas around the building. Let’s take a look at the most common building materials and their acoustic properties to get an even better idea of how this works.

Two main factors that makes a building material more resistant to noise are mass and rigidity. Currently masonry, concrete, and stone materials are the most noise resistant due to their high mass and rigidity. These make for perfect acoustic building products for the simple fact that that they can stop high sound waves. Concrete slabs are usually used in construction specifically for its sound insulation properties.

Wood and other materials like it have a much more dense property as opposed to masonry. If you?re designing an area where the sound has to be perfect wood would probably be the best material for the job. Wood has the ability to reflect noise and absorb sound much easier making them perfect for instruments like a guitar or piano.

When it comes to sound insulation one of the best properties to use as one of your main acoustic building products is steel. Though the use of steel might be much more costly than its stone and wooden counterparts, just its performance and structure alone is enough for you to consider using it for sounds insulating panels and as one of your acoustical ceiling accessories. Steel transfer sound through structure-borne vibrations which is the opposite of the common airborne vibration.

Glass is more of a sound reflector whether than an sound absorber. Since glass materials are made up of transparent foils which are much thinner than the tiny holes that are found in concrete or stone they are great for sound studios.