Sound Deadening Materials for Optimal Noise Isolation

Sound Deadening Materials for Cars

For car audio enthusiasts, achieving the perfect harmony of sound in a moving vehicle can be a challenge. As the speedometer rises, so does the cacophony of noise – road rumble, wind whistle, engine hum – each contributing to the soundtrack of your drive.

This is where the magic of sound deadening material comes into play. Installing top-notch sound deadening material can significantly transform your car’s acoustic environment, offering you an immersive audio experience.

There are many to choose from, and getting it right can save a lot of grief down the line. Getting the wrong sound deadener could cause you to suffer during the summer months, and waste your time and money by not even making much of a difference.

Installing sound deadening material might not be a walk in the park, but armed with the right tools and high-quality material, the effort pays off by presenting you with an unrivalled soundstage.

Intrigued by the idea of enhancing your car’s acoustics? Join us as we delve into a comprehensive review of the best sound deadening mats and spray foams currently available on the market.

>> How to Soundproof a Car <<

The Best Sound Deadening Mats and Rolls

Dynamat 10455 Xtreme Self-Adhesive Sound Deadener

Beginning our review with the cream of the crop in the realm of sound deadening materials, we present the Dynamat 10455 Xtreme self-adhesive mats.

For those well-versed in car soundproofing, Dynamat isn’t a new name. It’s ubiquitously recognized as the leading industry standard, owing to its superior performance that stands unparalleled.

However, the real question is whether Dynamat offers the best bang for your buck? Admittedly, it’s priced at a premium compared to other products, but when it comes to top-notch sound deadening, it truly is in a league of its own.

The Dynamat 10455 Xtreme measures a modest 67 mil in thickness, seemingly thinner than many rivals. However, don’t let the dimensions fool you. Its exceptional noise eradication capabilities outperform those of thicker materials, thereby providing a testament to its innovative design.

Sporting an aluminum exterior and a butyl rear, this sound deadening mat is built to last. It also features a self-adhesive backing, enhancing its convenience factor during installation. This product’s versatility shines as it can adhere to any surface, and its dimensions of 18″ x 32″ strike an excellent balance between usability and coverage.

Another crucial factor setting Dynamat apart is its resilient heat resistance, thanks to the aluminum covers. This unique feature ensures your vehicle stays cool during sweltering summer days. Moreover, while some competitors tend to emit an unpleasant odor in high heat, Dynamat stands firm with its odorless mats.

Verdict

If pristine car acoustics is your ultimate goal, Dynamat’s sound deadening mats are second to none. Despite being thinner, they outshine competitors in noise dampening. You may find cheaper options, but none deliver the same top-tier performance that Dynamat does.

Noico Solutions 80 mil Sound Deadening Mat

Noico Solutions, a prominent player in the noise insulation sphere, presents one of the most effective sound deadening materials that almost rivals the excellence of Dynamat.

Noico’s product lineup is vast, featuring a range of sound deadening solutions. For those seeking the highest level of noise cancellation, Noico’s thickest offering, the Red 150 mil (4mm), serves as an excellent choice. However, we’re focusing on the more versatile and best-selling 80 mil mats, an ideal solution for users constrained by space.

At a thickness of 2mm, these mats offer affordability without compromising their performance. They adeptly mitigate a significant portion of the vehicle’s vibrations, enhancing the overall acoustic experience.

Crafted from butyl-based material, these soundproofing mats feature an embossed aluminum finish. Although slightly thinner, they serve the dual purpose of reducing noise and providing heat insulation, thereby contributing to a cooler vehicle interior during summer.

With dimensions of 11.5″ x 9.2″, the mats are suitably sized for most applications. But what gives them an edge over the competition is their superior customizability – they can be effortlessly cut into smaller sizes to fit any specific requirements.

Though the mat emits a slight odor during installation, this is only temporary and dissipates over time. The aluminum cover ensures that no unpleasant smells persist, particularly during hot summer months.

Verdict

Noico’s 80 mil sound deadening mat is a viable choice for those seeking effective noise insulation on a budget. While it may not quite match the performance of Dynamat, it’s unquestionably one of the best options in its price range.

KILMAT 80 mil Car Soundproofing Mat

Kilmat is yet another remarkable name in the realm of car soundproofing materials. While they offer various thicknesses, we find their 80 mil mats to significantly excel in damping unwanted noises.

Constructed from butyl rubber and equipped with an aluminum skin, the Kilmat 80 mil car soundproofing mat is thoughtfully designed for optimal performance. With dimensions of 16.93” x 11.02” and self-adhesive backing, the mats simplify the installation process, making it as straightforward as any competitor in the market.

Despite the mats’ featherlight weight, coming in at 1/2 lb per square foot, their noise dampening capabilities are not compromised. In fact, their performance is commendable, shadowed only by the industry leader, Dynamat.

An added bonus of this cost-effective sound deadening material is its virtually odorless nature. Any lingering smell post-installation quickly dissipates, and the aluminum backing guarantees a scent-free environment even during the heat of summer.

The aluminum foil backing doesn’t just keep odors at bay; it also assists in temperature regulation, making your vehicle a more comfortable place in both scorching summers and freezing winters.

In summary, Kilmat’s 80 mil mat offers a fantastic package. It’s reasonably priced, effectively insulates against noise and temperature, and will enhance your car’s audio acoustics for the entire life of your vehicle.

Verdict

Kilmat’s product stands shoulder to shoulder with Noico Solutions, serving as excellent alternatives. It matches Noico’s performance in all respects, but edges it out due to its lower price point, making it our top pick for value sound deadening material.

Thermo-Tec 14620 Heat and Sound Suppressor

Presenting a dual-action solution for both heat and noise, Thermo-Tec’s 14620 Heat and Sound Suppressor is your ticket to an enjoyable and comfortable music experience, especially during sweltering summers.

With a thickness of 70 mil, this sound deadening mat is noticeably slimmer than most of its counterparts. However, its capability to eliminate undesirable noises is commendable, proving that size isn’t always an indicator of performance.

One advantage of its thin profile is the ease of cutting and installation, making it an optimal choice for locations that are challenging to reach.

Made in the USA, this durable polyethylene sound deadening material is popular among both car and homeowners. Its foil backing, combined with the polyethylene film, renders it an excellent choice for those wishing to maintain a cooler indoor temperature during hot summers.

Thermo-Tec boasts an impressive heat protection rating, guarding against radiant heat up to 2000℉ and direct temperatures up to 300℉, although this might be a bit of an exaggeration, or should I say selling point from the manufacturer…?

Verdict

Thermo-Tec 14620 makes a sound choice for anyone looking to reduce noise and maintain a comfortable temperature during hot weather. While there may be better sound insulators on the market, its affordable price tag and easy installation make it a good choice.

FatMat Self-Adhesive Rattletrap 80 mil Roll

If you’re in the market for a roll of soundproofing material, the FatMat Self-Adhesive Rattletrap roll stands as a compelling option.

Priced competitively, this roll provides an effective solution for larger installation areas like the car floor and trunk, successfully dampening undesirable vibrations akin to others within its price range.

The Rattletrap roll also takes pride in its patented “Super-Stick” Adhesive. Billed as a marine-grade sound deadener by the company, it’s an excellent choice for those aiming to reduce the noise levels within their boats.

Hailing from the USA, FatMat has gained popularity due to its wide range of roll sizes, facilitating the purchase of just the right amount for your needs. However, keep in mind that the smallest available size is 25 sq ft.

The 18” width of this soundproofing roll makes it an ideal solution for larger vehicles, such as trucks and RVs.

One drawback of the product lies in its asphalt-based composition. This makes it slightly less flexible during installation, and you might need to heat it for optimal adherence. Although the aluminum skin prevents excessive softening in summer, the asphalt can emit a mild smell during the hot months.

Verdict

While there may be better alternatives in the market, FatMat’s sound-dampening material delivers on its promise. Its super-sticky adhesive ensures a firm hold, and it can be considered as a reliable, cost-effective solution for larger vehicle soundproofing projects.

Siless Vibro 80 mil Car Sound Deadening Mat

Stepping into the sound insulation market is the emerging brand, Siless, with its Vibro 80 mil sound deadening mats. These mats are rapidly gaining recognition among audio enthusiasts seeking cost-effective solutions.

Crafted with Bmastic – a closed-cell polyethylene foam known for its oil and water resistance – this lightweight, industrial-grade sound damping material is perfect for first-time installers.

Its remarkable lightness, about half the weight of typical deadening materials, facilitates easy cutting with simple tools like a boxcutter or scissors, making it one of the most user-friendly sound deadening materials available.

In addition to its feather-light characteristic, it also stands as one of the most cost-effective options in the market. While its performance may not match the top-tier sound insulators, it delivers commendable results for its price point.

Each mat features an adhesive layer and an aluminum backing, not only eliminating unwanted noises but also aiding in maintaining cooler temperatures during summer. Plus, with its odourless technology, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant smells during hotter months, which can be a problem for some other brands.

Verdict

The Siless Vibro 80 mil presents a viable choice for those seeking to dampen unwanted vehicle noise. While it might not be up there with the best sound deadeners performance-wise, its value for money makes it a worthy consideration.

MAT66 ProBlack 80 mil Car Sound Deadening Mat

Presenting another worthy contender in the sound damping market, the MAT66 ProBlack 80 mil sound deadening mats. Equipped with butyl and an aluminum coating, these mats effectively curtail unwanted vehicular noise.

The manufacturers claim that their mats are 20% cheaper than their competitors. While there are indeed less expensive options, the performance to cost ratio of MAT66 aligns it comfortably with other value-based brands, IMO.

As expected from a butyl and aluminum sound deadening mat, it enhances vehicle acoustics and helps maintain a cooler interior during hot summers. Any initial odour fades quickly post-installation, and its thoughtful design ensures the absence of any melting or unpleasant odours even in intense heat.

Installation is fuss-free, thanks to the lightweight material that’s easy to cut and roll out. The unique aspect of these mats, compared to other budget-friendly products, is the black aluminum coating, a stylish touch to your vehicle’s aesthetics.

Verdict

The MAT66 ProBlack mats neither stand out for extraordinary qualities nor falter with any noticeable shortcomings. They are an excellent choice for those unwilling to splurge on premium sound deadening insulation but desire a product that delivers decent results.

SOOMJ 394 mil Sound Deadening Material

Concluding our roundup is the SOOMJ 394 mil Sound Deadening Mats, offering a staggering thickness of 10mm. While it might seem a bit too bulky for all areas, it’s a good choice for noise reduction in the engine hood.

Although, this product’s thickness doesn’t limit its versatility. You can install it in various parts of the car, supplementing with a thinner material for those tighter spots.

SOOMJ has crafted this mat with an innovative blend of aluminum and PE (polyethylene), a combination of related polymers, resulting in a high-quality, tri-layer, twin-density lightweight foam laminate.

This state-of-the-art composition guarantees a robust noise-damping material capable of withstanding extreme heat, making it ideally suited for engine compartments.

This non-flammable, flame-retardant mat showcases its superiority with a fireproof grade material that can endure temperatures up to 200℃ or 392℉.

One might assume that its thickness would complicate the cutting process, but contrary to such presumptions, the mat’s lightweight nature allows for easy slicing with a box cutter.

Verdict

The SOOMJ 394 mil Sound Deadening Mats are a high-quality, thick sound deadening solution. With heat resistance and fireproof grade attributes, it’s ideally designed for the high temperatures typically found under the hood of a vehicle.

Best Sound Deadening Spray for Cars

Looking for the best sound deadening spray for a car? Look no further. We’ve added a couple in our review and these two are the best-selling deadening sprays for good reason.

While they are very useful, sound deadening sprays aren’t as good as mats or rolls of material, but they do a good job, and get in the tight areas mats can’t.

That’s not to say, you can’t do a full car with spray because you can. Just that we wouldn’t recommend that. For best sound deadening results, it’s a good idea to use both mats and spray.

Lizard Skins Sound Barrier – Sound Deadening Acrylic Spray

Topping our list of spray-on sound dampening products is the renowned Lizard Skins Sound Barrier. This popular choice, packaged in a one-gallon tin, serves as a robust bulwark against unwanted vibrations.

The product’s ceramic finish not only provides a sturdy, protective layer but also contributes to noise reduction. Please note that a separate spray gun is necessary for application, an additional but reasonably priced investment, especially if you plan on covering a large portion of the vehicle.

When used as a comprehensive application, the Lizard Skins Sound Barrier significantly reduces noise levels, making it a simpler and quicker alternative to installing mats. While the effect may not be as profound as mats, the difference will be appreciably noticeable.

Beyond its sound insulating capabilities, the product’s ceramic properties make it an effective heat barrier, ideal for engine and firewall areas. This dual functionality ensures a cooler cabin during summer months and provides protection to bare metal surfaces against potential scratches or environmental damage.

In contrast to other spray products like DEI’s Boom Mat Spray, Lizard Skins Sound Barrier is water-soluble, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, ensuring no harmful fumes during application. However, it’s still recommended to use protective masks and gloves during application to prevent inhalation.

According to the manufacturer, a one-gallon tub can cover between 20-23 square feet when applied at a thickness of 40 mils. Given that it only comes in one-gallon tubs, it may not be the best option for targeting smaller areas.

Verdict

Lizard Skins Sound Barrier is one of the premier sound deadening sprays for cars. It not only dampens sound but also offers heat and scratch protection, simplifying the task of sound deadening a full car compared to mat applications.

DEI Boom Mat Spray – Sound Deadening Aerosol Spray 

Rounding out our review of sound deadening products is the Boom Mat Spray from DEI, a company that stands as a leading figure in the automotive soundproofing industry.

Boom Mat Spray, DEI’s best-selling aerosol product, serves dual purposes by both reducing unwanted noise and providing an additional layer of protection for your vehicle.

The durable spray lives up to its promises, with a protective coating that can be applied to numerous areas, including under the hood and the undercarriage of your car. This protective barrier helps shield the bare metal components from potential damage such as rust and cracks.

This versatile spray also functions as a thermal barrier that can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees, making it an ideal sound dampener for the engine hood and firewalls. And, it can be applied to hard-to-reach areas, like behind tightly fitted levers or on the inside of car door sheet metal.

A single can of Boom Mat Spray will typically cover around 20 square feet, depending on the thickness of the applied layers. For optimal results, the company recommends applying at least two coats. Each coat becomes touch-dry within 20 minutes, and the coating can be painted over after 56 hours of the final application.

As with all aerosol products, applying Boom Mat Spray can produce a strong odor, so it’s crucial to use an industrial mask and gloves during application. This smell, however, dissipates quickly within a few days of application.

Verdict

DEI’s Boom Mat Spray is an exceptional sound deadening aerosol product. It’s excellent for completing comprehensive soundproofing jobs, particularly for damping bare metal areas like the engine, firewall, and exhaust.

Buyer’s Guide – Getting The Right Sound Deadening Material

When it comes to improving the acoustics of your vehicle, the choice of sound deadening material plays a crucial role. The sheer volume of options available might seem overwhelming, but understanding what you need to look for can help you navigate the market.

Here’s an enhanced guide to consider when shopping for sound deadening materials.

Material

Different brands use various materials in their sound deadening products, each with its unique advantages. The most common materials used are butyl rubber (a synthetic polymer) with an aluminum skin. This combination not only aids in noise reduction but also helps regulate temperature due to the heat-resistant properties of aluminum.

Asphalt-based foam and woven fiber are other common materials, although they might not offer the same level of protection against natural elements as butyl rubber.

Alternatively, you could opt for spray-on sound deadeners. While they might not be as efficient as mats, their composition of rubber, vinyl, and occasionally ceramic make installation much easier and still provide a significant improvement in noise reduction.

Installation

The process of soundproofing a car can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially when it comes to installing deadening material. Opt for products that are self-adhesive, saving you the time and hassle of applying adhesive separately.

The ease of cutting the material is another factor to consider, as some materials may require more effort and specific tools to cut.

Thickness

The thickness of the sound deadening material significantly influences its efficiency. Generally, thicker mats are better at absorbing shockwaves and, hence, better at reducing unwanted sounds.

However, bear in mind that thicker materials can be harder to cut and install. Additionally, they might not be suitable for every part of your vehicle due to space constraints in certain areas.

Sound Deadening Mats vs Rolls

Whether you prefer mats or rolls is entirely up to you. Both are made from similar materials, with the key difference being in their form factor. Mats are generally easier to handle and more manageable.

On the other hand, if you want a clean, continuous coverage over larger areas, rolls would be the way to go. Ultimately, aesthetic perfection isn’t a necessity as the material will be covered once the panels and carpets are reinstalled.

Heat Resistance

If you live in a hotter climate or intend to install the material near the engine, opt for a sound deadening product that can withstand high temperatures. Some materials may wilt or melt when exposed to high heat, emitting unpleasant smells. Therefore, a heat-resistant material is a safer choice.

Dirt Resistant

The material you choose should be able to resist dirt. Your vehicle is exposed to various elements on the road, so having dirt-resistant sound deadening mats would be advantageous.

Cost

While considering all the above factors, also pay attention to your budget. Different materials and brands fall into a broad price range. While some are quite affordable, others can be rather pricey. Striking a balance between cost and quality is essential to ensure that you get a good deal without compromising on the desired soundproofing effect.

Soundproofing Vehicles – Diagram

Sound Deadening Mats – FAQs