Understanding Acoustic Foam: Common Questions Answered
Fire Safety
Are acoustic foam panels fire-resistant? Well, it depends on the source. While acoustic foam is not inherently fireproof, many products are treated with fire retardants to enhance safety.
Our acoustic foam is rated class-A, and have fire retardancy built in to the formulation. Other acoustic foams are sprayed with fire retardant chemical, and some do not have any fire rating at all. Be sure you are buying your acoustical foam from a reputable source.
Click below link to see our fire rating info on pages 9-10.
PDF - Acoustic Foam Installation & Product Care Guide
A side note on buying from Amazon: Overseas companies often bypass strict U.S. regulations, selling products without accountability. Many customers have reported issues with purchasing low-quality foam, so buyer beware.
Soundproofing vs. Sound Absorption
Acoustic foam panels are primarily designed for sound absorption, not for soundproofing. They help reduce echo and improve audio clarity within a room by absorbing sound waves, but they do not block sound from entering or leaving a room.
Moisture and Mold Concerns
Acoustic foam can absorb moisture due to its open-cell structure, which potentially leads to mold if not properly dried. To prevent this, ensure the room has adequate ventilation and the foam is installed away from moisture-prone areas. If the foam does get wet, drying it promptly and thoroughly can prevent mold growth.
Some sellers may suggest using water to expand foam that has been tightly compressed and stored for long periods during overseas shipping. This approach, however, risks mold development. Unlike these products, our foam is specially engineered to regain its original shape naturally and is only compressed immediately before shipping to ensure quality and safety.
Effectiveness Across Different Frequencies
The thickness of an acoustic foam panel plays a important role in determining their effectiveness across different sound frequencies.
Thinner ones excel at absorbing high-frequency sounds. Thicker panels extend this absorption into mid-range and low frequencies due to their increased mass and density. For comprehensive frequency control, incorporating bass traps is crucial as they are specifically designed to target and absorb the low end sound waves.
Acoustic Foam Colors
Online shopping presents a challenge in accurately displaying colors. Lighting conditions during photography and variations in monitor settings can alter how colors appear. To aid in accurate selection, we offer sample packs so you can take a look at the colors in your home. Also, the foam is made in batches. There is sometimes a slight variation in color from batch to batch but we have honed the process over the years so it is not bad at all.
Quantity and Sizing
Understanding the coverage area for acoustic panels is essential. We suggest measuring your space and planning the layout before purchasing. To assist, SoundAssured offers a room calculator on our website, which estimates the number of panels needed based on your room dimensions. This tool helps prevent under or over-purchasing, allowing for efficient budgeting and effective sound management.
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