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Are you running out of budget and don’t have enough money to spend on soundproofing the wall? Then don’t worry you’re in the right place. I was facing the problem with the loud noise from the neighbors and the wall my wall is thin and transmitting the noise.
If your receive noise from the neighbors it will become annoying and silence becomes one of the important factors because you start treating silence important part of life.
After a long day at work, you need some peace to relax and at that time you receive noise from neighbors and gets really annoying and sometimes frustrating in the middle of the night. If this continues for weeks it will deteriorate your health.
Whenever you complain to neighbors they promise not to do it again but the same carry the next day. If you have baby and old parents then it will also impact their health.
Luckily I have searched a lot and found some of the best and cheap methods to soundproof a wall cheaply and effectively. As I was running short of money and realized I don’t have to tell them and act by soundproofing a wall.
So whoever told you soundproofing is difficult and expensive that’s not true. There are expensive ways as well but there are also some cheap ways to soundproof a wall.
Soundproofing a wall is easily done and it doesn’t require much effort and time. You don’t need an expert to help to do this. let’s dive into some of the ways to soundproof a wall.
Why You Need To Soundproof A Wall
Soundproofing a wall is important because it will provide peace after a long day of work and in the middle of the night with the neighbor’s loud noise.
When this comes increases it will annoy you and you start finding solutions to get rid of this noise and make your room a quiet place to relax after a hectic day.
If you are familiar with the noise that is passing through the wall from the neighbors and this is not only once it will be continuous no matter how many times you complain but this will not change.
Therefore soundproofing a wall is important and if you don’t have noisy neighbors it’s better to soundproof a wall as it will reduce the outside noise which is loud and annoying.
If you living near a busy street then probably the noise is much and hence soundproofing a wall becomes essential to reduce the noise. let’s get into the ways to soundproof a wall.
How To Soundproof A Wall: 8 Ways To Soundproof A Wall
In this guide, there are simple ways how to soundproof a wall with some of the cheap and effective methods.
1. Seal The Gaps And Cracks
Gaps and cracks are the real culprits in passing the noise through the wall. This has been noticed several times that gaps and cracks unfilled will pass the noise and walls have gaps and cracks in the center or sides of the walls.
There are many reasons of appearing gaps and cracks and the main reason is if you have constructed your house years ago. But this is not the only exception it might be due to many other reasons.
You need to find out the spots and fill that gaps and cracks for a soundproof wall. Therefore you can find out those spots by getting at night and closing your light and making sure your neighbors light is on then you will spot the cracks and gaps by the light coming from another side.
Those are the spots you need to fix first you can use acoustic sealant or caulk to fill up the cracks and gaps. Sound travels through air therefore sealing all the cracks and gaps is necessary to soundproof a wall.
Most people don’t pay much attention to gaps and cracks thinking they are tiny and unbothered with the noise they transmit believe it or not they are real culprits in passing the noise in the room through the wall.
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2. Install Drywall
Drywall is an expensive solution but yet one of the most effective ways to soundproof a wall as it will create barriers between the wall and the drywall for the noise has to travels through the strong barrier which is impossible.
It’s obvious that it will be a burden on your pocket but for a quiet and peaceful room, it is worth investing and soundproofing a wall. It is one of the best choices to install drywall.
But have you ever thought about why it’s important to install drywall and is it as effective as claimed? Let me tell you that drywall overs all the cavities.
Drywall makes your wall two times denser and reduces noise in the room. its a strong barrier to block out noise that transmits in the room. Installing drywall is not that difficult. Here are some of the steps to install drywall.
Step-1 Install Resilient Channel
We cannot directly attach the drywall to the existing wall we need something to fix that will help to set up the drywall. This can be done with the help of a resilient channel it creates decouple between two walls.
Resilient channel is a thin metallic rail that will help you to screw on the existing wall and on top of that we can screw the drywall. It will create a cavity between the drywall and the existing wall.
This will help to create a strong barrier between the existing wall and drywall and hence sound waves cannot travel through that and bounce.
Step-2 Install Drywall
Now you need to install the drywall on top of the resilient channel by screwing the drywall and it will create decoupling. We can also install additional layers of drywall for more effective results.
It will create an air pocket between both the walls and block out sound waves that are traveling through the walls. Also if you are satisfied with the single layer of drywall that’s will be good enough.
Cut the drywall in the frame size of the wall and mark each point on the wall you’re expecting to place the drywall for the perfect fit.
Congratulations you have successfully installed the drywall.
Now your neighbors making noise you directly not connected to that and the neighbor’s wall vibrating will not affect your wall because it will vibrations will not pass through the drywall.
There is no direct wall-to-wall connectivity for the transmission of sound waves or noise.
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3. Install Foam Mats
If you find drywall expensive and time-consuming then don’t worry I have got the alternative of that and you can try out this.
These are foam mats they are pretty easy to install and there is no need for many tools or construction to install foam mats. They are the best insulators and prevents thermal noise as well. They contain rubber foam.
Foam mats are very lightweight and are resistant to petrol and oil. They don’t release odor like the polyurethane mats. They have adhesive on the back just peel and stick onto the wall.
These are easy to install and effective in blocking out the noise from the neighbor’s wall. If you’re running out of budget then foam mats are the ideal choice.
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4. Use Soundproof Paint
Soundproof paint is water-based which makes the cracks thicken. Now you would be thinking does soundproof paint really work in soundproofing the wall? It will work pretty well in reducing the noise transmitting through the neighbors.
Soundproof paint is mixed with latex that makes the cracks and gaps thicken that will reduce the noise. you don’t have to completely rely on soundproof paint and if you’re redecorating your house then I would recommend soundproof paint.
Moreover, soundproof paint is thicker than regular paint. It will give you all the benefits of soundproofing you’re looking forward to a soundproof home.
It will reduce the noise and provide thermal insulation but you need to pay close attention to one point that soundproof paint should not be the only thing which you use to soundproof.
There are a lot of materials to soundproof a wall therefore soundproof paint is much more effective with soundproof material like acoustic panels, rugs which will reduce noise effectively.
You can check out the guide on soundproof paint.
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5. Use Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains are heavier and denser than conventional curtains that’s the reason they are known as blackout curtains. Using soundproof curtains will minimize the sound reflections.
Now you would be thinking whether soundproof curtains work for reducing noise then they are pretty well in blocking out noise in the room. They maintain heat in the room.
Soundproof curtains will protect from harmful UV rays and direct sunlight which is thermal insulation. Make sure to get a thicker layer of soundproof curtains because the thicker they are the denser they will be which eventually reduces the noise.
Simply hang the curtains on the walls and it will help you in minimizing the echoes and absorb the sound waves passing through the wall.
Checkout guide on soundproof curtains.
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6. Use Soundproof Blankets
Soundproof blankets are one of the most effective solutions to soundproof a wall. It will reduce 80% of the noise as the main purpose is to absorb the noise as much as possible.
It is a convenient way to soundproof a wall. If you don’t want to spend much on soundproofing the entire house then a soundproof blanket is the ideal choice to reduce noise in the room.
The soundproof blanket’s outer layer is made up of fabric that will trap the noise and absorb the noise passing through the wall. It will absorb up to 80% of the noise.
By combining soundproof curtains and a soundproof blanket you will double the layer of the wall which will absorb all the noise transmitting through the wall and makes a soundproof wall.
You need to cover the full length and width of the wall for effective sound absorption and for soundproofing a wall effectively.
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7. Use Extra Layer Of Mass Loaded Vinyl On The Wall
The primary thing to create a strong barrier for noise is to increase the mass and density of the wall by adding the extra layer of mass-loaded vinyl on the wall.
Mass-loaded vinyl is a thin flexible and high STC especially used for blocking out sound waves and noise transmission. It is made up of synthetic plastic material.
MLV doesn’t absorb the sound waves as it has a reflective surface but it will effectively block out the sound waves passing through the wall. It will add an additional layer to the wall which makes a strong barrier against the sound.
Moreover one of the best things about mass-loaded vinyl is its thickness and mass ratio. Everything which is thicker has mass but this is not with vinyl it has the best thickness to mass ratio.
Because of its best thickness, it is recommended for soundproofing a wall and the ability to cover the entire wall and insulate.
Here are some of the steps to install MLV
- Cut the MLV sheet with the proper size of the wall and make sure to pay close while marking the size on the sheet if it goes wrong then the material will be wasted.
- Start from the top of the wall to get a better idea of which side is fitting well and to get a good finishing.
- Apply the MLV on the top corner and from there roll down the sheet to the bottom for complete insulation.
- If you want to add the additional layer of MLV you can do that for effective results.
Here is my recommendation for mass-loaded vinyl it is a bit more expensive than the other sheets of MLV but it’s worth spending for a soundproof wall.
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8. Install Acoustic Panels
If you living near a busy street then acoustic panels are one of the best solutions for blocking out noise. mostly this is used by recording studios and home studios for blocking out echoes.
When it comes to soundproofing a wall the first solution you will find on the internet is acoustic panels. But have you ever thought will this work? if you rapper or a musician then you’ll face a lot of problems with the noise while recording. Don’t worry the problem has come to an end.
Acoustic panels are easy to install you just need to hang with the hook that comes along the pack it catches sound waves and absorbs before it catches off the wall.
Here are steps on how to install acoustic panels
- Wipe the wall with a clean cloth or rag so that all the dust is wiped out.
- Measure the size of the wall and compare that with acoustic panels for perfect fitting.
- Cut the acoustic panel with a knife or cutter to turn that into the size of the wall for a perfect fit.
- Mark the measurement on the wall for perfect fitting of the acoustic panel and to avoid misplacing.
- Put adhesive on the back of the acoustic panel. If you have already got the adhesive acoustic panels then skip this part.
- Press gently for 30 seconds until it feels comfortable to leave it and until it is settled with the wall.
- Repeat the process until the whole wall is covered with acoustic panels.
Now you have successfully installed the acoustic panels for soundproofing a wall.
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Final Thoughts On How To Soundproof A Wall
There are many ways to soundproof a wall and the best part is they are not at all expensive this method is cheap and effective. If your install drywall then it will cost you because it’s an expensive method to soundproof yet it’s worth every penny spend.
As I have mentioned earlier they are some cheap methods you can use and soundproof a wall and spend some quality time without noise from the neighbors.
Install as much as soft things in the room because they absorb the sound waves effectively and less reflection of the sound waves. So make sure to install soft materials and set sofa and covers windows and doors with soundproof curtains.
Place a bookshelf with a volume of books near a wall because that will reduce noise as the paper is the best source that absorbs sound. Make sure you get a bookshelf that is covered from the back as it will absorb the sound.
If you liked this guide let us know we would love to hear from you. Also, check out our blog on how to soundproof a room for gaming.
FAQ
yo, block out noise put blankets on the doors and windows depending on where the noise is coming from put the blankets over there, and hand on both sides of the door and walls. install bookshelf and large furniture to soundproof a wall.
1. add dense mass to the walls
2. fix all the sound leaks
3. seal all the gaps and cracks
4. Put weatherstrips on the doors
5. use soundproof curtains
Yes, you can soundproof existing walls by installing a drywall and also by using foam mats which are alternatives to drywall. soundproof paint is also the best option to soundproof existing walls.