Are moving blankets soundproof? People use moving blankets to cover furniture and other objects when they are relocating. But since this blanket is thick, would it work for soundproofing an area?
Moving blankets are more of a sound dampener than a soundproofing material. This material can absorb some sound waves, which makes the room quieter. However, moving blankets do not help much in absorbing low-frequency noises.
If you aim to improve the sound quality of a room through soundproofing drastically, moving blankets are not the right solution. However, there are different ways that you can use these blankets to lessen echoes and noises somehow.
Also read: Sound Blankets Vs Moving Blankets – Key Differences
Are Moving Blankets Soundproof?
A moving blanket consists of cotton material and polyester mesh. It provides thick and heavy protection for furniture when you are relocating them. It is ideal for people planning to move to a new location as it allows them to bring their things scratch-free.
But apart from its original purpose, many people also use moving blankets as acoustic treatment. The reason is that this material is heavy and thick, so it has the potential to absorb some sound waves.
Well, moving blankets are more of a sound absorber. Meaning they do not entirely soundproof a room but only reduce the unwanted noise within it. It provides basic noise-canceling, making it a great addition to windows with gaps that let sound waves in.
Moreover, you have three options when using moving blankets for soundproofing:
- lightweight moving blankets
- regular weight moving blankets
- heavy moving blankets
Lightweight Moving Blankets
Lightweight moving blankets may not provide you with crystal clear sound. The reason is that they do not have enough mass to stop a significant amount of sound waves from reverberating in a room.
However, these moving blankets are still great if you are planning to do a quick and affordable DIY acoustic treatment.
Regular Moving Blankets
Such a moving blanket is an excellent addition to your other acoustical treatment. For instance, if you added self-adhesive foam tapes to your window but some noises still pass through, you can hang a regular moving blanket. Using a regular moving blanket as a curtain will allow you to absorb some of the noises that your initial acoustic treatment was not able to catch.
So, are moving blankets soundproof? The quick answer is no. But it can aid other acoustic treatments in making an area less noisy as it can absorb sound waves.
Heavy Moving Blankets
Heavy moving blankets can deaden sound waves through absorption. Since they have a high mass, these blankets can also prevent moderate echoes and vibrations before producing noises.
Moving blankets with a heavyweight are ideal for areas like home theaters and recording studios. The reason is that they can reduce background noises, thus improving the sound quality of these rooms.
How To Use Moving Blankets As A Sound Absorber
People who want quick and inexpensive soundproofing often ask, “are moving blankets soundproof.” But the truth is that moving blankets cannot block noises from entering a space despite having high mass. Instead, they only absorb some noises, which allows them to moderately improve a room’s sound quality.
But moving blankets will only be effective if you know how to use them. That said, here are some ways that you can use moving blankets as sound absorbers:
1. As A Curtain
Your windows are among the most noise-sensitive areas of your home. It can serve as an easy passage for sound waves. For this reason, you need to apply acoustic treatments to prevent them from letting noises pass through.
That said, you can hang moving blankets as a window curtain. But are moving blankets soundproof? No, but they can absorb external noises and improve the sound quality of a room.
However, it is vital to note that moving blankets may not be as aesthetically pleasing as regular curtains.
2. Moving Blanket As Door Covers
A moving blanket is an affordable material if you need a temporary acoustic solution for your door. If you live in an apartment, you may notice that your doors are not thick and heavy enough to block outside noises.
Adding a layer of moving blanket to your door can increase its thickness, thus making it denser than it is. As a result, lesser sound waves will be able to enter your room, making the sound quality inside it better.
3. A Cover For Noisy Floors
This acoustic solution is another acoustic treatment for people who live in apartments. Apartments with wooden floors can be an invitation for unwanted noises. If you live upstairs, your mere footfall can disturb your downstairs neighbor.
You can use a carpet to absorb noisy footfalls. However, carpets can be really expensive to install, so some people look for budget-friendly alternatives.
This is where moving blankets come into the picture. You can lay them to the floor where there is persistent impact noise. These blankets will act as a barrier, preventing impact from making noises that are too loud.
Why Do Moving Blankets Help With Sound Absorption?
If you are familiar with acoustic treatment, you know that sound waves can pass through even the tiniest holes. Meaning fabrics will not be able to stop sound waves from entering or exiting a space. So, you may be asking, “how are moving blankets soundproof?”
But moving blankets are not soundproof. They can only absorb sound waves, which allows them to lessen unwanted noises in a room.
So, how do moving blankets help with sound absorption?
Moving blankets consist of non-woven fabric, woven cotton, and polyester. For this reason, it does not have tiny holes where noises can pass through.
Additionally, moving blankets are thick and heavy, making them a great barrier against noises. A single moving blanket can weigh 3Lb, so it can prevent sound waves from bouncing from surfaces. The heavier a moving blanket is, the better it will work for absorbing sound waves.
Sources
- How To Use Moving Blankets For Sound Dampening, https://www.shipperssupplies.com/how-to-use-moving-blankets-for-sound-dampening, accessed October 23, 2021.
- Moving Blankets 101: A Complete Guide, https://www.uhaul.com/Tips/Packing/Moving-Blankets-101-A-Complete-Guide-25119/, accessed October 23, 2021.
- 7 Different Types of Soundproof Blankets, https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-soundproof-blankets/, accessed October 24, 2021.
- Timothy Dale, The Best Moving Blankets For Protecting Furniture And More In Transit, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-moving-blanket/, accessed October 24, 2021.