Acoustic foam is designed to help improve the acoustics within a room by capturing and removing excessive echoes within the space.   As a result, the background noise collapses, while clarity is restored to original sound.   These sound panels are the ideal treatment for recording studios, voice over booths, drum booths, industrial plants and more.

But there are three myths about acoustic foam that the general public should recognize prior to making their decision on purchasing sound panels.

Myth #1.   Fire Rating.  Most acoustic foam panels are made from open cell polyurethane foam.   If the foam has any color to it, other than white or concrete gray, it is pollyurethane foam.  This foam is not class A fire rated, and should not be used in schools, churches, hospitals, restaurants, or other public venues.   Nor should the foam be used near high heat sources.   If, on the other hand, the foam is white or concrete gray in color, then the core foam is melamine and that IS class A fire rated.   So check the color of your foam before you buy!  Click here to see both foam panel options.

Myth #2.  Shelf Life.  Acoustic foam is a chemically based product.  Whether it is class A fire rated or not, the foam has a shelf life.   About 7 years after acoustic foam panels are produced, the foam will begin to flake out and sprinkle dust particles into the air.   Not only is this bad for your ventilation system, but it also means the material is no longer capturing and converting echoes.   Acoustic foam will degrade over time.

Myth #3.  Blocking Noise.   Acoustic foam does not block noise from bleeding through a common wall.  Foam absorbs echo, generating more favorable sound quality within the room the noise is produced in.  But original sound waves can transmit straight through acoustic foam and the wall it is mounted on, delivering noise to the adjoining space.   There are other sound barrier products that block noise, but acoustic foam isn’t one of them.   Do not buy foam to protect room B from room A’s noise.

For more information on sound panels, visit NetWell Noise Control online.