How to Soundproof a Wall
Author: Eric Dellolio
Last Updated: June 10, 2024
Read Time: 10 Minutes
How to Soundproof a Wall
Author:
Eric Dellolio
Last Updated:
June 10, 2024
Read Time:
10 Minutes
Author: Eric Dellolio
Updated: Jun. 10, 2024
Read Time: 10 Minutes
Walls can create an illusion of privacy and quiet in homes and offices alike. In homes, that can mean lower sleep quality and in offices that can mean less productivity and focus.
Soundproofing your walls will limit unwanted noise from neighbors, outside traffic, and other disturbances to promote better sleep, better peace, and better focus, which means a healthier, happier you!
We'll show you what you need and guide you toward your desired results. Whether you're soundproofing the walls in your home or soundproofing the walls in your office, with good information and the right tools, any wall soundproofing project is doable.
Walls can create an illusion of privacy and quiet in homes and offices alike. In homes, that can mean lower sleep quality and in offices that can mean less productivity and focus.
Soundproofing your walls will limit unwanted noise from neighbors, outside traffic, and other disturbances to promote better sleep, better peace, and better focus, which means a healthier, happier you!
We'll show you what you need and guide you toward your desired results. Whether you're soundproofing the walls in your home or soundproofing the walls in your office, with good information and the right tools, any wall soundproofing project is doable.
How to Soundproof a Wall:
Overview of Wall Soundproofing
There are two main categories of noise control. One is improving acoustics, which is all about the quality of sound and improving speech intelligibility. Acoustics control techniques use a variety of sound absorption materials, like acoustic panels, and other strategies to reduce the echoes inside of a room and the reverberations that come from sound bouncing off the walls. Acoustics control improves the sound quality within a room (think of a music recording studio) but DOES NOT prevent noise from entering or exiting the room.
The second category is soundproofing or sound isolation, which calls for the installation of sound blocking materials. Sound isolation creates barriers that keep exterior sounds OUT and interior sounds IN the space. By preventing sound from getting into or out of a space, you reduce or eliminate the disruptions and distractions unwanted noise can create. Sound isolation requires planning and precision, but anyone can do them with basic knowledge and a little attention to detail.
It's common for people to get confused about soundproofing vs acoustics when researching "wall soundproofing" or "soundproofing a room". If you understand the previous two paragraphs though, then you're well on your way to solving your noise control issue. We lend our expertise in this article to help choose between acoustic panels vs soundproofing solutions for your project.
Key Terms to Know for Wall Soundproofing
We’ll dig deeper into what it really means to soundproof a wall, but first, let’s review and make sure we’re talking the same language with some key principles.
- Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. STC rating is a measurement of how effective a barrier is at stopping the transmission of sound across a variety of frequencies. Though they are calculated in a lab under ideal conditions, STC ratings are the best tool we have to easily understand how effective a barrier.is at stopping sound transmission.
- Transmission Loss (TL). TL is a measurement of the difference in decibels on two sides of a barrier. For example, if you’re listening to music in the kitchen (let’s say 50 decibels of sound) and it can be heard in the room on the other side of the wall (30 decibels), there would be a 20-decibel transmission loss through the wall. Keep in mind that TL and STC ratings are NOT the same thing.
- Flanking. Flanking paths, or flanking sound, refers to the noise that indirectly travels over, under, or around sound barriers. A flanking path is also referred to as a "sound leak". Sound behaves a lot like water as it leaks through unsealed gaps or openings.
How to Soundproof a Wall
Wall Soundproofing methods and tips
Soundproofing a wall is best done before the drywall is up. With a gameplan and the right information, you can make your wall a sound-fortified barrier. For help with existing walls, head here! For new walls, here are the two best methods to soundproof a wall:
METHOD one: Isolate the wall from the building's structure
Isolating the wall from the building structure is the most effective way to soundproof a wall. Fortunately, it's a simple process with our easy-to-use RSIC-1® isolation clips. RSIC-1® clips work by isolating the drywall from the building's structure to help reduce both airborne noise and vibrational noise. First, install the RSIC-1® clips on the studs with no more than a 48" gap between clips. Snap in 25 gauge hat channels (from local drywall supplier), and then hang your drywall leaving a 1/8" gap around the entire perimeter (sit the drywall on shims as you attach to the clips). Then, seal the perimeter with acoustic caulk.
If you have resilient channel already, install RC-1 Boost® enhancers to improve lower quality resilient channel to perform like RC Deluxe. If you have to meet a certain STC code, the RC-1 Boost® is a less expensive way to add 2-3 STC points than adding a second layer of drywall. It's great for multi-family and hotels.
RC-1 Boost® Enhancers improving RC-1 channel on Steel Stud Frame
METHOD TWO: Add mass to the wall
More mass means more noise blocking. By installing Luxury Liner™ mass loaded vinyl directly to the wall studs where it can still flex as it hangs loosely between the wood studs you now have an effective sound barrier. We recommend you get MLV that's 48" wide for wall soundproofing to save a lot of time (24" OC or 16" OC studs) as you cover the whole wall at 100%. Seal all seams and edges with acoustic caulk and install a new layer of 5/8" drywall. For other mass loaded vinyl options, be sure to check out our full catalog.
If you're new to mass loaded vinyl, check out our informational guide on what mass loaded vinyl is and get a more in depth breakdown on how to install mass loaded vinyl.
WALL SOUNDPROOFING TIPS!
We've got a few quick tips to improve the quality of your wall soundproofing project and to dispell any fallacies.
Tip #: Seal Everything Up!
A wall is only as strong as its weakest point. And an air gap is the weakest of all weak points. Air gaps could be a poorly sealed window, a doorway, a gap at the baseboard, or the open space around an electric outlet. All these gaps are a big problem when soundproofing. A 1% air gap will reduce the max transmission loss (TL) of a wall to, at best, 20 decibels no matter how expensive and dense the materials used to construct it. While it may seem obvious that having a hole in your wall is a big problem, many are surprised by how small that hole can be and still make a huge difference. You always need to seal ALL gaps, and acoustic caulk is your "go to" tool to seal up your barrier.
Tip #2: Doors and Windows are Major Weak Points
The weak point doesn't have to be open air. Two other common weak points are doors and windows. Hollow core doors and the air gap beneath doors will result in sound leak. To actually soundproof a door, you need a solid core door with an acoustic door seal. For windows, while you might think that adding one small window will have one-third of the effect of adding three windows, you’d be wrong. The fact is, adding any amount of “weaker” material to a barrier results in a big drop-off in soundproofing. That's why we developed our Fantastic Frame™ Soundproof Window Inserts to mitigate the issue of a lower performing window substantially pulling down the performance of the wall around it.
Here's a graphic depicting this effect. Notice how a wall that is 50% brick and 50% window overall has an STC rating closest to a wall that's 100% glass.
Tip #3: Insulation Helps Absorb Some Sound but Not Block It
Insulation is a great way to add some hidden absorption behind the wall, but it is not useful for blocking sound. Adding absorption will certainly help reduce some noise inside the wall cavity. Just don't use insulation or foam to stop sound, as they're just not dense enough to block sound.
Recommended Wall Assemblies
We want you to get the results you're looking for, and there are a huge number of potential wall assemblies to get you there. The one most relevant to you will depend on whether the project is commercial or residential, new construction or a retrofit, fire requirements, STC requirements, and more. We've picked out some common wall assemblies we use in our soundproofing projects.
"Just how much does it cost to soundproof a wall?" you might ask. Check out our article for more information or reach out to our Second Skin team.
Wood Stud Wall assembly soundproofing
A wood stud wall assembly is easily the most common residential wall assembly. When soundproofing a wood stud wall, the best option will depend on how soundproof you need the wall to be. Please check the catalogs on our product pages or reach out to a Second Skin soundproofing expert with any specific questions. Each case is different, but here are some trusted solutions that all work great:
-
- Luxury Liner™ mass loaded vinyl (STC 47) - with an effective sound barrier like Luxury Liner™, you can get STC ratings in the high 40s because you’re varying the barriers that sound needs to travel through.
- RSIC-1® clips (STC 55) - RSIC-1™ Isolation Clips will give your wall superb STC ratings, are UL rated, and are easy to install to improve soundproofing performance. RSIC-1® clips are a great mass loaded vinyl alternative, and our #1 choice for most wall soundproofing projects.
Wall Assembly Examples | Construction | Ratings |
| 1 layer of 1/2" Drywall (Type X) 2x4 Wood Studs (24” OC) 3-1/2" R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 1/2” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 28 (poorly sealed) STC: 33 (well sealed) |
| 1 layer of 5/8" Drywall (Type X) 2x4 Wood Studs (24” OC) 3-1/2" R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 32 (poorly sealed) STC: 38 (well sealed) |
| 1 layer of 5/8" Drywall (Type X) 1 layer of Luxury Liner™ MLV (1lb) 2x4 Wood Studs (24” OC) 3-1/2" R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 47 |
| 1 layer of 5/8” Drywall (Type X) 25 ga Drywall Furring Channel (24” OC) RSIC-1® Isolation Clip (24" x 48" OC) 2x4 Wood Studs (16” OC) 6-1/4” R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 55 |
| 1 layer of 5/8” Drywall (Type X) 1 layer of Luxury Liner™ MLV (1lb) 25 ga Drywall Furring Channel (24” OC) RSIC-1® Isolation Clip (24" x 48" OC) 2x4 Wood Studs (16” OC) 6-1/4” R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 57 |
Steel stud Wall assembly soundproofing
A steel stud wall assembly (3-5/8” or 6”) is going to be most common in commercial spaces. Noise is a common problem in commercial buildings both in traditional offices with lots of walls and open office designs. Steel frame construction performs slightly better than wood frame, but we’re in the same ballpark for STC ratings. Contact our experts for more information!
-
- Luxury Liner mass loaded vinyl (STC 50) - by combining 5/8" drywall with Luxury Liner™, you can get up an STC 50.
- RSIC-1® clips (STC 58) - RSIC-1® Clips are the best wall soundproofing choice for the majority of cases. They're UL rated, easy to install, and provide high STC ratings.
Wall Assembly Examples | Construction | Ratings |
| 1 layer of 1/2" Drywall (Type X) 3-5/8" 20 ga Steel Studs (24" OC) 3-1/2" R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 1/2” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 35 (poorly sealed) STC: 41 (well sealed) |
| 1 layer of 5/8" Drywall (Type X) 3-5/8" 20 ga Steel Studs (24" OC) 3-1/2" R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 37 (poorly sealed) STC: 43 (well sealed) |
| 1 layer of 5/8" Drywall (Type X) 1 layer of Luxury Liner™ MLV (1lb) 3-5/8" 20 ga Steel Studs (24" OC) 3-1/2" R-13 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 50 |
| 1 layer of 5/8” Drywall (Type X) 25 ga Drywall Furring Channel (24” OC) RSIC-1® Isolation Clip (24" x 48" OC) 3-5/8" 20 ga Steel Studs (24" OC) 6-1/4" R-19 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 58 |
| 1 layer of 5/8” Drywall (Type X) 1 layer of Luxury Liner™ MLV (1lb) 25 ga Drywall Furring Channel (24” OC) RSIC-1® Isolation Clip (24" x 48" OC) 3-5/8" 20 ga Steel Studs (24" OC) 6-1/4" R-19 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 1 Layer 5/8” Drywall (Type X) | STC: 61 |
Concrete Wall assembly soundproofing
Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks are another wall type mostly found in commercial spaces or basements. Concrete needs less soundproofing because it's already so heavy! Adding MLV is not effective, because of the mass law curve. The best thing you can do with concrete is stud it out so you can add insulation, RSIC-1® clips, and drywall. You can also use the RSIC-1® clips instead without studding out the wall. Here's the spec:
Wall Assembly Examples | Construction | Ratings |
| 3-7/8" Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks | STC: 38 |
| 1 layer of 5/8” Drywall (Type C) 25 ga Drywall Furring Channel (24” OC) RSIC-1® Isolation Clip (24" x 48" OC) 1-1/4” R-3 Fiberglass Batt Insulation 3-7/8" Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks 1-1/4” R-3 Fiberglass Batt Insulation Drywall Furring Channel (24" OC) 1 Layer 5/8" Drywall (Type C) | STC: 56 |
What Kind of Wall are You Soundproofing?
Are You Soundproofing an Existing Wall?
Now that you've seen a few assemblies with STC rating test data to back them up, you can upgrade an existing wall using these three simple steps:
-
- Seal it before you soundproof it. Make sure you've sealed up and gaps around penetrations in the wall, and don't forget to check your doors and windows. We know how to soundproof doors and we can help you soundproof your windows too.
- Isolate the wall from the building structure or increase the mass of your barrier. Use our RSIC-1® clips to build an isolated wall or install Luxury Liner™ MLV to increase the mass of a wall.
- Acoustically treat your room. Treat the room's acoustics to improve the quality of the sound in the room so you can enjoy the quiet space you’ve just created.
Read our article on how to soundproofing existing walls for a deeper dive!
Are You Soundproofing a New Wall?
If you're part of the building process, the good news is this will be a lot easier than correcting an existing wall. Using our assemblies test data, pick a spec, find your target STC rating, and give us a call with any questions. One key to keep in mind is that level of soundproofing done to the walls, you also need to look into how to soundproof a ceiling as well as how to soundproof a floor and do the equivalent.
For more information, be sure to check out our article on new construction soundproofing.
Are You Soundproofing an Exterior Wall?
The principles are the same for soundproofing an exterior wall, except that there might be windows to deal with. Installing Fantastic Frame™ Soundproof Window Inserts to an existing window will reduce noise transmission through the window by up to 80% and thermal energy transfer through the window by up to 60%, saving you money on your energy bill while significantly improving noise control.
Are You Soundproofing a Party Wall?
Soundproofing a party wall, sometimes referred to as a shared wall, will have to do with the timing of this project. If the party wall is an existing wall, you'll have to have an agreement with the other party. Once you do that, or you're in the building stage, the best party wall soundproofing solution is our RSIC-1® isolation clips. From here, the steps are the same as soundproofing an existing wall.
For more on party walls, check out our article on how to soundproof a shared wall or contact a Second Skin soundproofing expert!
Acoustic Materials for Walls
Once you’ve reached the desired STC rating, you’ll want to improve the sound quality within your space. When sound reflects off your wall, reverberations can muddy up the sound and reduce speech intelligibility. Adding absorptive material to your newly soundproofed room will correct that. Remember, this is not a substitute for soundproofing as this will not block sound from transferring between spaces. We have a variety of different options, depending on the aesthetics you’re going for, all of which are Class A fire rated and available in 1” and 2” thickness.
PolyZorbe™ Polyester Acoustic Panels
PolyZorbe™ Polyester Acoustic Panels are easy to install with construction adhesive and spray adhesive, and they come in white, beige, and black. Our PolyZorbe™ Hexagon Acoustic Panels can be used for a unique design aesthetic with a ton of color options to choose from.
Timberwool™ Wood Fiber Acoustic Panels
If you want a paintable, wood panel, Timberwool™ Wood Fiber Acoustic Panels are for you. To install them, you’ll need to screw them into the wall and use mechanical fasteners due to the weight.
Acoustic Pro™ Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels
Acoustic Pro™ Anchorage Fabric Wrapped Panels are a hot commodity due to their high-end aesthetics and superb acoustical properties. With multiple colors to choose from, you can’t beat these acoustic panels. Check out this home studio soundproofing project using fabric wrapped panels.
You’ll need to consider the ceiling as well, especially with taller ceilings. Our PolyZorbe™ Acoustic Ceiling Tiles are a great option for that. For help with that and how many acoustic panels you need, check out our guide or give one of our specialists a call.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wall Soundproofing
How do I identify where the noise is coming from?
Create a consistent noise on the other side of the wall (a vacuum or loud fan will do). Do a thorough inspection of your space, checking each connection point along the ceiling, floor, and adjacent walls for any gaps. If the adjacent walls, floor, and ceiling are flush, look at your air vents and electrical outlets. Next, look at your doors, and if this is an exterior wall, your windows. Sealing any air gaps, your doors, and your windows should be priority #1! From there, if you need more soundproofing, you can then more easily determine if noise is leaking in from the walls or flanking in from the ceiling.
How much of a difference can acoustical sealant make?
A TON! As seen in the test data we provided above, a standard, well sealed, wood stud wall with 5/8" drywall will have an STC rating of 38. If it's poorly sealed, it would be common to see that wall have an STC rating of 32. Properly sealing it will give you about 4-6 dB reduction (25-35% perceived noise reduction).
Can I add acoustical panels to my wall to soundproof it?
No, acoustic panels do not block noise. Acoustic Panels absorb sound making them great for improving sound quality and speech intelligibility within a space. However, they don't block sound. While we're on the topic, acoustic foam does not block noise either.
Are there soundproofing solutions that are removable?
Our acoustics engineer would flip a gasket if he knew I was writing this. The reality is that sometimes you need a solution but don’t care how it gets done. We wouldn't normally recommend these, but they might do the trick for you.
Option #1: Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains can bring both sound blocking and sound absorption to a space, but they can’t be properly sealed. You can cut 3-5 decibels (20-30% of the noise) if you get really heavy curtains and simply hang them over a weak spot.
For more on this, we took the time to answer the infamous question: do soundproof curtains work?
Option #2: BlocknZorbe™ Panels
If you can hear people talking or TV noise through your wall, completely covering the wall with 2” BlocknZorbe™ Panels can increase how much noise your wall blocks. You also get absorptive benefits to help improve the sound quality in the space.
Can I add soundproofing materials without ripping out my existing wall?
In short, yes, depending on the amount of noise reduction you need. If you're set on soundproofing walls without removing drywall, the best thing you can do is seal any air gaps. If the problem wall contains a door or window, adding a Sound Lock™ Door Seal Kit to a solid core door or installing Fantastic Frame™ Soundproof Window Inserts to an existing window will greatly improve noise blocking performance. Contact a Second Skin soundproofing expert for more information!
What is the best DIY wall soundproofing solution?
We love DIY projects! DIY soundproofing walls comes down to having the right materials and accurate information. We're here to give you both. First, identify the source of the noise (see FAQ above). Sealing the air gaps is always the easiest thing you can do. If you need more soundproofing than that, remove the drywall, and install our easy-to-use RSIC-1® isolation clips to the studs. Give us a call and one of our Second Skin soundproofing professionals can help you with a game plan!
Does soundproof wallpaper work?
We'd love to say yes, but no - wallpaper is not good for sound control. Soundproof wallpaper is much more appropriately called acoustic wallpaper because it is not a noise barrier. For acoustical issues, check for an NRC rating on the wallpaper. You often won't find one, or it'll only be effective at very high frequencies. Wallpaper is too thin to absorb any low frequency noise, and is still very poor at mid-frequencies (human speech).
While acoustic wallpaper can add a modest amount of high freqeuncy absorption, it is not effective at blocking sound from transferring between spaces at all. It doesn't have enough mass to block noise, and adding wallpaper won't do anything to seal any gaps. An alternative to soundproof wallpaper is acoustical sealant and then Luxury Liner™ mass loaded vinyl roll or RSIC-1® clips.
We'd recommend buying wallpaper based on looks - not sound control. For more alternatives to soundproof wallpaper, contact a Second Skin noise control expert!
Is soundproof drywall worth it?
Soundproof drywall is specifically designed to be more soundproof than 5/8" drywall. While it can yield up to an STC 53 when placed on either side of a wall, it is more expensive than other options. We recommend installing soundproof drywall in conjunction with our RSIC-1® clips to meet a very high STC requirement.
For more alternatives, check out our article on soundproof drywall or contact a Second Skin sound professional!
RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips are the Best Wall Soundproofing Material Available!
Our RSIC-1® Resilient Sound Isolation Clips are the best wall soundproofing material you can get. They are easy to install — perfect for any DIY soundproofing project — and are highly versitle with different wall assemblies.
- Stop airborne noise and vibrational noise transmission
- Increase STC rating by up to 20 points
- Can be used with any wall assembly
- UL Fire Rated
- Made in the USA. All prices include free shipping
Soundproof a Wall. Any Wall Will Do.
Way to go! You made it to the bottom of the wall soundproofing article (unless you just scrolled down here…). The steps we’ve outlined can be handled by many DIY-ers. Start by identifying the root cause of the noise, and pick a solution that makes sense with your goals. With all projects, do it right the first time.