If you want to block the sound coming into your home thoroughly, soundproofing the walls of your home and room is crucial. A room’s walls take up the majority of the floor space; therefore, sound can easily seep in and disturb you at ungodly hours.
It may appear challenging to soundproof a wall, and you may feel that the walls of the room chaotically reflect even the slightest noises. But, we have the solution, and we will tell you all you need to know about soundproofing walls of various kinds and try to make it as easy for you as we can. So, let’s get down to it.
Can You Soundproof Existing Walls?
Yes, you can soundproof an existing wall. Here are some of the best methods to soundproof an existing wall that we have tried and tested.
Use an Acoustical Sealant
Sound can travel through even the tiniest of gaps. However, it is possible to make a significant improvement in the reduction of both impact noise and airborne noise by sealing up any holes or cracks that may be present in the corners of the existing walls. Because acoustical sealant makes walls more airtight, it will be more difficult for soundwaves to travel through the walls because of the increased airtightness of the walls.
Put Up an Additional Drywall
Adding additional drywall will allow you to apply the theory of sound blocking to your existing walls. Moreover, the second layer of drywall will act as a separator between the main wall and the new drywall, which will enable sound to reflect off the new drywall before colliding with the main wall.
Hang a Soundproof Blanket
Soundproof blankets are thick pieces of material that assist absorb sound waves and prevent noise to some degree, but only to a certain level. For example, you may purchase moving blankets as a suitable alternative to genuine soundproof blankets, which are available for purchase. If that is not an option, soundproof curtains are another option, albeit their effectiveness is not on par with that of thick blankets.
Use Mass Loaded Vinyl
The use of mass-loaded vinyl, also known as MLV, is not limited to industrial facilities, which can have decibel levels that can be so high that they rupture eardrums. MLV is a flexible material that comes in rolls and is simple to cut. It may be sandwiched between layers of drywall to minimize the transmission of noise considerably and to deaden noises.
Install Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are a great way to add another layer of sound absorption to your soundproofing setup if you are considering employing multiple techniques to achieve your desired level of soundproofing.
Even while the use of acoustic panels by themselves might not be sufficient to prevent noise from entering the space, utilizing them in conjunction with another technique of soundproofing, such as drywall, can absorb more noise through the air. Your sound defense may become even more effective after you have numerous types of soundproofing materials installed.
How to Soundproof a Wall?
Add an Extra Drywall
Vibrations make up sound. Heavy, solid materials that are capable of stopping noise in their tracks are the most effective way to dampen the vibrations.
Brick and stone are wonderful building materials, but they are not practical for retrofitting the internal walls of your home because of their weight. Adding a second layer of drywall to create a thick, soundproof barrier is the approach that presents the least amount of difficulty.
You don’t have to build drywall everywhere; instead, you can choose to isolate either the room with the loud music (caused by the kid’s saxophone) or the room with the peaceful music (your reading nook).
You will need to repair and repaint your new drywall, and you will most likely need to expand electrical outlets and switch boxes, but these are jobs that you can do yourself, and they are not particularly difficult or expensive.
Build a Caulk Sandwich
You can use beads of acoustical caulk that are three-eighths of an inch thick to provide an additional layer of protection between the two layers of the existing drywall. The caulk prevents vibrations from moving from one layer of drywall to the next by acting as a barrier between the layers.
Use Paint
You may minimize noise by up to 30 percent by painting your interior walls with acoustical paint. The use of acoustic paint, which is composed of sound-absorbing resins, fillers, and hollow ceramic microspheres, can help to increase the soundproofing of your walls.
Paint should be applied to your walls using a paint roller for the more extensive areas and angled paintbrushes for the corners and edges that are difficult to access. You can distinguish acoustical paint by its rapid drying time as well as its excellent insulating and sound-dampening properties.
Pro Tip: To achieve the best possible effects, apply two coats of paint.
How to Soundproof a Wall for Cheap?
Install Bookcases
Install bookcases along the walls that you and your neighbors share. When loaded down with books, the bookcases function as an instant acoustic barrier. Other pieces of furniture, such as dressers and closets, can contribute to the soundproofing effort as well.
Hang Thick Curtains
Drape the windows with thick curtains. Using many layers of cloth can also block sound. For instance, blend different types of window treatments, such as sheer cloth, heavy drapes, and soft roman shades.
Install Additional Drywall
Add a layer of drywall to the structure. Make sure the thickness of the second layer of drywall is different from the thickness of the first layer. If the thickness of both layers is the same, then the sound will pass without any problems from one layer to the other.
To improve the room’s acoustics, use a specialized type of acoustic foam. You can install these foam pieces in between two layers of drywall, or you can arrange them in the room so that they stand against the wall.
How to Soundproof a Shared Wall?
Find Holes And Fill Them With Glue
Is it possible for tiny holes to produce such a loud sound? You can be confident that they can, especially if you’re working with walls that aren’t very thick. Even the tiniest holes have the potential to let out a significant quantity of noise.
You will need to find a way to seal them. Many other chemicals are capable of performing this task; nevertheless, we would advise you to use the one that we tested, which is green glue. Green glue is a material that is similar to gypsum and will not only fill up the hole but also act as a sound barrier for the area.
Utilize Mass-Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl is an excellent acoustic insulator against impact noise. Fortunately, vinyl mats are also perfect for reducing the noise that the air carries.
Install Acoustic Wall Tiles
The use of acoustic wall tiles, known to be one of the most straightforward soundproofing materials to put up, is an option for soundproofing a shared wall. It is an option that won’t break your budget if you’re looking to save some cash. In addition to this, they contain the adhesive on the reverse side, which means that it will be simple for you to apply them to the shared wall between apartments.
How to Soundproof a Wall Between Apartments?
Padding for Noise Absorption
This technique for soundproofing a shared wall involves adding a cushioning material such as foam to block the transmission of sound. Because acoustic foam is more effective at absorbing sound than it is at blocking it, it is the ideal material to use when you want to prevent the sounds coming from within your home from traveling to the homes of your neighbors.
Because it is available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, you need not be concerned about the possibility of damaging the aesthetic qualities of your apartment or condo by covering the walls with foam.
Soundproofing Mineral Wool
Another excellent and practical approach for soundproofing a wall that separates two flats is to use this method. Moreover, its effectiveness is unparalleled, and it is without a doubt one of the most effective ways to prevent sound from traveling through walls, even though it is more expensive than the other choices that we’ve described here.
The method of installing it is a little bit difficult and requires the knowledge of a professional, mainly when working with mineral wool. Wool is put in adequate amounts in between two timber battens to provide some frame for the item. After that, you can hang the picture frame on the wall utilizing the necessary support.
Soundproof Curtains
Soundproofing a shared wall using heavy curtains is relatively popular, especially in condos with narrow walls. It not only prevents sound from escaping, but it also won’t put a dent in your wallet.
As a rule of thumb, soundproof curtains are heavier and thicker than conventional ones, so make sure you choose the right sort when purchasing them. This technique will not be effective against loud sounds, but it will eliminate the sounds of people conversing and any minor sounds coming through the walls.
How to Soundproof Interior Walls?
Soundproofing interior walls might help you sleep peacefully if your neighbor is listening to loud music or watching television late at night. Here are some ways to do it:
Add Another Layer of Drywall
Adding a second layer of drywall to a wall is a simple and effective method of soundproofing it. When sound waves contact the first layer of drywall, there is less noise in a room. For the most outstanding results, use two layers of 1/2-inch drywall. Before putting up the drywall, take care to cover any insulation that may be on the walls.
We recommend using green glue to join the two layers of drywall together if you are employing this approach.
Insert Insulation
You can effectively soundproof walls by adding insulation. It will assist in keeping noise from leaking into the room via the wall. Fiberglass, cellulose, and rockwool are some of the insulation options available.
Fill all the holes and crevices in your wall before putting insulation. You can use spray foam or sealer can be used to accomplish this. Cover any gaps in the wall where cables or pipes come and go.
You can add insulation on top of an already insulated wall to make it even more soundproof. It will produce a second layer of insulation, which will minimize noise!
Make Use of Acoustic Panels
If you already have drywall, but the sound is still seeping in, we propose utilizing acoustic panels for soundproofing rooms and workplaces.
Utilize Resilient Clips & Channels
Soundproofing walls by using resilient clips and channels are more costly, but they are pretty good at preventing sound from passing through them. Usually, a hardware store or internet retailer may supply you with resilient clips and channels. You can use clips and channels to hold the drywall in place. This action creates an air space between the wall and the drywall that serves to dampen sound.
Utilize Mass Loaded Vinyl
Another excellent approach to soundproof walls is to cover them with mass-loaded vinyl, which is thick and dense. It’s a little pricey, but it does a great job in noise reduction. You can use adhesive or screws to fix mass-loaded vinyl to the wall.
It’s available in a variety of colors and thicknesses so that you can choose the perfect one for your requirements. We recommend using sound clips and channels instead of nails or screws. It will keep it in place and stop it from moving about.
Use Acoustical Wallpaper
Acoustical wallpaper is installed on the walls of a home or office to block sound transmission. It is available in a variety of colors and styles, and installing it is a breeze. It’s just like ordinary wallpaper in that it goes on the wall the same way. But be sure to follow the directions correctly, as incorrect installation will not block noise.
How to Soundproof Thin Walls?
Decouple the Walls
The process of decoupling may appear to be difficult, but in reality, it is relatively straightforward. This technique includes dividing the wall into two portions to make it more difficult for sound to go through it.
The simplest method to accomplish this is to mount a new layer of drywall, but make sure to allow a space between the new layer and the old one.
Install the Drywall Using Mass Loaded Vinyl
If your walls are indeed fragile and you can hear anything and everything that your neighbors do, then combining the two procedures will ensure that you never listen to them again and will eliminate the possibility that your walls will become thicker in the future.
You need to install the MLV first, and then the drywall is added on top.
For better results, apply the Acoustic Caulk on the MLV as well as the drywall.
Install Rubber-Based Material
Rubber-based material and mass-loaded vinyl are two excellent choices for creating a quiet environment. These layers have the extra benefit of helping to insulate your flat and keeping you warm and pleasant.
How to Soundproof a Flex Wall?
The primary issue with flex wall construction is that it doesn’t have as much mass as a regular wall does. So, to soundproof it, adding mass is essential, and sometimes it takes a lot of it for sound reduction.
Add Mass Loaded Vinyl
The best solution for individuals who need to soundproof a flex wall is undoubtedly mass-loaded vinyl. This vinyl sheeting has a decent amount of weight and is quite thick. Some prefer to pile on as many layers as they want, while others stick to a single layer to get the job done. A utility knife is all you need to cut through it.
The best defense against airborne sound is this substance. It manages to reduce impact noise as well, but not as effective. Therefore, we recommend that you use mass-loaded vinyl as the first choice anybody should make for a flexible wall.
Add Drywall Layers
To reduce noise, many individuals try to decouple the drywall layers. You can create a small amount of gap between the two layers so that the sound transfer does not happen. Adding dense insulation foam between the layers of drywall also helps. However, it does take up a little extra room, but the soundproofing benefits are worth it.
How Much Does It Cost to Soundproof a Wall?
Soundproofing a wall typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, which includes soundproofing material pricing, wall size, and, if necessary, installation fees. In addition, there may be additional elements that influence how expensive (or affordable) soundproofing a wall is.
Final Words
It’s not tricky to soundproof your walls, and doing so will benefit your mental wellbeing and the tranquility of your home. Choosing your budget and making plans for soundproofing solutions and how to put them into action are both crucial. Check out how to soundproof your ceiling and your door to make your home a peaceful place.
Most soundproofing options don’t require professional installation, and you can easily do them yourself and can save money on that. However, it would be best if you got the advice of an expert before disconnecting your walls.
