There are many differences between sound blankets and moving blankets as far as soundproofing is concerned.
The critical difference between sound blankets vs moving blankets is their function. People use moving blankets to dampen noise in a room whereas sound blankets are mainly used for wrapping furniture and fragile items to prevent damage even though they can absorb sound.
After knowing how the two differ, you will choose which of them will be beneficial for your sound reduction needs. If you are not sure whether to use sound or moving blankets, this article is for you.
Also read: Soundproof Curtains or Blankets
Differences Between Sound Blankets Vs Moving Blankets
Homes and commercial spaces often need soundproofing solutions for added comfort. If you have tried soundproofing a room, then you have probably heard of soundproofing blankets.
People typically use sound blankets as an acoustic solution to reduce noise in an environment. Its mass helps the blanket to dampen sound waves.
However, sound blankets can be costly. So, as an alternative, people opt for moving blankets. But while you can use both blankets for soundproofing, it would be best to know the key differences.
1. Composition
The main reason why sound blankets are suitable for soundproofing is due to their 2-inch fiberglass battling insulation. To improve its sound absorption capabilities, it has woven cotton or polyester shell.
Inside the covering is 100 percent recycled cotton filler that gives the sound blanket its superior sound absorption.
On the other hand, moving blankets consist of non-woven fabric, woven cotton, or polyester. Moving blankets are thick and heavy.
Additionally, moving blankets have different weights. The heavier it is, the better it will be in protecting the object underneath it.
The thickness of soundproofing blankets ranges from 0.125 to 1 inch. For this reason, they work reasonably well in soundproofing a room.
2. Function
The primary use of sound blankets is for absorbing and reducing noise in a home, recording studios, or any commercial space. Commonly known as sound barrier curtains, you can suspend these blankets from floor-mounted frames or portable frames. You can also attach them to your ceiling and use it as a dividing wall that absorbs noises.
Moving blankets are mainly used for protecting fragile objects. When people need to move to a new home, they use moving blankets to cover appliances, furniture, and valuables.
Sometimes, people call moving blankets furniture padding. The reason is that they absorb shock and provide cushioning to the things that they cover.
3. Soundproofing Capabilities
Sound blankets have multiple layers. The outer layer consists of acoustically transparent material. For this reason, sound waves can pass through this layer and get into denser sound-absorbing layers.
The inner layer of a sound blanket is responsible for most of the soundproofing work. Some have an inner layer of fiberglass batting insulation. Meanwhile, others have recycled:
- mineral wool
- cotton
- mass loaded vinyl
Since these materials are dense, they work excellently in absorbing and dampening soundwaves.
On the other hand, moving blankets have soundproofing capabilities though their primary purpose is to cover fragile items.
They work by reducing the ability of sound waves to travel from a room to another. However, the moving blanket needs to have enough mass and thickness.
If your windows still allow noises to pass through, you can use moving blankets as curtains. Its mass blocks excess noise from infiltrating your home. It also prevents the noises that you make from getting out of your premises and disturbing your neighbors.
However, it is essential to note that moving blankets do not soundproof a room entirely. They only reduce the noises for it to be less disturbing.
Where to Use Sound Blankets
Sound blankets are ideal for areas with many hard surfaces, such as warehouses and gymnasiums. They are also an excellent alternative for expensive acoustic foams when you need an affordable soundproofing solution for your recording studio.
For instance, a gymnasium can have loud echoes due to the solid materials, such as benches, inside it. Such an environment can be challenging to soundproof through conventional means. Fortunately, sound blankets can be an effective solution.
If you are trying to record an audio or a podcast, you can hang sound blankets on the wall to prevent sound waves from bouncing off solid surfaces.
Where to Use Moving Blankets
Apart from protective wrapping for furniture, you can also use moving blankets as soundproof curtains. You can also use it for reducing echoes in recording studios as they can trap sound waves.
Additionally, it removes excess statics and white noise when you are recording.
When you use moving blankets, you will notice a significant drop in unwanted noises. Meaning there will be more minor background sounds since the moving blanket will absorb them. For this reason, you will be able to have enhanced sound quality.
Moving blankets make an amateur recording sound professional.
Other than soundproofing, you can also use moving blankets as pet bedding. Its thickness will allow your pets to have a new comfortable place to relax.
In addition, moving blankets can serve as drop cloths. It will allow you to protect your floor and the objects in your house from debris, paint, dust, and dirt.
Moving blankets make excellent drop cloths to protect your furniture while painting walls when you move to a new home.
Lastly, moving blankets are great for camping. When you go to a camping site, you will need to lay on rough and uneven ground.
But if you have a thick moving blanket with you, you will have an added layer of padding to your sleep space of the tent. This way, sleeping on the ground will be more comfortable.
Sources
- Moving Blankets vs. Sound Blankets: What’s the Difference?, US Cargo Control, https://blog.uscargocontrol.com/moving-blankets-vs-sound-blankets-whats-the-difference/
- Timothy Dale, The Best Moving Blankets for Protecting Furniture and More in Transit, Bob Vila, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-moving-blanket/
- Do Soundproofing Blankets Work?, Soundproof Cow, https://www.soundproofcow.com/do-soundproofing-blankets-work/
- How to use Moving Blankets for Sound Dampening, Shippers Supply, The Cargo Control Experts, https://www.shipperssupplies.com/how-to-use-moving-blankets-for-sound-dampening/