Acoustic Foam is not Soundproofing Foam

Acoustic foam or Soundproofing foam as it is often called which is not a good description as it will not soundproof a room it may help with soundproofing slightly but will not make any significant difference, it is however an essential tool for any serious musician looking to improve the sound of his or her studio. The foams primary roll is to improve the sound within a room mainly because of its ability to reduce the echo within the room. These echoes are caused by sound reflecting off hard flat surfaces. The echoes can range from short slap echoes that echo a sound sharply and flutter echoes that respond to noise with a series of echoes. Acoustic foam reduces these echoes by absorbing sound. Acoustic foam can be used in non-musical environments, such as a gym or factory warehouse to reduce echo and make it easier to communicate.

The properties of acoustic foam is specially designed for echo reduction and for this reason the quality cannot be duplicated with the use of standard foam such as the type used in a typical packaging mattress or furniture foam.

Acoustic foam provides a higher quality sound by reducing the echo and reverberation feedback. The foam can be measured and cut to specific sizes to fit the needs of any room. Acoustic foam can be used to reduce echo from anywhere, whether in a musician’s studio or a large airport terminal. The style and density of the foam will vary according to the needs to the room.

Acoustic foam can’t be replicated by any flat foam. Each piece has unique wave patterns on its surface, which ensures its sound absorbing quality. There are several different shapes of acoustic foam. The sound absorbing quality of the foam and the echo reduction it provides makes acoustic foam an essential tool in music rooms or large rooms where echoes are produced. Prices of foam and installation costs will vary according to the quality and amount of the foam requested and the size of the room. Depending on these factors. Soundproofing professionals should be involved in the process of soundproofing foam installation, since they will be able to determine the appropriate amount and type of acoustic foam for any room.

Crib 5 Acoustic Foam Fire Retardency

As all polyurethane foam both polyether and polyester are petrochemical by products they are in their raw state very flammable to reduce this flammability fire retardents are added to the foam, you will see that many fire retardency standards quoted many of them may be applicable to certain plastics building regulations and some accredited to automotive standards, however to be sure the foam you are getting is of a high fire retardency look to see if the foam will pass a Crib 5 fire test, this will ensure the foam will pass the very high UK flammability standard of the Furniture and Furnishings (fire) (safety) (Ammendment) Regulations 1989 Schedule 1 part 1. This UK foam fire retardency standard was one of the measures imposed by law after a serious fatal fire in Woolworths Manchester in 1979 where the fumes from burning polyurethane foam was highlited in the outcome of the tragedy. if you are using the acoustic foam panels as a permanent or semi permanent feature within a room it could be deemed to be Furnishings, if so would then need to meet this standard.