Since the ability to block sound is a function of a particular material’s mass, (weight), acoustic barrier materials are always dense heavy products. The most common barrier material is flexible mass loaded vinyl, which has a density of .5 to 2 pounds per square foot.
Flexible mass loaded vinyl barriers combine mass, flexibility, and limpness to block noise from transmitting from one area to another. They are available in clear, non-reinforced, and reinforced in a variety of weights and styles to meet a multitude of applications. Some common applications for mass loaded vinyl barriers are between dry wall and stud construction to substantially improve transmission loss between rooms, a noise barrier ceiling tile in conjunction with fiberglass above standard suspended ceiling systems, underneath carpeting to improve transmission loss of a floor, and as the main blocking component in barrier/composite panels and pipe and duct lagging. Standard rolls measure 54″ wide x 30′ long or 54″ wide x 60′ long.
Clear vinyl noise barriers are transparent vinyl barriers that offer significant noise reduction while allowing for visibility and easy access. Some common applications for clear vinyl noise barriers are windows in acoustical curtain enclosures, strip doors to allow easy access into acoustical curtain enclosures, and to reduce sound transmission and cold loss between areas. Standard available weights include 1/2 lb psf, 3/4 lb psf, and 1 lb psf. Clear vinyl noise barriers are available in standard rolls measuring 4′ wide x 60′ long or strips custom cut to width and length.
The most effective noise reduction products combine both sound absorption and noise barrier properties – acoustic composites do just that, offering maximum noise reduction on any application. Typical acoustic barrier and composite applications are interior/exterior sound curtains, enclosure systems, and pipe and duct wraps. Acoustic barriers and composites are available in a barrier backed or barrier septum configuration utilizing a variety of quilted fiberglass absorbers and flexible noise barriers, and can be supplied as roll goods, enclosure systems, acoustical jackets and die cut pieces.
Barrier Backed Composites (BBC), consist of an interior or exterior vinyl-coated-fiberglass-cloth facing on a 1” or 2” quilted fiberglass absorber that is bonded to a reinforced a 1 or 2 pound per square foot reinforced or non-reinforced loaded vinyl barrier. Barrier backed composites are typically used as curtain panels in acoustical curtain enclosures where abuse resistance or excellent durability as well as maximum noise reduction is required. They are frequently used as sliding doors on acoustical curtain enclosures or as a temporary or permanent noise barrier on outdoor construction projects.
Barrier Septum Composites (BSC), consist of an interior or exterior vinyl-coated-fiberglass-cloth facing on a non-reinforced 1 or 2 pounds per square foot loaded vinyl noise barrier sandwiched between two layers of 1” or 2” fiberglass. Typical applications include use as a divider wall when separating two noisy areas that require absorption, to line the interior perimeter and/or ceiling of a building, i.e. compressor stations, or anywhere an absorber/barrier/absorber is needed.
A variety of facings are available including the standard industrial grade vinyl facing, an economy scrim facing, a silicone facing for high temperature, and an exterior grade vinyl facing and with Gore Tenera Thread for outdoor applications. Curtain panels are typically constructed with grommets across the top and mating hook and loop Velcro closures on the vertical edges to maintain a good acoustical seal. Rolls measure 54” x 25′, the barrier being 54” wide and the absorber 48” wide to allow panels to overlap and seal together. Rolls are available with edges bound or unbound. Available facing colors are gray, white, black, or tan Available barrier colors are gray, tan, or blue. All products have a Class A flammability rating per ASTM E-84.
