If you’re looking to start a podcast, YouTube channel, or if you’re working from a home office and want a quite space, we’ll explain how to soundproof a wall.
These tips and tricks do not differ whether you are on a tight budget or you are a homeowner or renting.
However, note that these soundproofing methods will not make your room 100% soundproof. Many of them will only lower sounds to a level that you can work in silence at and for a limited amount of time.
Another thing that should be noted is the fact that total soundproofing of the wall in the next room which you want to minimize should be done so as to enhance the degree of reduction obtained. For instance if you decide to soundproof your master bedroom and the room directly adjacent to it is the guestroom, then for maximum sound insulation the guestroom side must also be soundproofed.
Now that we've got that covered, let's get started!
How to Soundproof A Wall
1. Use Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
2. Focus on the Weak Points on the Wall
This wall soundproofing method is great for thin walls.
If you are living in an apartment or a house with rather flimsy walls it is high time to reinforce the threats. What are the weak points?
These are the areas where the walls are usually slim and let in more noise. Other areas include those parts of your walls which have piped behind them. If you see such weak points like these, the best thing to do is to try to soundproof the pipes or cover such points with soundproofing blankets.
Soundproof blankets are quite effective in minimizing noise and are useful in a soundproof room and for soundproofing walls. They work effectively for they are able to handle up to 40 percent of noise..
It is also good to know that soundproofing blankets are somewhat bulky and quite cumbersome to carry and put up. Thus, if you wish to create the woman cave and wish to use the soundproofing blankets assuming the roll of the sound barriers, make sure you get assistance.
3. Apply Green Glue to Holes
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No matter how well the wall construction was done in your building, you can't miss a hole or two. These holes may be as a result of cables running through walls or any other cause. Anyway, the sound that leaks from these holes can hamper your engagements especially when you need quiet or silent surrounding.
So, what is the solution? Gluing the holes is a good way to go. To achieve this you can use green glue. Green glue prove to be an excellent sound insulator especially when it comes to sounds with low frequency.
4. Acoustic Wall Tiles
These wall tiles are very useful particularly in professional acoustic control. That being said, it proves a good technique if your objective is to produce your own studio in the apartment and you are in search of one of the easiest ways to do it.
Acoustic wall tiles simple to install, lightweight and inexpensive are some of the significant features of the best split face acoustic wall tiles. One good thing about these wall tile is that it is available in several colors. Thus, fine tunings for the chosen color of wall tiles are possible to make to the desired number of them.
They can be used in sound proofing and noise control for apartments with thick walls and the same coloring. They are stuck on at the back, so you don’t have to worry about any destructive methods with skating.
These wall tiles are also resistant to oil and petrol, making them good for fire resistance.
5. Acoustic Foams
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Although this method of sound reduction comes sixth on our list, it's actually one of the most common methods used to block sound. As with the acoustic panels or tiles, these foams are ideal for apartments and making recording studios.
Airborne acoustic foams are great insulators and reduce block noise by a fantastic 70%. Besides they can be used together with other techniques for sound waves attenuation, for example using a soundproof paint.
It may be best used in conjunction with methods that address impact sound for even more efficient in sound attenuation. For instance, when the room is completely empty besides the soundproofing foams, you can place several more furniture there.
Compared to the previously described technique, this technique of sound proofing is useful for apartments with thin walls and can be costly. However you can be assured that these acoustic foams are fairly sturdy and will get the work done.
6. Use Furniture to Fill the Empty Space
Echoing is quite common in empty spaces. Despite the absence of furniture does not seem to be important, it is important for the sound quality of the room. There are sounds which you should acquire pieces of furniture that can act as noise insulators instead of allowing the sound waves to reflect off the walls.
Except for couches, you may also coordinate with pieces of wall art and book shelves. The best way to control sound through the pieces of furniture is by arranging them close to the walls.
7. White Noise Machine
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This method may be appropriate for you if you have an instantaneous solution of your noise issues. It masks the noise that is coming from outside, and instead of that you are able to attend to something else.
It is more effective to use acoustic panels and strengthen the wall construction but it might cost much time. So if you are seeking an immediate, cheap solution to your problems then acquire a noise machine and better your standard of living.
You can also use it in conjunction with other methods of mitigating sound waves, for example soundproof paint, and also the hole filling.
8. Using A Layer of Drywall
9. Acoustic Curtains
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Sound also is greatly minimized by curtains especially if the curtains are thicker and heavier than usual curtains. There are not always curtains specifically designed for that purpose. In this case, you can opt for ones which are applied for generating thermal or blackout impact.
It is this inner layer that affords this acoustical, thermal and blackout insulation of these acoustic curtains. But if you can have access to pleated curtains, then that will be even nicer. It affirmed that while both flat and pleated curtains have excellent sound reduction properties, pleated curtains have three times more because they are better at sound absorption.
10. Soundproofing Paint
It is not as efficient as the mass loaded vinyl, green glue or even the acoustic wall tiles but it is viable. Soundproofing paint are paint that is thicker than normal paint and has sound proofing capability. The latter emphasizes that the more layers exist, the better it is with the usage of the soundproofing paint.
The soundproofing paint cuts down noise to the half but cannot be used in noisy places. Nonetheless, it effectively isolates low-frequency noise.
If you have leased an apartment and don't want to make huge changes, consider this method of creating soundproof walls. The sound reduction may not be as effective as other methods, but at least you still get to maintain the decor in your home and avoid getting in trouble with the landlord.
How Much Does It Cost to Soundproof A Wall?
Soundproofing costs vary depending on the type of wall, which costs between $1 to $5 per square feet in general.
However, it ranges from $1.50-$3.00 per square foot based on the materials you wish to use and the area of the room that is getting soundproofed.
Let's look at how much it would cost based on materials.
A) Cost of Soundproofing Walls Based On Materials
Here are various materials and the estimated amount it would cost to soundproof your room.
1. Mass-loaded Vinyl
MLV comes in a roll. This thick and massive vinyl sheet is perfect for sound insulation and it costs about $2 -$5 per square feet.
Once you determine the area of the room in square feet that you need to soundproof, you’ll know how much it will cost you.
2. Acoustic Wall Tiles
Acoustic wall tiles have to be in 20 inches by 20 inches tile size. Every one of these acoustic wall tiles costs about $10.
So you will need to measure your walls or decide how many of these tiles are going to be necessary. They are also available in other shapes of walls tiles. So pick the shape you want, then measure it, and then calculate how many of those tiles you will require.
3. Acoustic Foams
The cost of soundproofing your walls using acoustic foam is between 10 to 100 dollars for a foam panel. We previously pointed out that acoustic foams are an investment and from this you can clearly see why this is the case.
To know the cost of sound proofing the walls , ensure that you take the measurements before you use acoustic foams on your walls.
This is because you don’t want to over or underestimate your need only to end up with a half soundproofed room.
4. Acoustic Curtains
The cost of acoustic curtains depends on the brand and the type of the curtains. However, you can easily spend between $100 on the average for a set of these curtains.
This is how many sets you are going to have for the rooms you are going to soundproof, and you have your estimate.
5. Drywalls
An estimate of about $40 per drywall panel should do the trick. But this depends with the company you are purchasing from.
Determine the size of a panel that the company from which you are buying is offering and find out how many panels are required to give your wall the kind of look you want.
6. Textured Wall Panels
These wall panels cost between $1.50 and $5 per square foot. They are easy to hang on the wall and you don’t need much to fix them onto the wall.
7. Foam Insulation
Without removing the drywall, you inject foam insulation into your walls. With this, you can get a soundproof wall, without much destruction. The cost is between $1 and $3 per square foot.
8. Textured Paint
Textured paint is very good for walls and ceiling. It runs you about $250 to $300, depending on how much wall you have to paint.
B) Cost of Soundproofing Walls Based On the Room Type
Here is an estimate of what it would cost you to soundproof your walls based on the room type. Let’s at a few.
1. Regular Room
When it comes to DIY soundproofing of the bedroom or any other common room in the house, the cost will be between $300 and $1,500 depending on the kind of soundproofing technique you want to use.
These estimates are based on an average room of 10′ X 10′.
2. Garage
How much does it cost to soundproof garage walls? You might spend about $600 if you want. This number is not absolute and depends on the level of noise and sound isolation method, although.
There is no doubt you can view it as an investment in your garage improvement plans. You can then use your soundproofed garage as a studio, study den, and anything else you want.
3. Gym
Another reason to soundproof your gym walls is if you do not want your neighbors to hear the sounds of grunts every time you work out.
Walls and sound proofing: Depending on the type of walls and how well the sound proofing was done an estimate of $300.00 to $1000.00 should suffice.
4. Home Theater
If you can afford to get a home theatre, you can afford the walls to soundproof to enhance the experience. It shouldn’t cost you much more than $1,000 give or take.
Considerations when Estimating Cost of Soundproofing A Wall
Here are some factors to consider to get the most accurate estimate of your soundproofing cost.
1. Type of Noise
The type of noise you’re dealing with will dictate your approach of sound proofing. Airborne noise and impact noise are two types of noise that should be considered.
Some examples of airborne noise include muffled conversations, clear conversations, and excessive noise. Excessive noise could be hearing your neighbors yelling, or the noise of the TV from the living room.
Slammed doors, drum practice and other sound caused by two solids hitting are examples of impact noises. There’s also known as structure borne noise which is when sound waves travel through the structure of the building.
You have structure borne noise, of thin walls with pipes behind them creating noise.
Once you know the kind of noise you are dealing with you will now be able to procure the correct method to use.
2. Wall Construction Material
Knowing the type of material used to construct your walls will let you how much more soundproofing you will need. And, you’ll also get to know, whether you need to tear your wall or can manage with some other non destructive method.
It will also help you to evaluate whether you’re struggling with thin walls or thick walls and select the appropriate technique. More often used materials are concrete, bricks and masonry, solid bricks or block timber studs, rammed earth among others.
3. Number of Openings
Wall openings invite noise in. There is both airborne noise and impact noise. This means that in addition to soundproofing your walls, you’ll also have to be able to soundproof these openings.
Let’s say you know how many windows that is, now you know how many acoustic curtains you’ll need.
Other forms of opening include cable opening, ventilation opening, fitting opening and that of chimney. While you cannot treat all of them to soundproof, you can attempt and do the best possible.
Try and soundproof the openings that bring in the most noise.
4. Level of Noise
The level of noise you hear will inform the level of soundproofing you need. For example, are the noises muffled, or can you hear what program your neighbors are watching on their TV?
For instance, you cannot use soundproofing paint for soundproofing your walls if you are in a noisy area. This is because you’ll still be able to hear the noise coming from outside.
However, other methods such as MLV and acoustic wall tiles should be used when soundproofing the walls in order to gain more efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soundproofing A Wall
1. How much soundproofing should I use?
The amount of soundproofing you need depends on how much noise you’re trying to block out. If, however, it’s muffled noise or very little noise, soundproofing curtains or soundproofing paint will work just fine. Acoustic wall tiles are also a good option if it’s loud noises you want to keep out.
2. Can egg cartons soundproof a wall?
There is no evidence that egg cartons are a soundproofing option. This is because the material is too thin and you still get sound through it. But, if can afford to use one of the methods mentioned above to sound proof your wall, do it.
