Sound insulation barriers are high-density membranes that increase sound-transmission loss in multi-layer wall, ceiling and floor systems by adding mass. EPDM, PVC rubber and Tecsound are the most common types, with densities of 5-10 kg/m². They do not insulate on their own; they work as part of a mass-spring-mass system.
What is a sound insulation barrier?
A sound insulation barrier is a thin but high-density membrane product. Its role is to raise the sound-transmission-loss (Rw) value of a multi-layer build by adding mass. By the Mass Law, doubling the structure mass adds about 5-6 dB performance; in practice plasterboard + barrier is much more effective than plasterboard + plasterboard because the differing densities break resonance.
Which barrier types are available?
- EPDM barrier: synthetic rubber membrane, flexible and durable (5-7 kg/m²)
- PVC / rubber barrier: more economical, mid-range density
- Tecsound: proprietary synthetic formula with the best density/thickness ratio (4-10 kg/m²)
- Bituminous barrier: bitumen-based, combined with extra fire protection
- Foil barrier: aluminium-laminated, for lightweight applications
- Sound insulation tapes / seals: for corners, joints and transitions
Where are they used?
Barrier membranes are used as the inner layer of standard sound insulation builds:
- Between two plasterboard layers — resonance breaker
- Under floating screed — impact noise reduction
- Inside facade / window frames — leakage control
- In industrial enclosures — added mass
- Above suspended ceilings — upper-floor impact noise
- Wrapping ventilation ducts — flanking transmission control
How to choose the right barrier?
- Density (kg/m²): sufficient for high-frequency insulation; combinations needed for low frequency.
- Thickness: low thickness mandatory in tight spaces.
- Fire class: A2 or B class as required by the structure type.
- Flexibility: conformability over curved surfaces (pipes, ducts).
- Certification: Rw value tested per EN ISO 717-1.
Is a barrier sufficient on its own?
No. A barrier membrane provides only the mass component of sound insulation. For low-frequency performance the build must also include air space, decoupling and absorptive fill (rock wool / glass wool). Projects relying on a single barrier layer do not deliver expected performance; the multi-layer logic must be preserved.
Certificates and test standards
- EN ISO 717-1 Rw: laboratory sound transmission loss
- EN ISO 10140-2: structural element test method
- BS 476 / EN 13501: fire-behaviour class
- EN ISO 354: sound absorption coefficient (for combined products)
Products in This Category
For each sub-service we apply a dedicated engineering approach and certified material selection. Click on a title to explore.
EPDM acoustic barrier
DetailsPVC / rubber acoustic barrier
DetailsTecsound / high-density barrier
DetailsSound insulation tapes and gaskets
DetailsWhy Dedatek Products?
Expert Team
With our acoustic engineers and experienced application team.
Guaranteed Results by Measurement
Pre and post application dB measurement, detailed report.
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Survey, simulation, application, inspection — the entire process at Dedatek.
Certified Materials
BS476 Class 0, UNI 9175, Firex non-flammability standards.
Supply & Installation Process
Inspection & Measurement
On-site acoustic measurement and noise source identification.
Simulation & Design
Acoustic simulation and detailed project with professional software.
Installation
Installation with certified materials by our experienced team.
Inspection & Report
Result measurement and performance guarantee report.
Certifications & Standards
- BS476 Class 0 (non-flammable)
- UNI 9175:2008 M1
- Firex non-flammability certificate
- CE / ISO / TSE compliance