The feeling of a good drive with crisp audio in your vehicle is a wonderful thing. If you’re not used to that due to road noise entering via the car roof, then it’s time to learn how to soundproof your car roof and maximize your driving experience.
You can soundproof your car roof by installing roof insulation. It can block the noise that tries to get into the vehicle, making your ride quieter. However, it is essential to make sure that you are using a sound deadening material for your roof insulation.
Also read: How to Stop Car Door Rattling
In addition, car roof insulation will also block the heat from getting through your roof. This way, your car will be a lot more comfortable to drive.
The Benefits of Soundproofing Your Car Roof
By definition, soundproofing is the process of reducing sound pressures within any room. It can include the use of noise-absorbing materials and noise barriers.
In the case of car roof soundproofing, the primary method used is using a noise barrier, particularly car roof insulation.
As simple as it may sound, sound deadening a car roof can bring several benefits.
Here are the benefits of car roof soundproofing:
- Reduces the noise that gets through the car
- Allows you to focus more on driving
- Improves the quality of the music you are listening to
Makes your car a lot quieter
Apart from daily road noises, noises brought by the weather can also disturb your ride. Those noises can include the ones that come from the wind and rain.
When these distractions are too loud, they can take your attention away from the road. Such can be dangerous, especially if you drive on a rainy day since the road is relatively slippery.
Additionally, driving in a noisy environment can make you feel tired and exhausted. It is because your mind will have to deal with different things all at the same time.
But when you have a soundproof car roof, you will no longer have to deal with any noise problem.
The better focus during the ride
Driving while dealing with different noises can be a lot distracting. That can even be worse if you have a long ride ahead of you. Additionally, operating in a loud environment can compromise your safety and potentially lead to accidents.
When you do not hear any noise from the outside, you will focus on driving.
Improves the sound quality of your stereo
Long drives will be a lot better with good music. However, if you can hear the noisy environment getting through the roof of your car, you will not enjoy the music you usually prefer to road noise.
If you have your door, window, and car roof soundproofed, you will not have to care about the outside noise.
How to Soundproof Your Car Roof
The best way to soundproof your car roof, as mentioned, is to use sound-deadening insulation.
Through this process, you will be able to soundproof the roof of your vehicle and keep the temperature inside just the way you prefer.
However, you must install the soundproofing insulation the right way. It is to ensure that you are getting all its benefits.
Below are the simple steps that you can follow to soundproof your car roof:
1. Prepare your tools and materials.
Before getting anything else done, the first thing you need to do is gather all the materials you need.
To soundproof your car roof, you will need:
- Sound deadening insulation mat
- Screwdriver set
- Degreaser
- Roller
- Utility gloves
- Pruning shears
- Weather-strip adhesive
Additionally, you will need two types of mat:
- Insulation mat
- Sound-deadening mat
2. Remove the roof’s headliner
It is essential to prepare your car’s roof before applying the soundproofing mat. To start, take off the headliner. One thing worth noting is that you need to be very careful while doing this step.
It is because you will still need to put the headliner back after installing the soundproofing mat. If not taken off carefully, it can potentially get damaged, which will affect the integrity of your car.
3. Clean and degrease your car’s roof.
There is a big chance that your roof is pretty dirty. For this reason, you need to clean it with a rag and degreaser.
You need to ensure that you are taking all the dust and dirt off the roof.
You can also degrease and wipe it twice if needed. If the roof is not cleaned correctly, the dust and dirt will prevent the mat from sticking to the ceiling.
4. Install the first layer of the insulation mat
When installing your insulation mat, the best thing to do is to adhere it between the reinforcement ribs. It will allow you to cover the largest roof surface possible.
Once you have installed the insulation mat’s first layer, you need to press it firmly against the roof using a rolling tool. Doing this will ensure that you are sticking the mat correctly, thus increasing the deadening effect.
Now that the first layer is installed wipe the aluminum foil with a clean cloth before installing the second layer.
5. Install the mat’s second layer
The first layer of the soundproofing mat will block the noise from getting through your vehicle.
However, a single layer will not be enough. It is the reason why you need to install a second layer for an added blockage for noise and heat.
The second layer will be the blocking material for noise and heat. Find the thickest possible soundproofing material available.
When applying the material, make sure that you will leave no gaps or split to ensure that you’ll get all the benefits.
Additionally, never overlap the sheets from one another. Doing this will create some clearance where the noise and heat may pass through.
6. Put the headliner back.
After completing the installation job, the last thing you need to do is to install the headliner back on. You may need some glue to put it back after the installation of the soundproofing material is done.
Ensure that you are putting the headliner back the right way to look smooth and clean.
Installing a Soundproofing Material on Your Car Roof: Is it Worth it
Some parts of your vehicle may allow more noise in comparison to the others. One of those parts is the roof. When driving at a fast speed, the wind that hits the roof will create annoying noise. The same goes for when you are driving your vehicle during the rain or snow.
All the noise pollution will penetrate your car from the outside, resulting in a noisy and annoying ride. But with a bit of work, you will be able to prevent this problem, allowing you to enjoy your ride and the music you are playing on your stereo.
In addition, the car roof is one of the parts that is heavily affected by the heat. But when insulated the proper way, you will be able to keep your car more comfortable for you and the people you drive within the vehicle.
Sources:
- Dorian Smith-Garcia, Best Automotive Sound Deadening Insulation: Aim for a Quiet Ride, The Drive, https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/30624/best-automotive-sound-deadening-insulation/
- Car Roof Insulation 101, Second Skin Auto&Home Insulation, https://www.secondskinaudio.com/heat-insulation/upgrading-car-roof-headliner-insulation/
- Soundproofing, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundproofing/
- Vanessa Martel, Benefits of Car Soundproofing, The Benefits of Car Soundproofing https://thenewswheel.com/benefits-of-car-soundproofing/