Soundproofing in Prefabricated Houses

Soundproofing in prefabricated homes offers results of surprisingly higher quality than in traditional reinforced concrete buildings a fact that often surprises many homeowners. In today’s world, silence and privacy are crucial components of a peaceful living environment, and prefabricated structures often exceed expectations in this regard.

Home sound insulation refers to systems designed to prevent the transmission of noise either from the inside out or vice versa. In prefabricated homes, the materials and techniques used for acoustic insulation significantly influence the overall comfort of the building. Modern prefabricated homes employ double-layer wall systems that impede sound wave transmission. Solutions like acoustic panels and soundproof curtains provide effective answers to the question: "How to insulate a house for sound?"

In this guide by Yükselen Mimari, we’ll explore high-performance insulation materials such as 16 kg/m³ EPS foam, rock wool, and polyurethane panels used in prefabricated homes. We’ll also provide detailed insights on how to soundproof walls, the acoustic benefits of double-glazed windows, and the advantages and considerations specific to prefabricated structures for those seeking residential sound insulation.

What Is Sound Insulation and Why Is It Important?

Sound insulation, at its core, involves reducing the pressure of sound between a source and a receiver using specialized materials and techniques. In other words, it’s the application of barriers that either block or absorb noise to prevent it from transferring between spaces. Today, silence is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Why Is Home Soundproofing Essential?

In urban areas where housing density is high and buildings are situated close to one another, noise pollution is inevitable. This directly affects the comfort of our living spaces. Continuous exposure to high noise levels can lead to health issues like hearing loss, increased stress, and even cardiovascular problems like hypertension.

Soundproofing a home can:

• Reduce external noise, creating a quieter and more serene environment

• Improve social relations by blocking neighborly noise

• Enhance sleep quality and focus for work or study

• Increase energy efficiency and lower heating costs

For those living in noisy cities, soundproofing is not just a convenience, it’s a critical need. For instance, research around Munich Airport revealed that exposure to aircraft noise significantly impairs children’s memory and cognitive performance.

The Soundproofing Advantage in Prefabricated Homes

Contrary to popular belief, prefabricated homes can offer better sound insulation than reinforced concrete buildings. This is mainly due to their panel system structure. The use of 16-density foam panels between layers offers superior thermal and acoustic insulation compared to conventional concrete.

Internal and external walls in prefabricated houses are constructed using panels made of materials like EPS and rock wool, giving them natural insulating properties. Additionally, roof insulation materials like rock wool and fiberglass contribute to overall sound isolation.

Modern prefabricated homes are equipped with state-of-the-art materials to enhance sound insulation, including double-glazed windows and thick doors that help block noise from entering or exiting the structure. As a result, not only does soundproofing improve comfort, but it also increases property value and energy efficiency.

How to Soundproof Your Home?

Soundproofing is essential to creating a peaceful home. When done correctly, it minimizes external disturbances and controls internal noise distribution.

Wall Soundproofing Techniques

Wall insulation depends on noise intensity, dictating the material thickness and density. Typically, a sound-absorbing sponge panel (spongepan) is first affixed to the wall. In high-noise environments, a heavy sound barrier is also recommended.

• A 5 cm air gap is created using steel profiles

• Covered with drywall

• A sound barrier layer is installed

• Another drywall sheet is added to complete the insulation

Dual-sided insulation can achieve up to 90% sound reduction.

Ceiling and Floor Soundproofing

For ceiling insulation, spongepan with barrier or bonded spongepan is effective against upstairs noises like TV, talking, and music. However, impact sounds like footsteps require floor-level intervention in the upstairs unit.

Preferred flooring materials include polypropylene or rubber-based parquet, which absorb sound effectively. Rubber underlayment should also be installed before screeding and extended around the wall perimeter.

Doors and Windows Insulation

Acoustic doors consist of two layers with gaps that trap sound. For windows, double or triple-glazing is essential. Any space between the window frame and the wall should be sealed with insulation foam and tape. Thicker glass significantly reduces external noise.

Acoustic Enhancements Within Rooms

Interior acoustic treatments include the use of acoustic curtains, bookshelves, and sponge panels. Acoustic curtains feature three layers and pleated designs for maximum sound absorption. A wall-to-wall bookshelf, fully filled with books, serves both aesthetic and insulating functions. Acoustic foam panels, with their open-cell structure, are ideal for echo and noise reduction.

How Is Soundproofing Achieved in Prefabricated Homes?

Special panels and insulation techniques allow prefabricated homes to achieve excellent soundproofing. Unlike concrete structures, prefab homes utilize components that offer more efficient noise isolation.

Panel Structure and Material Density

Panels form the core of prefabricated buildings and play a vital role in sound insulation. Higher panel density leads to better sound absorption. Using 16-density EPS foam provides superior acoustic performance compared to traditional materials.

These panels block external noise from entering and prevent internal noise from escaping. Multi-layer insulation systems in prefab homes block sound transmission in both directions.

Use of EPS, Rock Wool, and Glass Wool

Common insulation materials in prefab homes include EPS (expanded polystyrene), rock wool, and glass wool:

• EPS: Lightweight, made of 98% air, ideal for exterior insulation. Limited soundproofing capacity.

• Rock wool: Made from basalt stone, melted at 1500°C, and spun into fibers. Offers much better soundproofing than EPS. A 5 cm layer reduces noise by up to 39% vs. 31.67% for EPS.

• Glass wool: Created by melting silica sand and glass at 1300–1450°C. Effective for roof insulation and similar to rock wool in soundproofing performance.

Double-Glazed Windows and Galvanized Steel Sheets

Double-glazed windows enhance sound insulation significantly. Additionally, sound insulation tape applied beneath galvanized steel profiles eliminates sound bridges, enhancing wall performance.

Perforated metal surfaces in sandwich panels help absorb sound in noisy environments, offering a targeted solution for acoustic control.

Soundproofing Materials for Residential Use

The choice of sound insulation materials greatly influences the acoustic quality of living spaces. The right materials block unwanted noise and minimize reverberation.

Acoustic Foams and Panels

Acoustic foams absorb sound waves and prevent echo and resonance. Made from high-density recycled foams, they come in various surface patterns such as pyramid, egg crate, and labyrinth shapes. Fire-retardant variants are ideal for studios and cinemas.

They are easy to install using special adhesives or silicone, with a drying time of 10–15 minutes. Masks and goggles should be used during application due to the chemical properties of adhesives.

Heavy Sound Barriers

These are thin yet dense materials designed to block sound transmission. Made from PVC, EPDM, or rubber, they range from 1 mm (1 kg/m²) to 5 mm (10 kg/m²) thickness and are especially effective against low-frequency sounds.

Typically used between drywall layers, these barriers are perfect for studios, offices, theaters, meeting rooms, and generator enclosures.

Vibration Isolators

Used to reduce noise and vibration transmission from mechanical equipment to building structures, vibration isolators can support weights ranging from 10 kg to 2600 kg. They limit both lateral and vertical movement during seismic events.

Especially useful in mechanical rooms, music studios, and broadcasting rooms, they eliminate sound bridges and function like shock absorbers.

Polyethylene Mats and Perlite Plaster

Polyethylene mats, ranging from 2 mm to 30 mm thick, are ideal for floor insulation. Their closed-cell structure ensures excellent noise isolation and rebound after impact. With a density of 20–30 kg/m³, they resist compression and prevent structural noise.

Perlite plaster is an economic, sound-absorbing material that weighs only a third of conventional plasters. It effectively neutralizes high-frequency sounds and is favored by top architects and contractors.

Effectiveness of Sound Insulation in Prefabricated Homes

Contrary to assumptions, prefabricated homes can provide better sound insulation than reinforced concrete structures. With specialized materials like EPS foam, rock wool, and glass wool, it’s possible to create a peaceful environment. Panel-based structures and 16-density foam offer distinct advantages.

Additionally, double-glazed windows and well-insulated doors significantly enhance overall acoustic performance. Soundproofing not only prevents external noise intrusion but also controls internal sound distribution, improving acoustic comfort.

Using materials like acoustic foams, heavy barriers, and vibration isolators correctly determines the success of insulation. A holistic approach covering walls, ceilings, and floors is essential.

Ultimately, high-quality sound insulation in prefabricated homes boosts comfort and energy efficiency. For those considering prefabricated housing, soundproofing should not be overlooked. With the right materials and techniques, a quiet, city-free lifestyle is entirely achievable.