In Hong Kong, a high-density city, noise pollution is a major challenge in daily life. Choosing the right sound insulation material is the key to achieving noise reduction and noise prevention . This article will introduce the common sound insulation materials in the Hong Kong market, including rock wool , acoustic foam and mass-loaded vinyl, analyze their characteristics, application scenarios and purchasing tips to help you create a quiet and comfortable space. For more basic knowledge on sound insulation, please refer to our Acoustic Soundproofing and Sound Insulation Primer .
Common sound insulation materials and their characteristics
The diversity of sound insulation materials makes them suitable for different scenarios. The following is a detailed introduction to the three mainstream materials:
1. Rockwool
Rock wool is a fiber material made from melted minerals such as basalt, which has excellent sound insulation and fire resistance. Its high-density structure can effectively block airborne noise, while absorbing some sound waves and reducing echoes. The advantages of rock wool include:
- High sound insulation performance : effectively reduces low-frequency noise such as traffic or mechanical vibrations.
- Fire rating : Complies with Hong Kong fire standards, suitable for commercial and residential projects.
- Durability : not easy to age, suitable for long-term use.
Application case: In the sound insulation project of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, ENA sound insulation cotton (containing rock wool) was used for wall sound insulation of the core building, significantly reducing the noise transmission between classrooms.
2. Acoustic Foam
Acoustic foam is a lightweight, porous material that is used primarily to absorb sound waves and reduce echo and reverberation in a room, making it particularly suitable for music recording studios or conference rooms. Its properties include:
- Highly efficient sound absorption : High NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient), for example, the NRC of ENA sound insulation cotton reaches 0.3.
- Easy to install : can be cut into different shapes and pasted on the wall or ceiling.
- Aesthetics : A variety of colors and textures to choose from, combining functionality with design.
Limitations: Acoustic foam has limited effect on blocking low-frequency noise and needs to be used in conjunction with other materials. (Want to learn about music room soundproofing? Please read our music recording studio soundproofing [to be supplemented link])
Case sharing: The International Residence of Hong Kong Baptist University uses ENA sound insulation cotton as acoustic foam to improve the sound quality of the conference room and reduce external noise interference.
3. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
Mass-loaded vinyl is a high-density, flexible soundproofing material designed to block airborne noise. Ena Acoustic's ENA Soundproofing Blanket NE200 is its representative product, with an STC value of 23. Features include:
- High mass density : 2400 kg/m³, effectively following the mass law to block noise.
- Flexible application : can be pasted on walls, floors or sandwiched between gypsum boards.
- Safety certification : Passed SGS test and complies with Hong Kong indoor air quality standards.
Application case: In the guest room sound insulation project of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, ENA sound insulation blanket NE200 was used for walls and floors, effectively isolating the noise from neighboring rooms and improving the guest experience.
How to choose suitable sound insulation materials?
When choosing soundproofing materials, consider the following factors:
- Noise type : Low-frequency noise (such as traffic noise) requires high-density materials such as ENA sound insulation blanket NE200 , while high-frequency noise (such as conversation noise) can use ENA sound insulation cotton .
- Application scenarios : For residential use , soundproof curtains or soundproof windows are recommended, while for commercial use , engineered soundproof fabrics or rock wool are required. (For details, please see our commercial soundproofing solutions [to be supplemented])
- Installation conditions : ENA sound insulation blanket NE200 is fixed with Selleys construction adhesive, which is simple to install; acoustic foam is suitable for DIY installation.
- Safety and certification : Ensure that materials comply with Hong Kong fire and environmental standards, such as the Super E0 formaldehyde emission level of ENA sound insulation cotton.
Trends in sound insulation materials in the Hong Kong market
As Hong Kong's demand for quality of life improves, the demand for sound insulation materials continues to grow. Ena Acoustic products are favored for their high performance and localized applications. For example, soundproof doors are widely used in school and office projects, providing STC 35-45 sound insulation. In addition, engineered soundproofing fabrics have become a popular choice for construction sites for temporary noise barriers.
in conclusion
Choosing the right soundproofing material is key to solving Hong Kong's noise problem. Whether it's the fireproofing of rock wool , the sound absorption of acoustic foam , or the high-density soundproofing performance of ENA Soundproofing Blanket NE200 , Ena Acoustic offers a variety of solutions to meet residential, commercial and industrial needs. To explore more soundproofing materials or get customized advice, please visit our product page . (Want to learn about residential soundproofing applications? Please read our residential soundproofing solutions [to be added])