03 Apr Soundproofing Interior Walls for a Quieter Home
Is the noise in your home starting to interrupt your calm? Does your neighbor’s Saturday morning yard work disrupt your dreams? If so, you need to think about soundproofing interior walls for a quieter home.
Everyone deserves to relax in their own home. But sometimes the noises of everyday living prevent you from achieving your relaxation zen. Soundproofing interior walls can be a game-changer for Quad Cities homeowners, and our tried-and-true soundproofing techniques are pretty DIY-friendly if you know the right materials to use. Here we offer our tips for soundproofing your interior walls and quieting the noise in your home.
Stop the Noise
Noise can travel through walls, seeping through cracks, crevices, and poor insulation. In some older homes, the walls tend to be thin, which means you can hear everything-footsteps, the television, voices, just about any sound from daily life can make it through those walls, disturbing your focus, relaxation, and sleep. When you take steps to soundproof your home, you alleviate all of these issues.
Even if your home is older, and your walls are very thin, it isn’t necessary to tear them down and start over again. Here are our ideas for soundproofing interior walls and minimizing noise.
Soundproofing Interior Walls with Drywall
For soundproofing interior walls, use 5/8” drywall, double-layered. This creates a heavy and dense wall that blocks out noise better than the thinner options. Soundproofing interior walls using double 5/8” drywall is an excellent option for bedrooms and home offices.
Use Compound to Reduce Noise
Want to get the most out of your drywall soundproofing? Apply a soundproofing compound, like green glue, between the existing drywall and the second layer. These compounds are not adhesives, but rather a sticky, elastic material that absorbs sound and converts it to heat. Low-frequency noise, such as heavy footsteps, your sound system’s subwoofer, the hum of an appliance, or traffic in the distance, has been classified by the NIH as an environmental noise issue. Adding a noise-reducing compound between your drywall layers significantly lowers this problem.
Better Sound Control with Insulation
If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your home’s insulation, increased noise is a sign it’s time to do just that. Standard insulation in homes built before 2005 should be replaced about every 15 years. If you suspect water damage, then replace it now before your insulation degrades further.
For the best way of soundproofing interior walls, consider mineral wool or a specialized insulation designed for noise reduction. Not only will you have a quieter home, but replacing your standard insulation reduces your utility bills and keeps your family comfortable.
Seal Away the Noise
Sound, like water, air, and neglected tasks, can easily slip through the cracks. As your home settles, you may notice gaps around your electrical outlets, windows, ductwork, and even baseboards, for example. Sound travels through these cracks and gaps, so it’s a good idea to mend them using a soundproof caulk or sealant.
How to Use Resilient Channels for Soundproofing Interior Walls
If you’re adding drywall to reduce the noise in your home, consider using resilient channels across studs to dampen sound and vibration. A resilient channel is made of thin, flexible galvanized steel and prevents the studs and joists from conducting sound and vibrations through walls and ceilings. One word of caution: if you aren’t sure about installation, hire a professional to do this job.
What is Mass Loaded Vinyl?
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is a thin material that reduces and blocks noise. It’s ideal when you don’t want to add thickness to your walls, ceilings, and floors, but need to quiet your home. This PVC blend material is flexible, so it’s excellent to use around corners, beneath floors, or in tight or uniquely shaped spaces. It’s easy to install, and using a soundproofing compound can reduce noise for a quieter home.
Ready for A Quieter Home?
We understand the need to escape from the everyday noise and relax, or spend your Saturday morning at your leisure without the interruption of your neighbor’s yard work. Creating that peaceful home you desire isn’t complicated. It just involves soundproofing interior walls. If you’re tired of the noise and ready for some peace and quiet in your home, please contact the hometown experts at Seiffert Building Supplies.