How to Soundproof a Wall

Table of Contents

What You’ll Learn (and Why It Matters)
Key Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof a Wall with Isolation Clips (Best Overall Performance)
Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof a Wall with Mass Loaded Vinyl
Alternative to MLV: Adding a Second Layer of Drywall With Green Glue
Which Method Is Right For You?
Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?
Need Help or Have Questions?
Helpful Guides You May Want Next

What You'll Learn (and Why It Matters)

Walls are one of the most common paths for noise to travel between rooms. Voices, music, televisions, and other sounds easily pass through walls that lack isolation, mass, and airtight construction. This guide explains how to soundproof a wall using two proven approaches: isolating the wall structure with resilient clips or adding mass with mass-loaded vinyl.

By the End of This Guide, You’ll Be Able To:

Identify where wall noise is coming from
Decide between isolating a wall or adding mass
Follow step-by-step instructions for both soundproofing methods
Understand how sealing and insulation improve wall performance
Avoid common mistakes that limit sound reduction

Skill

Contractor

Article Read Time

~10 minutes

Build Time

1–3 days (depending on method)

Key Tools and Materials You'll Need

Key Tools

Drill/driver
Utility knife
Caulk gun
Tape measure

Key Materials

Choose options

Luxury Liner™ 1 lb MLV Roll - Mass Loaded Vinyl

$299.99

rsic-1 clips in red from different angles

RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips

$4.50

Green Glue™ Damping Compound (Drywall, Subfloor)

$399.99

Choose options

Acoustical Sealant Caulk

From $19.99

Shop Wall Soundproofing Materials

Before You Start: Confirm Where the Noise Is Escaping

Before soundproofing a wall, confirm that the wall is actually the weakest sound path. In many rooms, sound escapes through doors and windows more easily than through walls.

Install an acoustic door seal to soundproof a solid core door. If you have a hollow core door, replace it. Trust us; we know how to soundproof doors.

If outside noise is the issue, especially traffic or street noise, we can help you soundproof your windows too. Install Fantastic Frame™ Soundproof Window Inserts for the best retrofit window soundproofing solution there is.

Once you’ve confirmed the wall is the main source of noise transfer, you can choose the method that best fits your situation, depending on your STC rating needs.

Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof a Wall with Isolation Clips (Best Overall Performance)

Wall isolation reduces noise by breaking the rigid connection between drywall and framing, which limits vibration transfer.

Step 1: Decouple the Wall Surface From the Studs

Install resilient sound isolation clips onto the wall studs according to spacing guidelines. These clips create a flexible mounting point that limits vibration traveling through the structure.

Isolation is especially effective for shared walls and structure-borne noise.

Step 2: Attach Hat Channel to the Isolation Clips

Snap 25-gauge hat channel into the isolation clips, running perpendicular to the studs. The channel supports the new drywall surface while maintaining separation from the framing.

Step 3: Add Insulation Inside the Wall Cavity

If the wall cavity is accessible, add insulation between studs. Insulation absorbs sound energy within the cavity and improves the effectiveness of isolation. If you want an extra point of STC rating and an eco-friendly option, our soundproof insulation is great. For 16' o.c. metal framing, use R13 sound insulation for 3-5/8" studs and R19 sound insulation for 6" studs.

Step 4: Install Drywall and Seal All Gaps

Attach 5/8" thick drywall to the hat channel, leaving a 1/4" perimeter gap and seal it with acoustical sealant caulk.

Step-by-Step: How to Soundproof a Wall with Mass Loaded Vinyl

This method is intended as new construction soundproofing where the walls are opened up to the studs and focuses on blocking airborne noise. For information on what mass loaded vinyl is, read our guide.

Step 1: Add Insulation in the Wall Cavity

Install insulation between the studs. This helps absorb sound inside the wall cavity and reduce sound transferring through to the other side. We have R13 wood frame sound insulation for an added point of STC rating.

Step 2: Install Mass Loaded Vinyl Directly to the Studs

Attach mass-loaded vinyl directly to the wall studs. The edges should butt up next to each other on a stud. If you meet over a void, that’s fine; just overlap by 2" and seal with foil tape or vinyl tape to ensure they stay together.

Read how to install mass loaded vinyl on walls for a more detailed look.

Step 3: Install Drywall Over the Assembly

Install drywall over the MLV and insulation, fastening it normally to the studs.

Step 4: Seal All Gaps

Seal around the perimeter and around all gaps, outlets, and penetrations with acoustical sealant.

Alternative to MLV: Adding a Second Layer of Drywall With Green Glue

One of the top alternatives to mass loaded vinyl is adding a second layer of drywall with Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound. Green Glue is applied between drywall layers to damp vibration and improve airborne noise reduction. This method does not provide the same structural isolation as clips, but it can be effective for existing walls.

For other methods for soundproofing existing walls, read our guide.

Which Method Is Right For You?

Feature	RSIC-1	Luxury Liner Mass Loaded Vinyl
Airborne Noise Reduction	Highest	High
Wall Thickness Increase	Moderate	Minimal
Ease of Install	Moderate	Moderate
Cost	$$	$$
	Shop RSIC-1®	Shop Luxury Liner MLV

Experience Matters: Why Second Skin?

25+ Years
in business

3,500+
5-star reviews

Used By
Professional installers and DIY enthusiasts

Made in the USA
Headquarters in Charlotte, NC

Featured In
Redfin, Garage Gym Reviews, Family Handyman, Breaking Muscle

Quality Guarantee
Expert help with premium products

Need Help or Have Questions?

FAQ

Is isolating a wall better than adding mass?

Yes, isolating the wall rather than simply adding mass is always going to perform better. There are practical reasons to choose mass loaded vinyl or added drywall over an isolation system, but getting a higher STC rating is not one of them.

Do I need insulation with either method?

Yes. Insulation improves performance by absorbing sound inside the wall cavity.

How do you soundproof a party wall?

A lot of the same principles apply, but you generally need to check with the building manager or board before doing any construction. Read up on how to soundproof a shared wall for more information.

I’ve already purchased resilient channel. Is there anything I can do to improve it?

Yes, RC-1 channel enhancers can make any resilient channel as good as Clarke Dietrich Deluxe.

Why is sealing so important?

Sound escapes through gaps just like air, bypassing heavy materials.

How much does it cost to soundproof a wall?

The cost will be relative to the size of the wall and the extent to which you want it soundproofed. Read our article for more on how much it costs to soundproof a wall.

How do I soundproof an existing wall without tearing it open?

For existing walls, common solutions include RSIC-1 Retro clips or adding a second layer of drywall with Green Glue. See our full guide on how to soundproof an existing wall.

Can I use acoustic panels to soundproof my wall?

Acoustic materials are designed to improve sound quality inside a room, not block sound from passing through walls. Read our article to help choose between acoustic panels vs soundproofing solutions if you’re not sure if you need acoustic materials too.

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