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What is Acoustical Sealant?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Acoustical sealant is a type of sealing agent that is used to help minimize the entry or exit of sound from an interior space. Sealants of this type are often used to fill in small spaces along the floor and ceiling lines of walls, areas around ductwork for heating and cooling systems, and open spaces around utility and electrical boxes. An acoustic sealant may be used in just about any setting, from a residence to a factory.

Most acoustical sealant products look very much like any type of caulk that would be used to seal a crack in some type of masonry or sheet rock. The product is often sold in tubes that can be fitted into a caulking gun with relative ease, making it possible to easily discharge the product. The difference about this type of sealant is that the product can be used with any type of building material or metal, and contains ingredients that help to muffle sound as well as fill in the open space.

Acoustical sealant can typically be used in a caulking gun.
Acoustical sealant can typically be used in a caulking gun.

A good quality acoustical sealant can be used when installing new drywall in a home or office. The compound can be applied at the points where panels of sheet rock are joined, as well as along floor junctions and ceiling junctions where trim work is added to provide a finished look to the space. When applied according to usage instructions, the sealant will help to fill tiny open areas and not only help minimize the intrusion of sounds from other areas, but also make it easier to heat and cool the space with less output of energy.

Many of the acoustical sealant products on the market today are formulated so they do not harden over time. Since they remain somewhat pliable, it is relatively easy for the products to be used in settings where there is some type of expansion and contraction as seasons change. This property makes the sealant ideal for use around heating and cooling ducts and cold air returns, as well as other materials that may swell and shrink slightly with changes in temperature and humidity, since the seal will not crack during those changes.

Acoustical sealant can be used in a number of business settings, ranging from recording studios to nightclubs and even resort hotels. Essentially, any setting where there is a need to control the conveyance of sound from one room to the next, this type of product can be enhance the comfort and privacy of anyone occupying the space. When applied correctly, acoustical sealant will last for years before there is a need to reapply the substance.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Acoustical sealant can typically be used in a caulking gun.
      By: auremar
      Acoustical sealant can typically be used in a caulking gun.