Workshop Soundproofing
Workshop soundproofing
Workshop soundproofing can be a wise move. If you have a workshop on an industrial unit or even in your garage, some kind of soundproofing is vital for the comfort of your neighbours or neighbouring businesses. Apart from reducing the noise from drills and other electrical equipment, workshop soundproofing might also be necessary to comply with health and safety legislation. Whatever your workshop soundproofing needs, Sound Reduction Systems (SRS), the UK's leading innovator in soundproofing materials, has the solution.
Workshop soundproofing needn't be as complicated or expensive as you might think. Using SRS's Maxiboard, you can quickly and effectively soundproof individual noisy machines by creating an enclosure around them, the framework of which can be lined with Maxiboard high-performance soundproofing board. If that's not possible, you can also use Maxiboard to create a shield between the noisy machine and other areas of the workshop.
Other soundproofing options for your workshop include Soundstop. Soundstop is a dense, malleable sheet that you can shape and cut to fit around a piece of equipment.
Soundproofing the workshop itself
Soundproofing the workshop itself may be the simplest way to control noise. Maxiboard wall linings can dramatically reduce noise passing through walls. Maxiboard is a great material for soundproofing walls in a workshop. Maxiboard is fitted with resilient bars and forms a semi-independent, dense skin on the workshop wall or ceiling that's separate from its supporting structure. The result is high-performance workshop soundproofing with only about 6cms of workshop space lost.
Maxiboard is also great for soundproofing workshop ceilings. Maxiboard ceilings can prevent sound from escaping upwards and, with only 6cms lost, you won't sacrifice much in the way of headroom. If you line all your workshop walls and ceiling with Maxiboard, you'll have a soundproofed workshop and happy neighbours.
For extra soundproofing in your workshop where you have noisy vibrating machinery, Acoustilay underlay is useful. Simply lay Acoustilay on the floor under the equipment, place a layer of plywood over the underlay, and you'll find vibration and structure-borne noise will be dramatically reduced.
Workshop Soundproofing FAQs
Q: Why is soundproofing important in workshops?
A: Workshops often generate high levels of noise from machinery, tools, and activities. Soundproofing protects neighbouring spaces, complies with regulations, and improves working conditions.
Q: What types of noise are common in workshops?
A: Both airborne noise (e.g. machinery hum, voices) and impact noise (e.g. dropped tools, footfall) are typical. Low-frequency noise from heavy equipment can be especially disruptive.
Q: What wall soundproofing solution does SRS recommend for workshops?
A: Maxiboard is the primary solution. It’s a high-density acoustic board that replaces standard plasterboard. Installed on Maxi Resilient Bars with Maxi Slab insulation, it offers around 10dB improvement in airborne noise reduction.
Q: What if I need higher wall performance for workshop partitions?
A: Use the Maxiboard Independent Wall Lining System, which mounts Maxiboard on metal studs without touching the existing wall. It delivers up to 17dB improvement, ideal for separating noisy zones.
Q: How can I reduce noise through workshop floors?
A: SRS recommends Acoustilay — a floating floor system that reduces both impact and airborne noise. It’s available in three grades (3, 8, and 15) and compatible with carpet, vinyl, or wood finishes.
Q: What if I can’t treat the floor below?
A: Use Maxideck, a 28mm acoustic flooring board with high mass (27kg/m²) for airborne noise control.
Q: What ceiling soundproofing options are available for workshops?
A: The Maxi 60 Ceiling System is ideal. It includes Maxi Slab insulation, Maxi Resilient Bars, Maxiboard, and fire-rated plasterboard. It offers 1-hour fire protection and meets Part E regulations.
Q: Can I soundproof ceilings without removing the existing one?
A: Yes. SRS offers the Maxi Dropped Ceiling System for minimal disruption.
Q: Are these systems suitable for industrial and creative workshops?
A: Absolutely. SRS products are designed for both heavy-duty and precision environments, including fabrication, music, and art studios.
Q: How can I get tailored advice for my workshop project?
A: Contact SRS at 01204 380074 or email info@soundreduction.co.uk. Our team offers free, expert guidance based on over 40 years of acoustic experience.
