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Soundproof Room Divider Guide

It’s one thing to decide that you want to add dividers to your home, but it’s something else entirely if you want to create an entirely new soundproof room. One of the main issues consumers face when putting up dividers is the presence of intrusive sounds. You can add a makeshift divider in your home to turn one space into multiple rooms, but it probably won’t do much to prevent sound from crossing the divider. Fortunately, a retractable soundproof wall divider offers the perfect way to add partitions and soundproof your new room at the same time.

But do soundproof dividers work? What makes soundproof wall dividers any different from standard wall dividers? Can you install soundproof partitions on your own? Finally, where can you find high-quality noise-canceling room dividers at an affordable price?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s examine the benefits of choosing a soundproof room divider:

Why Go With A Soundproof Room Divider?

There are a ton of reasons you might want to opt for floor-to-ceiling soundproof room dividers. These include everything from privacy at home to problem-solving in a commercial or industrial environment. In any case, let’s look at a few of the most common reasons to choose a soundproof room divider over alternative solutions:

  • Improve Acoustics - Do you have a music room, home theater, or similar space where acoustics are important? If so, a soundproof divider can greatly improve the acoustics of the room without the need to reform the structure of the building. Soundproof dividers are also great for podcasters and other content creators.
  • Ensure Privacy - Soundproofing is one of the best ways to get complete privacy. This is a good solution for businesses that need to meet one-on-one with clients, as well as homeowners who want areas that can be completely shut off from everyone else.
  • Prevent Noise Leakage - Noise leakage is a major problem for many people, especially if you have nearby neighbors. Whether you’re throwing a party or simply trying to watch TV with the volume up, a sound-dampening room divider is a great solution.
  • Meet Regulatory Standards - If you run a business that sees patients or clients in a private setting, you may need to meet certain regulatory standards to ensure that doctor-patient privilege is secured at all times.
  • Enjoy Long-Lasting Design - Since soundproof room dividers are specifically designed to be thicker and more durable than most standard dividers, it also means that their design has the power to last. Investing in a soundproof divider can ensure that your divider continues to work for decades without needing a replacement.

How Soundproof Room Dividers Work

If you really want to dig into the science of soundproofing, it is easiest to think about the process of soundproofing in three different ways. First, you need to separate one area from another to prevent sound vibrations from traveling between the two areas. This is where a portable wall or similar material comes into play. Second, you need to add mass to the dividing material so that it can reflect sound energy or convert the energy into heat. Finally, you have to add additional material that has the ability to absorb sound.

A soundproof room divider accomplishes uses all three of these soundproofing methods. In the simplest terms, a soundproof room divider is a barrier that sits between two spaces and blocks or reduces the amount of sound that can pass between them. It works by combining sound-absorbing designs, including multiple layers, with sound-blocking materials like vinyl. These help absorb and block sound waves simultaneously, greatly reducing or eliminating the amount of sound that can pass through the divider. In two-layer designs, the layers of solid material may be placed firmly against one another or separated by a thin gap. If there is a gap present, it can be filled with insulation or additional materials to block or absorb sound.

Soundproof dividers also need to account for the parts where they connect with the floor, ceiling, and surrounding walls. A quality soundproof divider needs to have seals that prevent any sound leakage. Most dividers that block sound will also need heavy-duty latches that secure the divider in place to avoid gaps. In general, the effectiveness of a soundproof divider will depend on the materials and design, as well as the care taken during the installation process.

Soundproof Ratings - Understanding STC

STC stands for Sound Transmission Class, which is a rating system used to measure the ability of a material or construction assembly to block or reduce sound transmission. It is a numerical value that represents the amount of sound reduction a material can provide in decibels (dB) across a range of frequencies. Special laboratory equipment is needed to measure and rate the STC of windows, walls, and other dividing materials. 

The STC rating system is based on tests that measure the sound transmission loss (STL) of a given material. STL measures the difference in sound intensity between the sound source and the receiver on opposite sides of a partition or wall. The higher the STL value, the better the sound isolation or soundproofing of the material. Here are some typical STC ratings for common materials and assemblies:

  • Single pane glass window - STC 26
  • Hollow core door - STC 20-25
  • Standard drywall - STC 34-38
  • Concrete block wall - STC 45-50
  • Double stud wall with sound insulation - STC 50-60

It is important to note that the STC rating system only measures sound-blocking ability, and does not take into account other factors that can affect sound transmission, such as flanking paths or gaps around the edges of a wall or door. It is also important to use STC ratings as a guideline rather than a definitive measure of sound isolation, as the actual performance of a material can be affected by installation details and room acoustics.

To put these numbers into perspective, our Private retractable walls have a rating of STC 36, while our Mute soundproof retractable walls has a rating of STC 48. In other words, the Private divider is similar in noise reduction to a standard sheetrock wall, while the Mute divider is equivalent to a fully soundproofed, double-framed wall.

The Tudelü Retractable Soundproof Room Divider

If you already know that you want to get a room partition that can keep sound out (or in), you should definitely consider the Tudelü retractable soundproof room divider. These soundproof portable walls do not require any construction, whether you want to add them to a new construction project or retrofit them to an existing room. In either case, we offer professional installation to ensure that you get the most out of your sound-absorbing room dividers.

In addition to the soundproofing benefits, you can also expect all of the following with your Tudelü soundproof divider:

  • Stylish, smooth surface that works with a wide range of interior designs
  • One-click remote to open or close your divider
  • A quiet, smooth rail system to ensure that your divider remains taut at all times
  • Compatibility with smart devices and smart home systems

We hope you enjoyed our soundproof room divider wall guide! Are you looking for a high-quality soundproof partition wall to put in your home or place of business? If so, be sure to reach out to Tudelü today!