Everyone would like more peace and quiet in their homes, but many are uncertain about the method to follow to make this possible. The following techniques are ideal for new construction, but most walls and ceilings can be modified to allow for these soundproofing methods. You can use this guide to soundproof common walls between two apartments, a home theater system or even bedrooms.
Steps
Step 1. Start with a blank wall with the wooden planks well exposed
The plasterboard must be placed later.
Step 2. Gradually fill the cavities between the boards with glass wool or rock wool
Quietly use the cheaper one, their insulating power is very similar.
Step 3. Seal the back of the electrical outlets with acoustic insulation
This is necessary as small cracks can pass a large amount of high frequency sounds through.
Step 4. Add mass to your wall
This will block the sound waves of conversations, television noises, telephones and alarm clocks. There is a vinyl product available through various acoustic companies, which is very light and very thin, but in any case even the classic plasterboard will do.
Step 5. Use acoustic sealant in all crevices and around the perimeter of the wall
Step 6. Isolate the drywall from the wall boards with fixing beams or decoupling clips
This way you will get better low frequency isolation. Remember that fastening beams are less effective and are not mentioned by the certification bodies, so be careful.
Step 7. Finish the job with a double layer of drywall, preferably between 130 and 200 mm thick
Step 8. Fill the space between the two sheets of drywall with good quality insulation material
Advice
- Mounting a door to a wall that has been soundproofed could create sound escaping points. If you have to do this, you should consider fitting acoustic door seals (or insulation strips).
- Make sure the door is very heavy. Avoid those with glass inserts.
- Seal the back area of the door where the drywall intersects the jamb, then fix the trim.
- When checking for cracks or leaks on walls and ceilings, remember that if light and water pass through, sound will pass too.
Warnings
- There are various levels of soundproofing of the walls. Remember that if you can reduce the amount of noise by 10 decibels, you will have reduced it by 50%.
- The cracks in the wall can allow sound to intrude; often they are due to wall outlets, ceiling fans, ventilation ducts, etc.
- There are so many products that appear to be soundproofing. Be well informed before buying one. Look for those officially tested and up to standard.
