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Walls

Best Option: Decouple the Walls

For reducing noise transfer through walls, there is no other soundproof material that will isolate as well as decoupling. To minimize loss in floor space, we recommend the GenieClip® RST or HushFrame Raft. The performance achieved is very similar to a double stud wall. Combine decoupling with damping (Green Glue) for maximum isolation in all frequencies.

Second Option: Dampen the Walls

Walls are easy to dampen as they are fairly resilient and have minimal mass. Damping improves performance in all frequencies with most gains in the 100 Hz to 2,000 Hz range. Steel studs and 24″ on center stud spacing will improve damping performance significantly. You can damp walls using Green Glue Compound.

Third Option: Add An Acoustically Dead Material to the Walls

An additional layer or two of drywall will provide a minimal increase in isolation. TotalMass Barrier does not resonate like other common building materials. Because of this, the MLV resolves common assembly resonance issues making the MLV several times more valuable than simple mass like extra drywall or plywood. A layer of 1 LB TotalMass will cut down about 50% of sound transfer between 125 Hz to 4,000 Hz.

TotalMass MLV Barrier Rolled Out
TotalMass MLV Barrier

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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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