The Real Results of RetroFoam Sound Dampening: How Much Noise Does it Really Stop?

You’re relaxing in your living room after a long day, ready to unwind, when the neighbor’s dogs start barking again.

Or maybe you live near a busy road, and every passing semi sounds like it’s driving through your living room.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a quieter home, you’ve probably looked into sound deadening and wondered if foam insulation could be the answer.

Let’s break down how RetroFoam insulation actually performs when it comes to sound, what the results look like, and how much of that outside noise it can really help reduce.

What is Sound Deadening (and How is it Different from Soundproofing)?

Before we dive into results, it’s important to know that sound deadening and soundproofing aren’t the same thing.

• Soundproofing is the complete blocking of sound – think recording studios or theaters. It requires specialized materials and construction techniques to eliminate sound transmission entirely.
• Sound dampening (also called sound deadening insulation) reduces the amount of noise that travels through walls, ceilings, and floors. It doesn’t stop sound entirely, but it softens it – making your space noticeably quieter and more comfortable.

RetroFoam falls into the sound-dampening category. It’s not going to make your home silent, but it can help reduce the amount of unwanted noise that sneaks in.

The Science of Sound

Before we get into the foam results, let’s talk about how sound is measured.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB), while the ability of a wall to block sound is measured in Sound Transmission Class (STC).

Here’s a quick snapshot from International Noise Awareness Day to put things in perspective.

An average home’s wall usually falls between 30 and 40 STC, meaning you’ll hear some outside noise – especially voices, traffic, or barking dogs. The goal of sound-dampening foam is to raise the STC and reduce the amount of sound that transfers through.

The Sound Dampening Test: RetroFoam in Action

In this Foam University experiment, we put RetroFoam to the test using a live sound demonstration.

• Control: A wooden box with no insulation
• Sound Source: An alarm that measured around 109 dB (that’s loud enough to cause hearing damage)
• Measurement Tool: A sound level meter to track decibel readings before and after insulation

Test Results

That’s a noticeable drop in sound levels, showing how RetroFoam sound-dampening foam can reduce transmitted noise. You can hear the difference immediately – the piercing alarm becomes more like background noise once enclosed in the foam-insulated box.

What These Results Mean for Your Home

While the box test shows dramatic results, it’s important to remember that a house is more complex than a sealed box.

Walls, doors, windows, outlets, and even framing materials all affect how sound travels.

So, what can homeowners realistically expect?

• RetroFoam helps absorb and dampen sound vibrations, making your home noticeably quieter.
• You’ll like hear less outside noise, like traffic, lawn equipment, or your neighbor’s dogs.
• You may also notice reduced noise transmission between rooms.

However, RetroFoam is not a soundproofing solution. If your goal is complete silence (like in a recording space), you’ll need additional materials such as acoustic panels, resilient channels, or soundproof drywall.

Still, for most homeowners, RetroFoam’s sound-dampening benefits offer a significant improvement in comfort – especially when combined with its energy-efficiency benefits.

Why Home Construction Matters

Every home’s construction is unique, which means sound transmission varies from one house to another.

Factors that impact results include:

• Wall materials and thickness
• Number and type of windows
• Presence of air gaps or unsealed penetrations
• Floor plan and open spaces

RetroFoam insulation can make a big difference when these other areas are properly addressed – it’s part of an overall system for comfort and quiet.

The Added Benefit: Comfort Beyond Sound

While this demonstration focused on sound, the same air seal that helps block noise also improves energy efficiency and home comfort.

By filling wall cavities with foam, RetroFoam prevents air leaks that let sound and outside air pass through. That means:

• Fewer drafts
• Consistent temperatures
• Lower energy bills
• A quieter, cozier home overall

The results are clear – RetroFoam sound-dampening foam can help quiet your home while keeping it more comfortable and efficient.

It’s not a soundproofing solution, and results will vary from home to home. Still, it’s a science-backed way to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient without tearing out walls or adding bulky materials.

So, if you’re ready to reclaim your comfort and make your home a little quieter, check out our Dealer Finder to locate a RetroFoam dealer in your neck of the woods.

Key Points:

• A bonus of RetroFoam insulation is its sound-dampening qualities, but it’s not a soundproofing material.
• In testing, RetroFoam reduces noise by around 20 decibels compared to an uninsulated space.
• Results in real homes vary depending on wall construction, materials, and window placement.
• Foam creates an air seal that helps reduce both sound and energy loss.

Related Articles

What is Sound Deadening?

Does RetroFoam Insulation Work for Sound Dampening?

Sound Dampening vs. Soundproofing Between Rooms: What's the Difference?

FAQs About Sound Dampening and RetroFoam Insulation

What is the best sound-deadening insulation for walls?

It depends on your goals.

For complete soundproofing, specialized products like acoustic panels and soundproof drywall work best. For general noise reduction and comfort, RetroFoam’s added benefit as a sound-dampening foam is that it performs very well while improving energy efficiency, too.

How much sound can RetroFoam block?

Actual results will vary from home to home depending on several factors.

In testing, RetroFoam reduced noise by about 20 decibels, but this controlled test didn’t account for factors such as windows, doors, outlets, or the construction framing.

Can RetroFoam make my home soundproof?

No. RetroFoam is designed for insulation and comfort, not soundproofing.

It has the potential to reduce sound, but does not eliminate it entirely.

Where should I add RetroFoam for the best sound-dampening results?

Exterior walls typically yield the most noticeable results since that’s where outdoor noise enters your home.

Interior walls can also be insulated for privacy or to minimize noise between rooms.