How to Soundproof a Van

The floor is one of the largest surfaces transmitting road noise and vibration. Proper layering here provides the foundation for overall soundproofing. For more details on van floor builds, see insulating a van floor.

Floor Layer 1: Apply Sound Deadening

Applying an automotive sound deadening material is important for reducing structural noise. Start with some vibration damping sheets applied to at least 60% of the metal floor surface. These sheets reduce vibration in the sheet metal and limit structure-borne noise.

An alternative option is using spray on sound dampening, which can reach complex floor contours and seams. Get all the Spectrum you need with the bottle and gun for spray application in the Spectrum Van Soundproofing Kit.

Floor Layer 2: Add a Sound Barrier

After vibration damping, install Luxury Liner Pro™. This dense mass loaded vinyl barrier blocks airborne noise from entering the cabin and provides a layer of insulation. This should be installed at 100% coverage. Get the Second Skin System of Damplifier Pro + Luxury Liner Pro in one van-floor-friendly package: the Van Floor Insulation Kit.

Once the floor is complete, move on to the vertical panels and roof areas. These surfaces contribute heavily to road noise and exterior sound entering the van.

Layer 1: Apply Sound Deadening

Apply Damplifier Pro™ to the interior metal panels of the walls, roof, and rear cargo doors at roughly 60% coverage or if you’re going with Spectrum for the floor, you can spray down the whole cargo area with the rest of your Spectrum Van Soundproofing Kit.

You can also explore other automotive sound deadening material options depending on your build.

Layer 2: Install Acoustic Insulation

After damping the panels, install an acoustic insulation layer to absorb noise reflections inside the cavities. Our four kits combine Damplifier Pro with one of the following:

The front cab area experiences significant engine noise and road vibration. Start by installing Damplifier Pro on exposed metal areas such as the cab floor, doors, and other large panels to reduce vibration and structure-borne noise.

Next, install insulation in the headliner and inside the door cavities. Suitable materials include Mega Zorbe, Heat Wave Pro™, and 3M™ Thinsulate™ SM400L. These materials help absorb airborne sound while also improving thermal insulation within the cab.

We combine Damplifier Pro and one of these acoustic insulation options in our Van Cab Soundproofing Kit.

The engine compartment is a significant source of both noise and heat. Treating the firewall and hood helps reduce the amount of engine noise that reaches the cabin.

Cabin-Side Firewall Treatment

For the cabin side of the firewall, install Damplifier Pro™ followed by Luxury Liner Pro to block airborne sound entering the interior.

Engine-Side Firewall Treatment

On the engine side of the firewall, apply Damplifier Pro along with Mega Block insulation to manage vibration and heat transfer. The Firewall Insulation Kit provides both layers in one solution.

Hood Treatment

The hood can also be treated to reduce reflected engine noise. Install Damplifier Pro followed by Mega Block insulation, or use the Hood Insulation Kit which combines both materials for this location.