Soundproofing Simplified

A neighbor's band practicing down the street or even a loud stereo or television in the next room is potential sources of unwanted noise. The prospect of enduring unwanted noise increases significantly if you live in a condominium or apartment and share a wall, floor, or ceiling with one or more units.

There are many ways to deal with noise pollution. However, keep in mind that soundproofing your home from unwanted noise can range from a few simple improvements to a complex undertaking, depending upon the construction of your home and the origin of the noise. In any case, it is important to know that there are three primary ways to stop noise - space, mass and dampening.

Space: The more space, the more the noise reduction. For example, you are less likely to be bothered by noise from freeway traffic the farther away your home is located from the freeway.
Mass: All else being equal, the thicker the construction material (or assemblage), the more the mass, the more likely it is to reduce the transmission of noise.
Dampening: This essentially involves preventing sound transmission by inhibiting vibration. Dampening is sort of the "shock absorber" of the soundproofing world.

Keep in mind that as you attempt to soundproof your home, noise reduction differs from noise absorption. Noise reduction acts to stop the noise before it gets to you (or the room you are in) by utilizing space, mass and/or dampening. Where noise reduction deals with noise outside of a room, noise absorption attempts to change the characteristics of the noise within a room by utilizing sound deadening materials such as carpet, upholstered furniture, acoustic wall and ceiling treatment and fabric window coverings. You may be need to do a little of both.

Noise enters the home through windows and doors. Walls are always better at stopping noise than windows. Therefore, the first place to look is your windows and glass doors. Whether you have the older single pane windows or the newer dual pane windows, you can do more to stop the noise.

Replacing single pane windows with new dual pane windows will improve both energy efficiency and comfort - and take a small step toward soundproofing. Storm windows such as those by soundproofwindows.com are becoming popular. This involves installing a second window inside your existing window or sliding patio door. This eliminates the need for window replacement and the second window opens and closes just like the existing window for ventilation and egress. However, when closed, the window adds an effective sound barrier and air space that helps cut down on noise and energy costs.

When it comes to walls, adding a layer of mass loaded vinyl Sound Barrier such as that sold by Extreme Soundproofing, in San Diego, CA, along with a second layer of wallboard can go a long way in soundproofing a wall. This method increases the wall's mass, which helps reduce airborne noise.

Use the 5/8" thick gypsum instead of the ½". The vinyl has taken the place of lead in soundproofing walls. It is not available in retail stores or construction supply stores, so contact Extreme Soundproofing to order both the Mass Loaded Vinyl and the recommended Acoustical Sealant.

Before hanging the wallboard, install a continuous, generous bead of Acoustical Sealant where the wallboard attaches to the framing - vertically at all stud locations and horizontally at top and bottom plates. The silicone will act to inhibit vibration and dampen sound, as well as to seal the seams.

Attach the wallboard using construction screws rather than nails to minimize the number of holes. Using this technique, all three principles of stopping noise are utilized.

If you will be building new walls, "party wall" construction is an excellent means of soundproofing. An example of party wall construction consists of 2-by-6 top and sole plates with 2-by-4 studs that are staggered and held to the outside face of the plates. Often the plates are split to create a space that inhibits vibration and acts to dampen sound. The "additional layer of wallboard" technique described earlier can also be used in conjunction with party wall construction for extremely effective noise reduction. Consult an architect or engineer for a party wall detail that best suits your needs.

Soundproofing a ceiling (where there is an attic above) can be as simple as adding a layer of wallboard and Sound Barrier Vinyl and Sealing it. Check to ensure that the ceiling joists will carry the added load. The ceiling framing may require reinforcement first. Check with an engineer or general contractor prior to attempting modifications to your ceilings.

Soundproofing a ceiling with a floor above can be more complex. The wallboard trick will work well when installed over resilient channel. This is a piece of metal channel that is designed to inhibit the transfer of vibration and sound throughout a structure. It can be fastened to raw framing or over the wallboard that has been treated with the mass loaded vinyl Sound Barrier (recommended). This addresses both structural and airborne sounds and will make the room much quieter than before. Remember that the goal is to create an airtight seal, so add closed cell foam to outlets and ducts, as needed.

Soundproofing Simplified

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