Engine Room Soundproofing

Step 1: Measuring and Making Patterns:

Measure inside surfaces to be soundproofed. Transfer measurements to materials or make cardboard patterns noting "Engine room Side". Be sure to allow for material thickness at corners. Double check for fit by placing cut patterns into enclosure. Top panel goes in first allowing the use of adjacent vertical panels for additional support at the outer edges of top panel.

For additional engine room soundproofing, we offer carpet Underlayment. Acoustic Carpet sound insulation Underlayment is an important part of a boat's engine room soundproofing attenuation and insulation package..

Q. How many pin sets do I order? A. One pound per sq ft. vinyl/foam a minimum of 20 pin sets, a 2 lb per sq ft. vinyl/foam a minimum of 25-30 pin sets.

Step 2: Layout and Cutting of Material:

Arrange patterns on reflective side of soundproofing insulation, nesting for best utilization of material. The silver facing side should face upwards for cutting. Using a sharp utility knife or a serrated knife, or table ban saw etc., carefully cut panels to contour indicated from patterns. Use firm steady strokes, holding blade sideways in vertical position with cutting edge at low angle to prevent tearing of material.  Repeat cutting strokes until all material has been cut through. Install panels "Dry" to check for correct fits and allowances. Note installation sequence and repeat during final installation.

There are several areas that should be treated in the engine room, the forward bulkhead, aft bulkhead above the engine with our vinyl/foam and the port and stb walls using acoustic foam. If you need help soundproofing your engine room call us at: 888-270-8555 ask for John.

Step 3: Installation of Pin

Fasteners: 

Now that the material is cut to fit, fasteners should be installed at this time. If you are using "Screw Fasteners" see step 6 for attachment and spacing. Use mechanical fasteners on all overhead surfaces as well as vertical surfaces to ensure backup in the event of adhesive failure. Fasteners should be permanently attached with screws, nails, staples, epoxy, etc., to overhead at the center, and additional fasteners approximately 1/2. the distance, along a diagonal to each corner. Use one fastener or more for each 2-3 square feet of surface, with fasteners spaced approximately 16 inches apart for the 2lb per sq ft. 20" apart for 1lb per sq ft. The same spacing holds true for "Screw-in-Fasteners".

To insure that you center the pressure directly over the pins, we suggest you use a plastic cup to push the pin through the vinyl/foam.

- If you are using "Screw-in-Fasteners" see step 6 for attachment and spacing. 

Note: Installing top panel first allows the use of adjacent vertical panels for additional support at the outer edges of top pane.

If you're placing soundproofing against metal or fiberglass in your engine room , use 3M-4200 quick cure to secure our pins, you'll need approximately 1 pin 20" on center  for 1lb per sq ft. 16" on center for 2lb per sq ft. View step # 1. Use 2" tape for 1/2" & 1" Vinyl/Foam & 4" tape for all other thicknesses

For all 2# vinyl/foam place pins 16" on center
For all 1# vinyl/foam place pins 20" on center
For 2" -1-1/2" vinyl/foam use 4" tape to completely cover foam.
For 1" vinyl/foam use 2" tape.
1 Can of Adhesive spray; covers 54 sq. ft.

Step 4 - Sealing Exposed Edges:
 

Seal all exposed edges, wear and chafe points with Seam tape to prevent fumes, moisture, or other foreign matter from contaminating the soundproofing. Overlap approximately 1/2 inch to I inch on reflective foil facing, fold tape down over exposed edge of material and fold remaining tape onto rear surface. Work pressure sensitive adhesive onto reflective foil and into foam by carefully rubbing entire surface of tape until maximum adhesion is obtained.

Step 5 - Final Installation:

At this point, all panels should be trimmed for exact fit, with all exposed edges sealed and protected with tape, sequence of panel installation noted, mechanical fasteners in place, and all attachment surfaces clean and ready for application of adhesive.

You are now ready for Final Installation. Apply adhesive and install one panel at a time. Install top panel first. Caution: Take care to avoid injury from sharp projecting pins on hangers when pushing soundproofing into place. Following directions and precautions on can, spray two coats of adhesive (spray 2nd coat in opposite direction for best results) onto prepared (clean) mounting surface, allowing drying time between coats, and carefully apply a light coat of adhesive to back of soundproofing. When sufficiently tacky, accurately position and firmly press pan into place. Accurate positioning is critical - cement bonds instantly upon contact! Caution: Apply adhesive sparingly!

Soundown's hanging pins, now is the time to use them. Install screw with fender washer keeping with the same spacing that is in step 3. If you're affixing our product to metal or fiberglass, use 3M 4200 to affix the pins. 

Step 6 - Installing of Speed Washers Screw in Fasteners

Push speed washers onto projecting fastener pins until soundproofing is slightly compressed. Caution: Do not over compress soundproofing or tear reflective facing. When all speed washers are correctly installed, use a pair of wire snips to cut protruding pins approximately 1/8 inch beyond speed washer. See Step 3. Install protective caps when supplied. Recess pins 2-3" off corners 16" on center for 2lb & 20" for 1lb per sq ft.

Step 7 - Finish Taping of Seams and Joints:

Apply reflective seam tape to all exposed joints and corners, by accurately positioning centrally over joints, and firmly pressing into place. Rub entire surface until maximum adhesion is obtained.

Step 8 - Carpet Underpayments:

Carpet underlay materials are intended to be installed with the foam down against the deck or floor, and the vinyl barrier towards the carpet. Material that is installed upside down will not provide as much quieting as a properly installed sound insulation underlayment.  

Having the carpet & engine area noise insulated, will give you optimum noise attenuation.

Step 9 - Head and Hull Liners:
 

Head and hull liners may be installed directly to any surface. In some instances such as the overhead, it may be desirable to mount the material to thin panels which may be blind fastened to the overhead beams or structure with interlocking, removable fasteners such as head-lock pads. With a panel system, the material may be wrapped around to the back of the panel. The removal of the foam from the material that is to be wrapped around the panel edge will result in a sharper edge. This may eliminate the need for wood trim work at seams or edges.

These materials should be handled carefully during the installation to avoid any sharp folding of the vinyl back on ' itself, which may result in creasing of the material. If a crease is inadvertently made in the vinyl, it may be relaxed with heat when in place. If not yet installed, pull slightly during placement, to stretch the wrinkle out of the material.