The properties of the acoustic fabric of insulating curtains

Primarily used for their high sound absorption coefficient, acoustic fabrics are also favored for limiting the propagation of sound waves and controlling airborne noise levels. They are used to design acoustic curtains, but they are also used in the design of certain soundproofing products such as acoustic panels.

The acoustic fabric of insulating curtains

The acoustic curtain or noise-reducing curtain is designed to combat noise and sound pollution. Acoustic fabric, meanwhile, is used to control conditions in an architectural environment. It is essential in several configurations:

- Music trays,

- Recording studios,

- Establishments that receive the public (restaurants, schools, theaters, etc.),

- Dance rehearsal rooms.

In most buildings, regulations regarding noise levels are very strict. As a result, sound quality is becoming increasingly important. Depending on their function, there are three types of acoustic fabrics:

Sound-absorbing fabrics

They are designed to reduce the effects of echoes that occur inside a room. These types of fabrics therefore help to solve sound problems that occur in open spaces, which generally have several hard surfaces that cause sound to reverberate. panels and curtains reduce the reverberation time of sound waves.

They are characterized by a certain thickness and porosity to absorb sound frequency waves. The waves are trapped in the fabric, which then converts the sound energy into heat. The best sound-absorbing fabric is velvet, but blackout curtains are also a good alternative. Some acoustic curtains have a sound absorption coefficient that allows their effectiveness to be quickly assessed. The higher this index, the more noise reflection, echoes, and reverberation will be reduced.

Soundproofing fabric

These fabrics focus on sound issues between buildings or between multiple spaces. Acoustic fabrics are ideal for reducing sound transmission from one place to another. Insulation curtains are therefore designed to combat external noise. While acoustic absorption fabric is intended to make speech more intelligible, acoustic insulation fabric reduces impact noise and neighborhood noise. In both cases, the intervention of an acoustician remains essential to determine the acoustic correction requirements.

Transparent acoustic curtains

With their mesh structure, these fabrics are used to conceal audio equipment such as speakers without reducing sound quality. They are therefore ideal for stage use, but are also used to cover acoustic panels, diffusers made of absorbent insulation, and bass traps. Acoustically transparent fabric contains insulation fibers and allows sound waves to pass through. To determine whether a fabric is acoustically transparent or not, simply blow on it. If air can pass through, it is a transparent fabric.

However, the qualities of these fabrics are all different. To ensure their effectiveness, it is best to choose a fabric that is dust-resistant, durable, and strong. When it comes to colors, there are many choices. You can also opt for a fire-retardant fabric to ensure your device is fire-resistant.

The main differences between sound absorption and noise reduction

To ensure good acoustic comfort, noise must be minimized according to various criteria, including the cost of acoustic insulation. However, it is first necessary to distinguish between sound absorption and noise reduction.

Sound absorption

Also known as acoustic correction, it essentially aims to:

- Reduce the level of sound waves,

- Improve the intelligibility of conversations,

- Limit reverberation.

To correct the acoustics of a room, it is necessary to examine the architectural design of the building and use absorbent materials to control the sound energy that reflects off the walls.

Noise reduction

It consists of limiting the impact of external noise so that it does not resonate inside. In this case, the absorption material reflects broadband sound frequencies. Acoustic absorption and noise reduction are both important because they aim to improve the comfort and well-being of a room's occupants. Thanks to acoustic fabric, it is possible to meet acoustic performance standards and treat noise effectively.

The properties of an acoustic curtain

An acoustic curtain has noise-reducing properties. More than just a decorative element, it is made from sound-absorbing fabric, allowing it to trap sound waves and convert them into energy. In addition to protecting you from the sun's rays, they also reduce sound, echoes, vibrations, and noise.

Here are the main features of a noise barrier curtain:

- It is designed with acoustic materials that absorb sound waves.

- It is more waterproof than a normal curtain and therefore much heavier.

- It consists of several layers of fabric to be effective, depending on your needs.

Different types of materials are used to manufacture acoustic curtains: polyester, suede, synthetic fabric, microfiber, velvet, etc. Sound absorption is proportional to the density and thickness of these materials.

Two criteria must be considered when determining the effectiveness of acoustic curtains:

- Porosity: the dense, thick fabric of the curtain allows it to absorb sound thanks to the air plenum and its thickness.

- The mass/spring effect: combining multiple layers of fabric optimizes sound absorption. One layer of absorption equals one layer that reflects energy.