The Tecsound 50 Non-Adhesive Membrane is a high-density, flexible acoustic barrier designed for exceptional soundproofing on walls, floors, and ceilings. Known for its outstanding performance, this versatile membrane effectively reduces both airborne and impact noise while dampening vibrations. Made from a polymer-based, mass-loaded vinyl, Tecsound 50 provides the density and sound insulation of lead without the toxicity, making it a top choice among professionals and DIY soundproofers alike.
What is the Tecsound Acoustic Membrane?
Tecsound is an advanced, viscoelastic acoustic membrane designed to deliver superior soundproofing performance. Combining high mass with exceptional flexibility, Tecsound effectively dampens vibrations and blocks airborne noise, tackling two common sources of sound transmission. Unlike traditional rigid soundproofing materials, Tecsound’s flexibility allows it to conform to walls, floors, and ceilings, enhancing its ability to absorb and dissipate sound energy.
With a density of 5kg per square metre, Tecsound provides the same sound-blocking properties as mass-loaded vinyl or even lead sheeting, yet without the bulk, toxicity, or rigidity. This makes it especially useful in applications where space is at a premium but high performance is required. Additionally, Tecsound is fire-resistant and self-extinguishing, offering both safety and durability, which makes it a popular choice for residential, commercial, and industrial settings alike.
How Does Tecsound 50 Non-Adhesive Membrane Work?
Tecsound 50 achieves its impressive soundproofing by adding substantial mass to surfaces, which effectively blocks airborne noise and minimises sound transmission. Its viscoelastic properties set it apart from traditional soundproofing materials, as they allow Tecsound to absorb and disperse vibrations, transforming sound energy into a less disruptive form. This dampening effect significantly reduces sound resonance, preventing sound waves from amplifying through rigid surfaces.
When applied in layers, especially when combined with materials like plasterboard, Tecsound 50 creates a highly effective barrier that further minimises sound reflection and reverberation. Its flexible structure allows it to adapt to various surfaces, seamlessly integrating with walls, floors, and ceilings. This flexibility not only boosts its noise control but also makes Tecsound a versatile and powerful component in high-performance soundproofing systems, suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial environments alike.
What Type of Noise Does Tecsound 50 Membrane Stop?
Tecsound 50 is exceptionally effective at addressing a broad range of noise types, making it a comprehensive solution for soundproofing. Its dense, flexible composition blocks airborne noise, such as voices, TV sounds, music, and other environmental sounds that travel through the air. This makes Tecsound ideal for reducing noise between rooms, from one floor to another, or between neighbouring properties.
In addition to airborne noise, Tecsound 50 also significantly reduces impact noise, such as footsteps, dropped items, and furniture movement, which are common in multi-level buildings. By absorbing these vibrations, it prevents noise from travelling through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Tecsound’s unique viscoelastic properties further enhance its ability to minimise vibrations, which makes it particularly effective for environments with metal structures or machinery. It can prevent resonance in materials like metal or wood, reducing the sound re-radiated by vibrating surfaces. This makes Tecsound an ideal choice not only for buildings but also for soundproofing applications in vehicles, engine rooms, and industrial machinery spaces.
Where Can the Tecsound 50 Non-Adhesive Membrane Be Used?
Tecsound 50 is an incredibly versatile soundproofing solution suitable for installation on walls, floors, and ceilings, making it adaptable to a wide variety of environments. In residential settings, Tecsound is ideal for reducing noise transfer between rooms, floors, and even neighbouring properties, creating quieter and more comfortable living spaces. In commercial buildings, it serves as a robust solution for offices, meeting rooms, and shared spaces where noise control is essential for productivity and privacy.
Its high performance also makes Tecsound 50 a popular choice for professional applications, such as recording studios, music rooms, and theatres, where controlling both airborne and impact noise is critical. Beyond standard building uses, Tecsound 50 excels in specialised applications, such as soundproofing car doors, engine bays, and industrial machinery rooms. Its dense, vibration-dampening properties significantly reduce mechanical noise and radiated sound, making it a valuable asset in vehicles, factories, and even marine environments where managing engine noise is essential.
This flexibility, combined with its effectiveness across various surfaces and soundproofing needs, makes Tecsound 50 a truly universal soundproofing membrane that can be tailored to meet specific noise reduction demands across multiple industries and environments.
How to Install the Tecsound 50 Non-Adhesive Membrane
Installing Tecsound 50 is straightforward and versatile, making it a practical choice for various soundproofing projects. Follow these steps to achieve optimal performance:
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Prepare the Surface
Begin by ensuring that the surface is clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any dust, debris, or loose materials that could interfere with adhesion. Proper surface preparation helps maximise the effectiveness of Tecsound and ensures a solid bond.
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Apply the Membrane
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For Floors: Lay Tecsound 50 with the reinforcing scrim side facing up. This helps the membrane grip the surface while ensuring maximum soundproofing performance.
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For Walls and Ceilings: Attach the membrane to your soundproofing base layer, such as plasterboard or resilient bars, with the scrim side facing outward. This orientation ensures the Tecsound membrane is correctly positioned to absorb and block noise.
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Seal and Secure
To ensure the best soundproofing results, overlap the edges of each Tecsound sheet slightly and secure them with high-quality acoustic tape. This creates a continuous barrier that effectively blocks sound transmission. For added sound isolation, apply a finishing layer of plasterboard or flooring directly on top of the Tecsound membrane.
Tip: For floors, doubling up the Tecsound 50 membrane can add density, further improving its sound-blocking capabilities, especially in areas prone to heavy impact noise.
What Are the Benefits of the Tecsound 50 Non-Adhesive Membrane?
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Exceptional Noise Reduction: Blocks both airborne and impact noise with ease, offering professional-grade soundproofing.
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Vibration Dampening: Unique viscoelastic properties absorb vibrations, preventing sound from radiating through surfaces.
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High Density in a Slim Layer: Provides lead-like mass and density in a compact layer, ideal for tight spaces.
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Flexible and Easy to Install: Non-rigid material conforms to surfaces and is simple to cut and install.
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Fire Resistant and Recyclable: Safe for various applications and made from sustainable materials.
What thickness of Tecsound should I choose for my project?
The right Tecsound thickness will depend on how much soundproofing is needed and the type of noise you’re addressing. For most home and office environments, Tecsound 50 (5kg per square metre) provides strong insulation on walls, floors, and ceilings, effectively controlling moderate airborne noise. Tecsound 70 (7kg per square metre) is ideal for floors or areas where extra impact noise reduction is a priority. For spaces requiring the highest level of soundproofing, such as studios or industrial sites, Tecsound 100 (10kg per square metre) offers maximum density and performance. If you’re unsure which thickness best suits your needs, a soundproofing expert can help you choose the optimal option for your project.
Is Tecsound suitable for DIY installation, or is professional installation recommended?
Tecsound products, especially the self-adhesive versions, are designed with ease of installation in mind, making them suitable for DIY enthusiasts with some basic knowledge of soundproofing. The self-adhesive backing on products like Tecsound 50SY and 70SY allows for straightforward application without the need for additional adhesives. However, for complex projects, such as multi-layer soundproofing systems or installations in commercial spaces, professional installation may be recommended. A professional can ensure that Tecsound is applied optimally and combined with complementary materials to maximise soundproofing performance.
Using an Under Floor Heating System?
The Tecsound 50 membrane has a thermal conductivity of 0.45 W/mK. Always check with your underfloor heating system manufacturer to ensure compatibility, as the heat performance may vary depending on the system and setup.
Upgrade Your Soundproofing System with Tecsound
For those looking to achieve maximum soundproofing performance, Tecsound 50 can be easily integrated into a comprehensive system with additional materials. Pairing it with Tecsound 70 or acoustic mineral wool adds density, boosting both airborne and impact sound reduction. This layered approach is particularly effective in demanding environments, such as studios, shared living spaces, or commercial buildings, where high noise control is essential.
Tecsound 50 also works seamlessly with resilient bars and plasterboard layers, creating a streamlined yet powerful soundproofing barrier. This combination not only maximises sound isolation but also keeps the total system thickness to a minimum, preserving valuable space. Whether you’re tackling noise between floors or creating quiet zones in multi-room spaces, Tecsound 50 provides the ideal foundation for an adaptable, high-performance soundproofing system.
How to Install Tecsound 50 Acoustic Membrane
Tecsound 50 is a high-performance acoustic membrane designed to reduce airborne noise transmission through walls, ceilings, and floors. Unlike the self-adhesive version, Tecsound 50 requires a separate adhesive for installation, providing greater flexibility for use in different soundproofing applications. Its high-density, flexible composition allows it to conform to various surfaces, making it an excellent choice for homes, offices, studios, and home gyms.
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a secure, professional-quality installation.
What You Will Need
- Tecsound 50 Acoustic Membrane
- Measuring tape
- Stanley knife or utility blade
- Straight edge or metal ruler
- Tecsound-compatible adhesive (such as GenieMat Glue or a suitable contact adhesive)
- Trowel or roller for applying adhesive
- Hand roller for pressing the membrane into place
- Gloves (recommended for handling)
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before installing Tecsound 50, ensure the surface is:
- Clean – Remove any dust, dirt, or grease.
- Dry – Avoid applying to damp surfaces, as this can affect adhesion.
- Smooth and Stable – Fill any cracks or gaps for an even installation.
Tecsound 50 can be installed on plasterboard, masonry, timber, MDF, and concrete surfaces, making it suitable for a wide range of soundproofing projects.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Membrane
- Measure the area where the membrane will be applied.
- Cut Tecsound 50 to size using a Stanley knife and straight edge.
- Allow for a small overlap (5 to 10mm) between sheets for full coverage.
Tip: If installing on a ceiling, pre-cutting smaller sections will make handling easier.
Step 3: Apply Adhesive to the Surface
- Select a suitable adhesive such as GenieMat Glue or a strong contact adhesive.
- Use a trowel or roller to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the wall, ceiling, or floor.
- Apply adhesive to one section at a time to prevent it from drying out before positioning the membrane.
Note: If using contact adhesive, apply it to both the surface and the back of the Tecsound membrane and allow it to become tacky before bonding.
Step 4: Fix Tecsound 50 in Place
- Carefully align the top edge of the membrane with the installation area.
- Press firmly onto the adhesive, smoothing it down as you go.
- Use a hand roller to ensure full contact and eliminate any air pockets.
- Continue applying Tecsound 50 in sections, overlapping the edges by 5 to 10mm for a secure fit.
Step 5: Overlap and Seal Joints
- Ensure Tecsound 50 sheets overlap slightly to maintain a complete soundproofing barrier.
- Press firmly along overlaps to ensure a tight seal.
- For additional security, use Tecsound Jointing Tape or an additional layer of adhesive at the seams.
Step 6: Trim and Finish
- Trim any excess membrane using a sharp Stanley knife.
- Around electrical sockets or switches, apply Acoustic Putty Pads to prevent sound leaks.
- Seal any remaining gaps or edges with Acoustic Sealant to enhance soundproofing performance.
After Installation: Additional Layers and Covering
Once Tecsound 50 is installed, it can be:
- Left exposed, as it remains flexible and durable.
- Covered with plasterboard or MDF, secured using screws or adhesive.
- Combined with additional soundproofing materials, such as Rockwool RW5 Acoustic Wool, for enhanced performance.
Final Tips for a Successful Installation
- Allow Tecsound 50 to acclimate in the room for at least 24 hours before installation.
- Work in pairs where possible, as handling large sections can be difficult.
- Use firm pressure with a roller to ensure full adhesion and eliminate any trapped air.
- Ensure complete coverage, as any gaps will allow sound to escape.
Installing Tecsound 50 Acoustic Membrane is an effective way to reduce airborne noise in homes, studios, offices, and home gyms. Its high-density composition and flexible design allow for easy installation on various surfaces, providing long-lasting soundproofing performance.
By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-quality installation that significantly improves noise control in your space.
Visit our Fitting Instructions section for more detailed instructions relating to your specific application.
Check out our Soundproofing Guides for more information, advice and tips on all aspects of soundproofing.
