Is Expanding Foam Effective for Sound Insulation? A UK Guide

Spray foam insulation is a commonly found thermal insulation method that may bring some soundproofing properties. This expanding foam is usually found in the form of polyurethane (PU) liquid. It is renowned for creating an impenetrable air barrier, which in turn helps reduce heat transfer and potentially some noise pollution.

But just how effective is spray sound insulation? Can thermal acoustic spray foam insulation provide sufficient soundproofing? All this and more is answered in this ultimate guide by GreenMatch UK. Read on for more about the pros, cons, types and applications.

Ready to soundproof your home? Look no further than GreenMatch UK for a one-stop solution for all your insulation needs. Spend just 30 seconds filling out our online form and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of trusted installers. No costs, no obligations. Click below to begin!

For starters, spray foam is not soundproof. This is mainly due to the very little mass and density that spray foam has, which are necessary to effectively reflect sound. Expanding foam is also very rigid when it sets, meaning it’s not porous enough to absorb airborne sound. 

However, some homeowners may cite improvements to their soundproofing with spray foam insulation due to its capacity to form an airtight seal. Open-cell spray foam is specifically designed to provide some degree of acoustic insulation. It does so due to its open structure, which allows sound to enter and become trapped in the porous structure.

Acoustic foam insulation is often just another name for open-cell spray foam, a material that is inherently meant for thermal insulation, but due to its open structure can provide some degree of sound absorption. Think of open-cell spray foam like Swiss cheese. The porous holes in the material allow for sound to enter, bounce around, and lose some of its energy. That way, the sharpness of sound can be absorbed and minimised. 

On the other hand, closed-cell spray foam is a much more rigid and impenetrable material that provides superior thermal insulation as spray foam insulation for walls, but little to no degree of soundproofing due to its non-porous build. Rather than provide soundproofing, such spray foam can even enhance echoes and sound by causing it to reverberate more.

Expanding foam sound insulation is an uncommon method of soundproofing, but it’s certainly without its advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering. Here’s a breakdown of what you could expect if you go ahead with spray foam sound insulation:

All in all, the best-case scenario is to work with a professional installer who can conduct an assessment to tailor the best approach for your needs. However, finding the right installer can sometimes take endless amounts of research, but that’s where GreenMatch UK comes in.

Instead of spending countless hours surfing websites and scheduling phone calls, just spend 30 seconds filling out our online form, and we’ll send you up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from pre-vetted installers. No charges involved. Click below to begin! 

Ultimately, there is no single best-expanding foam for noise insulation, because expanding foam is not usually made for soundproofing. However, some best bets are likely to give you the most desired results. Here’s a summary of your options on the market:

A DIY installation may be tempting, but it’s best to remember that shabby insulation can incur higher repair costs than your initial investment. For this reason, it is recommended to consult with a professional installer to tailor the best approach to your home's needs.

Ultimately, spray sound insulation is not the best option if you are looking for effective noise-proofing for your home. There are rather much better options that are more affordable, sustainable and effective to consider. Some examples are acoustic mineral wool, cotton, and even corkboards. 

However, making the right decision can seem overwhelming without guidance. It’s recommended to hire a professional installer to assess your property and tailor the best course of action for your needs. Finding the right installer? That’s no easy task either, until GreenMatch UK. 

Instead of spending countless hours of your life surfing the web and scheduling phone calls, leave it up to us. Spend just 30 seconds filling out our online form, and we’ll send you up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of pre-vetted professionals. No costs or obligations apply. Simply click below to begin!