Does a carpet absorb sound?
Can a carpet help make your property less noisy?
Carpets are a great addition to any home or commercial property. In addition to their aesthetic function of making everything cosy, they also serve a practical purpose.
In this blog post, the experts at ServiceMaster Clean UK examine carpet acoustics, types and sound waves to see how much sound a carpet absorbs.
Does a carpet absorb sound?
Yes! Carpets can reduce noise in homes and commercial properties by absorbing airborne sound. Sometimes, this can be up to 35%, due to the fibres trapping and dispersing the noise.
This means they reduce the impact sound (for example, footsteps) by creating a barrier between the sound and the floor, helping you to create a more relaxed environment and reducing noise between floors.
What factors affect how much sound a carpet can absorb?
1. Carpet Construction
The amount of sound a carpet can absorb depends on the construction of the carpet, underlay or foam backing.
Generally, a cut pile wool carpet absorbs more sound waves than a looped pile carpet.
This is because of the construction – cut pile carpets have upright pile, whereas a loop pile carpet has looped fibres. The upright fibres will help trap noise within them, making it more effective in trapping sound waves.
2. Thickness and Underlay
Other important factors are the thickness of the carpet pile and whether underlay has been used.
The best chance of reducing noise (assuming you are not buying a specially made acoustic carpet and underlay) is to have a higher cut pile on your carpet and underlay.
Alternatively, you could get a foam-backed loop construction carpet, which may work better than a conventional secondary-backed carpet (carpet + underlay)
3. The Flooring Underneath
Considering the floor underneath the carpet is also important.
Generally, a wooden floor structure absorbs more sound waves than a concrete floor. Your carpet showroom can also advise you and check its technical information to help you make an informed decision.
Need a local carpet expert?
With over 65 years of expertise as your local carpet and upholstery cleaning experts, ServiceMaster Clean have the technology and know-how to support you with the unique specifications of the carpet in your property.
Whether you need carpet cleaning, pest control, repairs or something else entirely, contact your local expert by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business today or booking home-based services online in select areas.
