How to Soundproof a Room (Infographic)

by

A home should serve as a peaceful and quiet reprieve from the noisy outside world. However, as the world continues to get busier, many find it hard to get away from all the racket. Perhaps you live near a noisy road or have neighbors who want to stay up and party all night. Or maybe you just want to build the perfect man cave that blocks out the entire world.

Regardless of the reason, soundproofing your home isn’t that hard. In fact, we’re making it even easier because we’ve created a how-to guide that will show you the best way to soundproof a room.

How to Soundproof your Room

Depending on what area of your house you’d like to soundproof will determine what supplies you need and what type of labor is involved. Let’s take a look at the different features of your home that will help with soundproofing.

How to Soundproof a Solid Wall

Improving the mass of a wall is normally achieved by adding products that are high density. This will help improve the wall’s ability to absorb the vibrations and energy, and if you don’t do this, then your soundproofing additions will have little impact.

Here’s the process of how to soundproof a wall:

  1. Create a timber stud frame away from the wall that features an 8 mm gap.
  2. Once the frame is created, you’ll need to add acoustic mineral wool to help absorb sounds.
  3. Install urning bars and Genie Clips, which will help absorb vibrations.
  4. Next, you will add different types of mass to block out airborne noise. For this step, you can use two layers of acoustic plasterboard or mass-loaded vinyl placed in-between.
  5. Now you’ll need to seal the entire perimeter and any gaps with acoustic sealant.
  6. Finally, use isolation strips to cover the perimeter of your wood frame.

How to Soundproof a Room Timber Floor

Anyone who has ever lived in a home with wood floors understands that they can be noisy when people walk. Much like with soundproofing a wall, you will need to add products with mass and density to soundproof the floor.

Here’s a look at steps you need to take to soundproof a floor:

  1. Begin by sealing the entire perimeter and filling any cracks with acoustic sealant.
  2. Then, place rubber strips under your carpet gripper rods to eliminate any weak spots.
  3. Next, install specialty high-density acoustic foam which will add mass and absorb all impact noise so it can’t enter your home.
  4. Also, place isolation strips to help lessen the vibrations that travel along the joints and into the walls.
  5. Now, lay down acoustic mineral wool. This is perfect for absorbing sound.
  6. It also helps to add two layers of 15mm thick acoustic plasterboard directly on the ceiling below.
  7. Finally, always make sure to place rubber mats under machines in your home. This includes the washer, dryer, etc.

How to Soundproof a Rooms Timber Ceiling

Perhaps you live in an apartment building and have neighbors living above who are noisy, and you need to block them out. You’re in luck! You’ll just need to learn how to soundproof your ceiling.

Here’s a look at the steps involved with soundproofing a ceiling:

  1. Begin by sealing the ceiling’s entire perimeter and filling any gaps or cracks that you find with acoustic sealant.
  2. Next, you will add your mass. For ceiling applications, you can use two layers of acoustic plasterboard with Tecsound or sandwich mass-loaded vinyl in between. 
  3. Use furring bars and Genie Clips to absorb footstep vibrations and other impacts.
  4. Finally, you’ll need to include some acoustic mineral wool to help absorb all other noises.

How to Soundproof a Party Wall

Sure, brick walls can look pretty, but they can add to the overall noise inside of a home. If you’re looking to reduce your home’s noise and soundproof a party wall, then you’ll need to follow these easy DIY soundproofing tips:

  1. First, seal the entire perimeter of the wall and fill all cracks and gaps with acoustic sealant.
  2. Then add Soundboard or something equivalent to help dampen the sounds.

Other Easy Ways to DIY Soundproof a Room

Here are some other easy things that are cheap ways to DIY soundproof a room:

  1. Seal the windows.
  2. Install a solid-core front door.
  3. Invest in heavier doors throughout the home.
  4. Add a second window pane that’s thick.
  5. Double glaze your windows.
  6. Add thick curtains.
  7. Install plush acoustic curtains.
  8. Place couches or other large pieces of furniture in front of the window.
  9. Add rugs, and if the room has carpet, even better!

The bottom line is that soundproofing a room is much cheaper than moving into a new place to escape the noise. After a few minor projects, you’ll forget the outside world even exists when you’re at home!

via soundproofingonline.co.uk

How to Soundproof a Room (Infographic)