Sound insulation
Silent Coat
3.75 m² | 2 mm black | Silent Coat XL pack | Sound deadening- 10 XL sheets
Design Engineering, Inc (DEI)
1.2 m² | 12 mm | Black Under Hood™ Under hood thermal acoustic liner Black 81 x 150 cm self adhesive | FMVSS302
Design Engineering, Inc (DEI)
178 × 183 cm | 12 mm | Under Carpet Lite | Vehicle interior insulation - 3.25 m²
Heat Shieldings
60x100 cm | 15 mm | Self-adhesive insulation foam – heat and oil resistant | FMVSS302 flammability classification
Armaflex
32 mm | 3 m² | Armaflex sheet AF - self-adhesive + Microban® antimicrobial and fire performance protection
About Soundproofing
Sound insulation in vehicles works in two phases: first stop the vibrations with anti-drumming sheets, then absorb the remaining sound waves with acoustic foam or felt. Together they form a layered system that audibly damps engine noise, road noise and rattling panels.
Phase 1: anti-drumming
Low frequencies, such as engine and road noise, travel as mechanical vibrations through panels. Heavy, visco-elastic anti-drumming sheets add mass to doors, floor, roof and boot and tackle the vibration source itself: resonating body panels and rattling interior parts fall silent. Full coverage is not needed; from about 60% coverage the result is already optimal.
Phase 2: absorbing
Higher frequencies spread as airborne vibrations and reflect between surfaces. Flexible acoustic foam catches those waves and prevents echo within the space; it also insulates heat, is oil-resistant and gives off no toxic substances. Without the anti-drumming layer the foam would pass the vibrations on, without foam sound waves keep reflecting: the combination makes the difference. How that works out in practice is in the project reports of the Karmann Ghia coupé and the Volkswagen T2B, and in the ultimate guide to sound and vibration damping.
Frequently asked questions
In which order do I apply sound insulation?
First the anti-drumming sheet directly on the panel, pressed on firmly with an application roller; then the acoustic foam or felt on top. The guide to sound and vibration damping covers the full build-up.
Do I have to cover the entire panel?
No: with 60% coverage or more you often already achieve an optimal result, because the material damps the panel's resonance once enough mass has been added.
Does sound insulation also work against heat?
Yes, the acoustic foam and felt also insulate thermally, and many products are heat and oil resistant. One layer thus tackles both sound and heat, for example under the bonnet or in a camper.