Sound-Deadening

5 Automotive Sound-Deadening Myths

 

At Heatshield Products, we’ve heard just about every automotive sound-deadening myth (and lie) out there. The heavier the deadener, the better. Two layers are better than one. The check’s in the mail -- we’ve heard it all. So, it’s time for us to set the record straight.

 

The Five Most Common Vehicle Sound-Deadening Myths:

Myth #1 - Vehicle sound-deadening material has to be heavy and thick in order to work well. 

This simply isn’t true! Our sound-deadening products are proof of this. Our specially formulated acoustic damping materials make decreasing the unwanted noise in your hot rod, classic car, or off-road vehicle easier than you might think! We focus on the actual science of reducing unwanted sound inside of a vehicle, not just suppressing it with the heaviest material possible. For example, db Armor™ is 20 percent lighter than competing vibration-damping sheets, but it’s also three times more effective at decreasing sound and noise!

 

Myth #2 - An automotive sound-deadening product can't be removed once it is stuck to metal. 


The modern adhesives we use keep sound deadeners, like our db Suppressor™, in place, but you can always lift and reposition the material during installation without ripping or destroying it. The adhesive used to mount our Heatshield Products sound-deadening insulation material only needs to be sticky to hold the product in place on the substrate (surface you’re affixing it to) -- it doesn’t need to be permanently fixed to your vehicle!

 

sound-deadening insulation

 

Myth #3 - Only 25 percent of your car’s surface has to be covered. 

Wrong. Vehicle sound-deadening products need to cover at least 50 percent of the vibrating surface in order to be effective, and 75 percent for optimal results. With 100 percent coverage, you will maximize your automotive sound-deadening material’s performance. If you are not planning to cover 100 percent of the surface, start from the center of the panel and work towards the outside edge to get the best sound-damping performance from the material.

 

Myth #4 - Thicker automotive heat and sound-deadening material works better. 

This one is also a case of old versus new technology. Sound-deadeners from Heatshield Products are thinner yet do a better job of controlling sound and vibration than competing brands. A thinner noise-damping material has several advantages: it is easier to work with, uses less space so the carpet on top of the material still fits properly, and it makes reinstalling your interior parts (like seats and mats) easy.

 

Myth #5 - Overlapping and double-layering material does a better job of sound-deadening

Do not stack layers! This is a waste of time, money, and material. The best sound-deadening tape from Heatshield Products reduces sound and vibration with one layer. No stacking necessary! If you have to use multiple layers of a noise-damping material, you’re using the wrong product. 

 

Bonus Myth - Stick-on sound sheets stop heat.  

While vehicle sound-deadening products may temporarily slow the rate of heat transfer, they will become heat soaked during the normal course of driving. One exception is Heatshield Products HP Stealth Shield™, designed with proprietary technology to reduce both heat and sound. It mounts inside your vehicle, atop the floor, or automotive sound-deadening product of your choice, to protect you and your vehicle’s parts from radiating engine heat. 

 

Where to Find Sound Deadeners

Want to learn more? Check out our site, where you can find out more about our sound-insulation and automotive heat shield products, plus tips for installation, today!