How to soundproof a room

Finding ways to minimise noise transmission between rooms can greatly improve your home’s comfort and privacy. With some simple upgrades and installations, you can reduce the transmission of sound between rooms without major renovations.

However, keep in mind that completely or significantly soundproofing a room is no easy task, and often will require several separate pieces of work, as well as costly changes. This is especially the case if the main culprit is transmission through walls, particularly single brick walls, as this challenge would typically require more layers of materials adding, which eats into your home’s space, and in some properties, this simply doesn’t make financial or practical sense.

Here are some of the most effective techniques for room soundproofing:

Add Insulation – One of the easiest ways to reduce noise transfer is by beefing up a room’s insulation. Adding insulation in walls, floors and ceilings absorbs sound vibration and blocks noise. Blown-in insulation like cellulose or fiberglass maximises coverage in wall cavities. Insulation batts are useful for unfinished walls and ceiling applications. For floors, assuming they’re carpeted, then sometimes installing a thicker, denser underlay is sufficient.

Use Sound Dampening Drywall – Swapping out normal drywall for specially designed sound dampening drywall can make a significant difference. The dense layers and viscoelastic polymers in soundproof drywall improve transmission loss and absorption. Staggering wall studs and using sound dampening clips when installing drywall boosts isolation.

Seal Gaps – Sealing all cracks, crevices and openings with acoustic sealant is important for soundproofing. Fill gaps along wall outlets, switch plates, windows, door frames and baseboards with sealant. Apply plumber’s putty on electrical outlet boxes on walls adjoining noisy areas. Sound will traverse around your property through the smallest of gaps, so it’s important to fill everything in that you can.

Install Mass Loaded Vinyl – Adding mass is key to blocking sound, and mass loaded vinyl (MLV) is designed for this purpose. MLV contains dense vinyl loaded with barium sulphate to provide noise reduction. Line walls or ceilings with MLV sheets, or place under flooring for impact sound insulation.

Upgrade your windows and doors – If the noise is from a busy street, you may want to look at upgrading your windows and doors, from single glazed to double glazed, or double glazed windows to triple glazed. This can greatly reduce noise levels coming in, and out, of your property.

With some diligent prep work and strategic material upgrades, it is possible to transform a noisy room into a peaceful oasis. Proper soundproofing creates privacy, reduces distractions, and promotes better sleep and living.