Does Soundproof Foam Work? – Here’s What You Need To Know

Nobody wants their business out there, hence the need to soundproof one’s room, home, or workspace. And with the continuous evolution of technology, there have been smarter and smarter ways to soundproof a room. However, many are not so sure about soundproof foam, with some even asking “Does soundproof foam work?” 

There’s no right or wrong to this question. However, when it comes to keeping a noise locked in, soundproof foam do an excellent job; but the same can’t be said for preventing noise from outside. 

Because of this, it is not really a viable option if you’re looking for a professional means of soundproofing a space. Acoustic foams will do a better job professionally.

Is foam a good absorber of sound? 

Yes, foam is a good absorber of sound. Just like soundproof foam, they do an excellent job in absorbing sound because of their soft surface, and as a result, sounds or noise do not have the luxury of bouncing off a hard surface which causes it to echo. 

For this reason, one of the cheap ways you can soundproof a room is to have lots of foam or pillow around. By doing this, your neighbors are unlikely to hear much coming from your room.

For professional setups like studios, you will need more soundproof options that not only prevent sound from going out but coming in as well. 

Recent post: How do I soundproof a room for cheap?

Does soundproof foam work both ways? 

There’s a theory out there on soundproofing that states “if you can prevent sound from coming in, then you have prevented it from going out”. 

This is true in most cases, but if you’ve read this article from the beginning, you will already know that it doesn’t apply to all soundproofing techniques. It also depends on the setup as well. Let me explain. 

Professional Setups 

Professional soundproof setups such as the ones in studio booths and the like will defeat the purpose of recording if it doesn’t prevent sound from coming in, as well as going out.

In this case, one can say that the theory of soundproofing earlier stated holds, especially when you consider the extensive technique of soundproofing that includes the use of acoustic panels, and foams, just to mention a few. 

General setups 

However, the soundproofing theory may not hold up for general setups such as normal rooms or spaces. This is because the kind of attention given to professional spaces may be lacking in the general space. 

Not just that, there are several points of entry where noise can come from in a normal room such as the doors, the ceiling above, the walls, and the windows. Except you soundproof all the points of entry, you may not have an equal and opposite reaction to soundproofing. 

That being said, soundproofing can work both ways, but only if all the points of entry are checkmated. 

Also read: How much does it cost to soundproof a room?

Does soundproofing work for noisy neighbors? 

OH yes! Soundproofing works for neighbors, especially when there’s little you can do to prevent such noise disturbance. 

If you have the means as well as the knowledge, go for it rather than have unnecessary issues with your neighbors. 

How do I soundproof my room from noisy neighbors? 

Step 1: Locate the point of entry 

The point of entry is usually the place where the disturbance emanates from. This could either be the window, wall, ceiling, or your doors. 

If you will ever be successful in soundproofing your apartment, locating the point of entry is paramount. It simply means you have identified the source of the problem and all you are left with is to tackle it. 

Step 2: Provide a soft landing for the incoming sound 

Once the point of entry is identified, the next step to take would be to provide a soft landing for the incoming noise. 

I know the first instinct would be to create a sort of blockade on the incoming noise but calm your horses, we are getting there. When you create a soft landing for the incoming sound you dispel the sound’s inability to cause echoes which causes the disturbance in the first place. 

For instance, if the noise is coming from the window, before thinking of placing a soundproof curtain on the window, consider placing a cushion or a soft material opposite the window to help absorb the sound. 

For noise from the ceiling, consider using a rug or padding the one you have. This way, less echo is made as much of it is absorbed as soon as it hits the ground. 

Step 3: Soundproof the source 

For starters, you can soundproof every point of entry, be it the windows, doors, walls, or even the ceiling. 

For windows, consider using soundproof curtains. They have a way of making your home look glamorous and inviting, that’s not to even mention the soundproof advantage they bring. You should also consider shutting your windows 

Soundproofing a ceiling might be a little tricky, so you’d need a guide to get a full grasp of the whole idea. 

As for doors, you should consider increasing the mass of the door if it allows by hanging a towel, a work of art, or a blanket. 

Step 4: Make your noise

I’m not asking you to be a nuisance or be an inconvenience to your neighbor because of his/her noisy behavior–far from it. 

Rather, you can oppose the noise coming in by playing a sound you would prefer instead of the one coming in from your neighbor(s). 

You can start by playing your favorite music on your sound system, but remember to keep it on a low so you don’t invite noise complaints to your doorsteps. 

Step 5: Try sorting it out with your neighbors

It could be very possible your neighbors aren’t aware they are disturbing your peace. For instance, it could be their dog barking in their absence, or kids just being kids by running around the house thereby causing you disturbance from the ceiling. 

Whichever one it is, talking to them about it is not a bad idea at all. Just keep it cool, calm, and collected. Try as much as you can to be respectful in your approach so you don’t sound entitled. 

If possible, you could even offer to help cover part of the cost if it requires doing so. 

What household item can I use to soundproof my room? 

If you are looking at cutting costs when soundproofing your room, you may want to make the best use of some household items in your possession. Not sure of which one? Let me give you a breakdown 

Bookshelves 

If you have a sizable bookshelf, you are one step away from soundproofing your room, especially if the point of entry is walls. 

All you have to do is place the bookshelf on the wall (the point of entry, not the opposite). 

Center rug

Center rugs help to provide a soft reflective surface for noise emanating from the ceiling. If you can position your center rug properly, the effect of ceiling noise is greatly reduced, and if you have the required amount of furniture available you may have almost solved the issue of ceiling noise. 

Heavy curtains

A curtain does not have to be labeled “soundproof” to have the required effect of a soundproof curtain. Heavy curtains in general will do a great job of soundproofing your room from outside noise as long as the following rules are observed. 

• These curtains should be long enough to touch the ground and high enough to almost touch the ceiling. 
• It should be reasonably longer than the window it is placed on. 
• Consider closing the windows if your apartment is situated on a busy street. 

Other options include:

• Hanging blankets on the wall 
• Mattress 
• Getting more pillows or rugs than you need.
• Have a taste for wall art if you don’t already have one, ETC.

FAQs 

Does soundproofing keep sound in? 

Yes, soundproofing keeps sound in. What you may not know is that, by trying to keep sound locked in, you are also indirectly preventing outside sound from coming in and vice-versa. 

Is acoustic foam worth it? 

My opinion on this matter is a simple and gratifying YES! Acoustic foam is worth every penny you spend on them. They do a very good job of keeping a sound locked in as well as preventing outside noise from coming in. 

How long does acoustic foam last? 

Acoustic foam will last longer than the regular foam used in chairs and the last. Give or take, the acoustic foam should last somewhere around 10 years. They are designed to resist crumbling and accidental mishaps that will damage the regular foam. 

Does acoustic foam help with noisy neighbors? 

I agree with those who feel acoustic foam is not the best when it comes to giving your room a nice look, but I also agree with those who believe that acoustic foam is worth every penny when it comes to blocking out noisy neighbors. Placing it over a wall should do the trick for you. 

Conclusion – Does Soundproof Foam Work? 

Any foam designed for soundproofing, be it acoustic foams or regular soundproofing foams will do a good job depending on what you need them for. All you need to do is follow the required steps and you will accomplish your aim. 

Let me know what you think in the comment section. Cheers!