When measuring for soundproof mats, identify the areas of the room that will provide the best soundproofing effect. You also need to know the dimensions of the sound mats that will meet your acoustic requirements.
Note any deviations in the walls or challenges in the room shape when taking measurements. Here is how to measure a room for a sound mat:
Determine the Thickness
The thickness of an acoustic mat determines its ability to absorb sound frequencies. Thicker mats are effective in attenuating deeper bass frequencies, which is advantageous in settings like a studio or home theater. You can use a ruler or caliper to estimate the thickness of a sound mat.
Press the tool firmly on the surface of the mat to prevent measuring variations in thickness incorrectly. There may be differences in thickness in the same batch of mats, so the mats should be measured in several areas to confirm accuracy.
Knowing the correlation between thickness and the level of noise absorption helps you to choose the right mat for your room. Installing thick mats in a recording studio or home theater may increase the clarity of sound. Thicker mats can also reduce undesirable low-frequency reflections and bouncing around.
Estimate the Length and Width
When estimating the length and width of a soundproof carpet, place it on a flat and even surface. Using a measuring tape or ruler, write down the readings and calculate the coverage in square footage.
The dimensions must be precise especially for big rooms or those with complex shapes since discrepancies can lead to coverage gaps and compromise the soundproofing potential of the mat.
Identify barriers to the sound mat installation such as doors, windows, or built-in furniture. The barriers will affect how many sound mats are needed to fully cover a room. Purchasing the right amount of mats will prevent ordering more mats than required. Check the dimensions from corner to corner and note any specific angles or corners that may require the mat to be cut to fit.
Approximate the Density
Density is defined as mass divided by volume and allows you to estimate the efficiency of sound absorption. Materials with higher density yield improved efficiency in noise absorption, especially in the low frequency regions where the sound waves have greater length.
Understanding the density makes it easier to compare the various products and choose one with the appropriate soundproofing capabilities for the space.
When determining density, contemplate the acoustic requirement of your room. Rooms like recording studios or home theaters should have high-quality density mats to enhance sound quality and minimize echo. For protection against general noise in residential or commercial areas, a thin density may be sufficient.
Density can also affect other functional properties, such as the weight and the ease of installation. Higher-density mats are heavier, requiring extra support during installation. The durability of high-density mats and lifespan may be higher than their less dense counterparts.
Know the Noise Reduction Coefficient
The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) measures the ability of a certain material to absorb sound at various frequency levels. Determining the suggested NRC fraction can help you choose an acoustic mat that dampens noises effectively.
An acoustic mat with a high NRC can be installed in spaces where noise reduction and better sound quality are necessary such as recording studios, concert halls, and offices. Other aspects of the room such as its shape, size, and existing furniture may influence the efficiency of the soundproof mats.
Choose the Right Sound Mat
Deciding on a sound mat to meet your needs requires estimating the thickness and density of the mat, the square footage of the room, and the noise reduction coefficient. Density and NRC ratings provide information on the mat’s effectiveness in absorbing specific frequencies. Contact a sound mat dealer to learn more about how to achieve a noise-free home or workspace.
