Top 7 Popular Soundproofing Materials: Benefits & Tips from TOSTEM

Understanding how to make windows soundproof plays an essential role in creating functional and private interior spaces, significantly reducing external noise and bringing comfort to homeowners. In this article, TOSTEM will introduce various types of soundproofing materials along with useful tips to help you choose the right solution for your space

1. Difference Between Soundproofing and Sound Absorption Materials

Although soundproofing and sound absorption materials are both related to sound control, they serve different purposes:

• Soundproofing: The process of preventing sound from transmitting from one space to another. The goal is to create a “barrier” so sound cannot pass through, isolating an area from external noise or vice versa. Soundproofing materials are typically dense, heavy, and high-density such as walls, doors, glass, etc.
• Sound Absorption: The process of absorbing sound to reduce echo and reverberation inside rooms, significantly improving overall sound quality. Sound absorption materials typically have soft, porous characteristics with many air pockets, such as egg foam, mineral wool, fabric acoustic panels, or perforated wood.

Soundproofing and sound-absorbing materials differ in nature (Source: Internet)

2. 7 Popular Soundproofing Materials Today

2.1. Soundproof Aluminum Glass Doors

Soundproof aluminum glass doors are a 2-in-1 solution, not only helping minimize noise but also providing effective thermal insulation. This is an ideal choice, creating a large sound barrier, especially for townhouses and high-rise apartments where urban noise frequently causes disturbance.

• Features: Combination of high-quality rubber seals and aluminum frames designed with multiple hollow chambers to minimize sound transmission through door panels.
• Advantages: Space-saving compared to building thick traditional soundproof walls, while enhancing aesthetic appeal of living spaces.
• Disadvantages: Initial cost may be higher than conventional doors.
• Applications: Very suitable for spaces requiring high quietness such as bedrooms, offices, or apartments facing main roads.

Particularly when choosing premium aluminum glass door systems from the TOSTEM brand, customers will have the opportunity to own products with excellent soundproofing, exceptional durability, and high aesthetic appeal.

Aluminium-glass doors are an optimal soundproofing solution for many modern users. (Source: TOSTEM)

2.2. Soundproof Glass

Soundproof glass plays an important role in enhancing noise reduction effectiveness when combined with tightly fitted door frames.

• Features: Commonly insulated glass units (double or triple glazing with an air/inert-gas cavity) or laminated safety glass.
• Advantages: Good soundproofing capability while ensuring natural light for spaces.
• Disadvantages: Relatively high cost.
• Applications: Suitable for windows and doors in townhouses, villas, offices, or areas requiring visibility while maintaining quietness.

Soundproof glass is often used in office interiors. (Source: Internet)

2.3. Acoustic Wood

Acoustic wood has good sound absorption capability while bringing luxurious, high-class beauty to interior spaces.

• Features: Usually grooved or perforated wood panels specially designed to scatter and absorb sound waves.
• Advantages: Highly effective in reducing reverberation, creating better sound quality, high aesthetic value.
• Disadvantages: Relatively high cost, requires periodic treatment against moisture, mold, and termites to ensure durability.
• Applications: Suitable for spaces requiring sound quality and aesthetics such as living rooms, music rooms, home theaters, or conference rooms.

A conference space fitted with acoustic wood partitions. (Source: Internet)

2.4. Mineral Wool, Glass Wool

Mineral wool and glass wool are popular sound absorption materials today due to their high effectiveness and reasonable cost.

• Features: Fibrous form with porous structure, helping retain air pockets and absorb sound. Mineral wool has better heat resistance than glass wool.
• Advantages: Effective sound absorption, soundproofing, and thermal insulation, affordable cost, easy installation.
• Disadvantages: Heavy, may cause itching upon direct contact, thermal insulation performance decreases in humid environments.
• Applications: Commonly used as lining inside walls, gypsum ceilings, or room partitions.

Mineral wool and fiberglass are typically installed as infill within other materials. (Source: Internet)

2.5. Acoustic Foam Panels – Egg Crate Foam

Acoustic foam panels and egg crate foam are known for their ability to effectively reduce echo, especially in spaces that need tight sound control.

• Features: Has a rough (egg crate foam) or flat (foam panel) surface structure that helps to disperse and absorb sound.
• Advantages: Reduces echo, improves sound quality, easy to cut and adhere.
• Disadvantages: Less aesthetic if the surface is exposed, prone to dust accumulation, not suitable for luxurious spaces.
• Applications: Popular in recording studios, karaoke rooms, meeting rooms, or personal entertainment spaces.

A room using acoustic foam panels for sound control. (Source: Internet)

2.6. Air Bubble Sheets

Air-bubble insulation provides both sound and thermal benefits while being lightweight and easy to install.

• Features: Thin membrane sheets with small air bubbles inside.
• Advantages: Light, easy to transport and install, affordable, and thermally efficient.
• Disadvantages: Sub-optimal acoustic performance if used alone; should be combined with other materials.
• Applications: Metal roofs, thin walls, or as supplementary layers in temporary projects.

Air-bubble sheets support both sound and thermal performance. (Source: Internet)

2.7. Acoustic Seals

Acoustic seals are a simple solution to reduce basic noise by sealing gaps.

• Features: Rubber strips or other elastic materials applied to gaps in doors and windows.
• Advantages: Easy installation, low cost, prevents dust and insects.
• Disadvantages: Effectiveness depends on seal tightness and quality, requiring periodic replacement due to aging or wear.
• Applications: Used for gaps in entrance doors and windows to reduce noise leakage.

Acoustic seals improve the sound insulation of doors and windows. (Source: Internet)

3. Guide to Choosing Suitable Soundproofing Materials

1 – Clearly identify soundproofing purposes to choose the optimal solution:

• Blocking external noise (traffic, neighbors): If you need to minimize noise from the external environment, focus on reinforcing walls and windows. Effective solutions include using gypsum wall systems combined with mineral wool and installing specialized soundproof glass doors.
• Preventing internal sound from escaping (karaoke rooms, movie rooms): For spaces requiring absolute soundproofing to avoid disturbing the surrounding environment, comprehensive treatment of walls, ceiling, floor, and doors is needed. Combine multiple material layers such as gypsum, foam rubber, and mineral wool.
• Reducing footstep noise and furniture movement from upper floors: To limit noise transmission from upper floors, consider direct floor treatment such as laying foam rubber before installing tiles or wood flooring.

2 – Each location in a space will have its own optimal soundproofing materials:

• Walls, partitions: Gypsum systems combined with mineral wool are good choices for both effectiveness and cost, helping absorb and eliminate sound effectively.
• Ceiling: Mineral wool or glass wool placed above gypsum ceilings will help reduce noise from upper floors or reverberation in rooms.
• Flooring: Foam rubber floor underlayment can reduce noise from impacts, footsteps, or furniture movement.
• Doors, windows: Using soundproof glass (usually double or triple-glazed units) and ensuring tight door systems is essential to prevent noise leakage through gaps.

3 – Budget is an important factor determining the type of materials and level of soundproofing effectiveness you can achieve:

• Economy: With limited budget, consider using EPS foam or gypsum to achieve basic soundproofing effectiveness.
• Optimal (Good effectiveness/price ratio): To achieve good soundproofing effectiveness at reasonable cost, combine mineral wool or glass wool with gypsum.
• Premium (Maximum effectiveness): If prioritizing superior soundproofing effectiveness, combine multiple material layers such as foam rubber, mineral wool, specialized soundproofing panels, and double-glazed units to achieve the most comprehensive soundproofing capability.

You should choose the right soundproofing materials and have a clear installation plan (Source: Internet)

4. TOSTEM’s International-Standard Aluminium Soundproof Door Solutions

TOSTEM’s international-standard aluminium soundproof door solutions deliver quiet, comfortable, and private living for modern buildings. TOSTEM is a premium Japanese aluminium brand known for refined design, outstanding durability, and optimal acoustic and thermal performance that meets stringent quality and performance standards.

Why choose TOSTEM aluminium doors:

• Tight rubber seal system: Specially designed, TOSTEM’s rubber seal system has high tightness, effectively preventing sound leakage from outside, achieving soundproofing effectiveness of 25 dB.
• Multi-chamber hollow aluminum frame structure: TOSTEM aluminum frames are designed with multi-chamber hollow structure, creating multiple air layers inside, helping minimize sound transmission through door frames.
• Synchronized factory production: The entire TOSTEM aluminum door production process is performed synchronously at LIXIL’s integrated factory in Vietnam, ensuring every detail is precisely assembled, optimizing product tightness and durability over time.
• Soundproofing testing according to Japanese standards: All TOSTEM soundproof aluminum door products undergo rigorous testing according to Japanese JIS standards, with superior soundproofing performance suitable for both townhouses and high-rise apartments requiring high noise resistance.
• Unique Anodized TEXGUARD coating: Aluminum surfaces are coated with exclusive Anodized TEXGUARD layer, enhancing color durability up to 40 years, while preventing dirt accumulation and easy cleaning, keeping doors looking new.

TOSTEM provides the perfect aluminum and glass solutions for modern living spaces (Source: TOSTEM)

The above detailed guidelines help you choose the most suitable soundproofing materials for your space, from identifying objectives and installation locations to budget considerations. Applying the right materials with accurate installation techniques is the most effective way for how to make windows soundproof, ensuring optimal noise reduction and bringing comfort to your home.

To own international standard soundproof aluminum glass door solutions and elevate your living space, contact TOSTEM immediately by calling the hotline or filling out the consultation form. Our expert team is always ready to advise and help you find the most satisfactory products.