The need for sound insulation of ducts used in ventilation is explained by the fact that most often they are a source of extraneous noise. If you do not do this immediately after they are discovered, the consequences of constant noise will negatively affect the health of the residents of the house. There is only one way to protect them from an undesirable irritant - high-quality soundproofing of ventilation ducts.
Sources and causes of noise in ventilation
The noise of the working ventilation according to the source of their formation is conventionally divided into the following types:
- air;
- vibrating;
- generating.
The first of them is formed due to the accelerated movement of air flowing through the ventilation ducts. It is possible to slightly reduce the level of this component by reducing the speed of movement of air particles. Vibration noises are generated when individual ventilation units are fixed in violation of the requirements of current standards. When evaluating them, special attention is paid to the quality of fastening parts in the installation area of the electric fan.
Generating-type noise occurs when the duct system has many bends. Most often they arise during the operation of ventilation structures of a non-standard configuration. The only way to get rid of them is to change the laying route.
Typical Design Errors
Most of the noise interfering with the normal life in the duct is formed due to errors made during the design and installation of the ventilation system. If nothing can be corrected in this situation, the only way out is to try to soundproof the duct. It should be understood that it is impossible to completely get rid of noise. Typical mistakes by designers and installers can be avoided by adhering to the following recommendations.
Firstly, ventilation with air recirculation should not be used when it is not possible to equip the exhaust duct system. Such an error is typical for cases when during the design it is supposed to use the space between the false ceiling and the ceiling. In subceiling niches and voids, air masses move along the shortest path at high speed, which provokes the occurrence of noise effects.
Secondly, it is undesirable to lay ducts over rooms in which noise causes a lot of inconvenience to the people living in them. When planning the laying route, it is advisable to choose non-residential rooms, despite the fact that the costs in this case will increase significantly. When preparing the draft ventilation system, it is recommended to pay attention to the possibility of wiring ducts in the corridor space, remote from the living quarters. Sound insulation of air ducts in this case is considered as a way to correct mistakes made during design.
Some owners of urban housing and private homes resort to soundproofing ventilation as an additional measure to reduce noise. At the same time, they are not limited to isolation methods alone, and they also use common methods of vibration reduction.
Partially mitigate the mistakes of designers can be achieved by reducing the speed of air flow (reducing fan speed).But for such a technique you have to “pay” with a decrease in the efficiency of air renewal in residential premises.
Features and methods of sound insulation
There are several ways to reduce noise in the home:
- competent design of the ventilation system;
- thorough study of the route of laying;
- the use of ducts without sharp bends and with a minimum of adapters.
Thanks to the above methods, it is possible to prevent the appearance of self-generated noise and significantly reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.
An effective way to get rid of the mistakes of designers is to install a special silencer in problem areas. A soundproofing device is mounted next to the existing installation, protecting its individual components and taking on air flows, followed by absorption of spurious oscillations. There are several varieties of silencers, among which stand out lamellar and tubular samples. The first are installed on rectangular ducts, and their tubular counterparts are designed for installation on round ducts.
Sound insulation of air ducts is possible by another well-known method in which “noisy” channels are processed by means of special insulating materials. The latter are applied or attached from the inside and on the outer surfaces of the ducts.
Sound insulation of ventilation can be implemented using special flexible means of laying tracks.
The correct selection of material for the installation of sound insulation
The effectiveness of sound insulation in an apartment or a country house depends on how correctly one or another protective material is selected and used. In this case, the following factors must be taken into account:
- structure guaranteeing reliable absorption of interfering noise;
- simplicity and ease of installation of the material;
- value for money, determining the appropriateness of its use.
In problem areas of ducts (in transitions and in the area of elbows), the used insulation material becomes thinner or deformed over time. This explains the need for repeated application (installation) of insulation, which is often used basalt plates or mats. The plastic structure of these products guarantees good protection against unwanted deformations.
Another option for processing ductwork is the use of technology for spraying polymer materials on the surface of mines, channels or pipes. Among them, Isolon or self-adhesive Isolontape are very popular. This method is considered effective insulation options with the suppression of extraneous noise, but use it carefully.
When trying to isolate a duct fan, for example, applying a protective coating to areas of strong vibrations only increases their intensity. A good result can be achieved if materials with a solid structure are selected from the same group as the duct itself. It is desirable that they perfectly repeat the contours of the laid air channel.
Do-it-yourself noise isolation
Noise isolation of the hood and the outgoing ducts is possible at home without the involvement of third-party specialists. For these purposes, polymeric and rubber protective compounds that effectively attenuate low-frequency noise (they are most dangerous to human health) are suitable. These materials, produced in solid and liquid form, are distinguished by ease of application and the ability to take the form of a protected surface. On solid plates, a special adhesive coating is provided, which allows them to be fixed reliably and firmly.
The procedure for protective measures:
- Plates are prepared by the user-selected material (foamed polyethylene, for example).
- Protected surfaces are cleaned of contaminants present on them.
- A layer of acrylic glue is applied if the boards are not self-adhesive.
The main stage of insulation work is pasting with the selected material the places to be protected. When they are carried out, close attention is paid to hard-to-reach areas that are processed with special care.
