Vibration Dampening Adhesive Tapes: Tips in Choosing the Right Adhesive Material

Today’s soundproofing client base are a discerning bunch. They really do expect more when it comes to vibration dampening products. Adhesive compounds represent one feasible way of killing unwanted noise, but this solution works better as a whole-wall noise dampener. With vibration dampening adhesive tapes, you’re going to be working the problem from a different angle. Consequently, you’ll need a new set of mounting guidelines to expedite matters.

Select Materials That Exhibit Visco-Elastic Strength

A reliable adhesive is, of course, desirable. The tacky material should adhere to all surfaces and deliver long-lasting stickiness. However, this feature is common among today’s adhesive tapes. To ensure a satisfactory vibration dampening rating, the material substrate must provide a healthy measure of visco-elastic resilience.

Employing Dual-Layer Characteristics

If the polymer base is dampening the noise as it elongates and contracts, a second layer can further enhance that energy absorption attribute. A strong paper backing is enough to facilitate this option on a household roll of vibration dampening adhesive tape. A waterproof plastic is more likely in an air conditioning duct. Then, for vibration-heavy settings, a strong aluminium coating will deliver ultimate strength and adhesion protection.

Application-Relevant Tape Parameters

Metal-backed rolls are also good at dissipating noise. After the elastic polymer absorbs the noise and converts it into heat, the energy dissipates rapidly through the thermally conductive aluminium. Next, if the material is paper-backed and applied in an exposed location, the adhesive should include a UV resistance feature. In another setting, where parts are rubbing together, a thicker substrate, one that won’t abrade when the rubbing effect builds, is a highly desirable material trait. Double-sided stickiness, a moisture barrier capability and more, these additional attributes should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Dynamically Capable Adhesive Properties

Unfortunately, noisy conditions are often accompanied by other undesirable forces. Sunlight can cause the tape to harden and crack. Loading variables and expansion factors can also push lesser vibration dampening tapes beyond their design limits. If the surface vibrational impact is flanked by other varying energies, the tape should be rated to handle such dynamically capricious forces, too.

So, what should you do when faced with a shelf or webpage full of different vibration dampening products? Well, talk to an expert, to a store salesperson or web site representative. If the vibrational energies are located in some hostile environment, that aluminium backed roll might work out fine, but it won’t look too good in a home, unless it’s fitted inside an HVAC duct, of course. Otherwise, a felt or sponge-backed roll of tape will deliver a similar amount of energy dissipating power while the polymer base and tacky adhesive absorb the surface tremors. For supplementary features, consider the effects of UV rays and other environment-relevant factors.