Walls
Best Option: Decouple the Walls
No soundproofing method isolates wall noise better than decoupling. To save floor space, use the GenieClip® RST or HushFrame Raft, which perform similarly to a double stud wall. For the best results across all frequencies, combine decoupling with damping, using Green Glue Compound.
Second Option: Dampen the Walls
Walls are easy to damp because they’re lightweight and flexible. Damping improves sound isolation across all frequencies, especially between 100 Hz and 2,000 Hz. Using steel studs and 24″ on-center spacing further boosts performance. Apply Green Glue Compound for effective wall damping.
Third Option: Add An Acoustically Dead Material to the Walls
Adding one or two extra drywall layers provides only a small improvement in isolation. TotalMass Barrier performs better because it doesn’t resonate like typical building materials. This allows MLV to eliminate common resonance issues, making it far more effective than adding mass alone. A 1 LB layer of TotalMass can reduce sound transfer by about 50% between 125 Hz and 4,000 Hz.
Starting at $78.00
Review the articles below to learn more about reducing sound transfer through walls:
- Isolate Airborne Transfer / Walls
Article discussing more in-depth on the specifics of which products and methods will or will not work in isolating airborne noise through walls.
Continue Reading - Concept of Damping
Article discussing the value of damping a wall to reduce sound transfer. Damping is not the most effective method; although it is very effective and comes at a much lower cost overall.
Continue Reading - Triple Leaf Effect
Article discussing the issue with decoupling over existing rigid surfaces (drywall, wood) instead of decoupling directly to the framing. This is known as the Triple Leaf Effect. A net positive can be achieved in some situations. Read this article to learn the best approach to avoid a triple leaf assembly, if possible.
Continue Reading