Techniques for Soundproofing Rooms

Sound Transmission

• Sound must be stopped, reduced or absorbed using a soundproofing technique. Airborne sound travels through the room, hits a wall and causes vibrations releasing the sound through wall studs, nails and other conduits. Damping material is needed to dampen the noise or resonance of sounds as much as possible. Sheets of lead are an effective medium for soundproofing because it is a heavy material with a soft consistency that can dampen sound. It is also an expensive soundproofing project.

Masonry

• A basement that is made with thick walls will be one of the best choices for a soundproof environment in a home, school or business. Concrete walls with no window spaces will give you a solid barrier against airborne sounds from the exterior of the building. It can also prevent sound from permeating the walls to reach outside of the building. You can build a room or sound booth using masonry products inside of a larger room to block a high volume of noise. This technique is particularly successful for a band room or sound studio.

Double or Soundproofing Drywall

• Insulating glue is applied between two layers of drywall to dilute sound that will pass through to the outside. Soundproof cellulose insulation, a less dense material with air pockets, is useful to fill in the gaps between walls. A thick fibrous fiberglass insulation or mineral wool can be installed between the two drywall sections to reduce sound waves according to UHF magazine.

Carpet

• Carpet is a soft material that will lessen the possibility of impact sound that is made on top of flooring. When something hits the floor or a person walks across it, the padding and a thick carpet muffles the sound of the impact. Carpeting has no airborne soundproofing property for walls or doors in a home or business. A floating floor will give an added barrier that is comparable to double drywall with materials inserted between the flooring layers.