How to Acoustically Treat a Bedroom

Determine where sound is entering or exiting the bedroom by checking heating and plumbing systems. Baffle or block openings between rooms that are carrying sound. Reduce noise by insulating the ceiling with rock wool batts and using foam gaskets on electrical plates in walls.

Layer over the surface of existing drywall in your bedroom using a soundproofing material such as mass-loaded vinyl, which is fire retardant as well as an effective soundproofing material. To install mass-loaded vinyl directly on top of drywall, first install 1-inch wooden furring strips to the stud structure by screwing them into the wall.

Affix the mass-loaded vinyl to the furring strips by using staples or roofing nails with large plastic heads. Measure the height of your wall. You will need a minimum of 4-inch by 1-inch strips for a ceiling that is 8 feet high. Attach 1 strip at the top of the wall, 2 in the center of the wall and 1 strip at the bottom. Once the mass-loaded vinyl is affixed to the furring strips, the vinyl will be able to breathe and resonate with the sound to dissipate it.

Caulk all seams and the entire perimeter of the mass-loaded vinyl using acoustical caulk once the vinyl is attached to the furring strips. This step will ensure that the mass-loaded vinyl is a sealed, resilient membrane to reduce sound passing through in either direction.

Tape over all the caulked seams with a sealer tape or lead tape. Tape over the perimeter of the mass-loaded vinyl. Repeat the above steps to soundproof the other walls in the bedroom. as well as to acoustically treat the ceiling in the bedroom.