Do I Need to Soundproof my Foundation Walls?
If you’re building a room in a basement, you’ll have some walls that are built next to the foundation. We’re not worried about sound leaking through the foundation into the surrounding soil. We’re...
View ArticleI have a dropped ceiling in my basement. How should I soundproof my walls?
The best answer is to save your money and not treat the walls. A dropped (suspended) ceiling does very little to soundproof. The tiles are lightweight, and not nearly massive enough to stop serious...
View ArticleWatch out for the Stairs when Soundproofing
If you’re building a soundproof room, it’s often in the basement. In that instance, more times than not the stairwell becomes an issue. Many people want to use the stairwell wall as the back wall of...
View ArticleIs the Goal Simply to Add Mass to Increase Soundproofing?
We hear terms like Mass Law, Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV), Massive Drywall, and one could conclude that mass is the only thing we’re after to soundproof a room. This is only partly true. This website has a...
View ArticleShould I Use a “Soundproof” Drywall or Build My Own?
This is a great question. With “sound proof” drywall available at big box stores and drywall distributors anyone would be nuts to not at least consider these products. In fact, this topic was just...
View ArticleShould I Consider Pre-damped Specialty Drywall?
This is a very common question. There are several manufacturer’s of quality pre-damped drywall marketed for sound isolation. So is this a good product or a good idea? The short answer is “yes” to both....
View ArticleAcoustical Glossary
Acoustics Acoustical Acoustical Analysis Acoustical Consultant Acoustical Environment Airborne Sound Ambient Noise/Sound Amplitude Architectural Acoustics Articulation Class (AC) Articulation Index...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Soundproofing Tip: Ceiling to Wall Seam Intersection
Above is a ceiling to wall assembly illustrating how a ceiling and the wall drywall layers should intersect to provide a good seal. Note that we want solid drywall to drywall contact. Don’t try and...
View ArticleSoundproofing Tip: Floor to Wall Transition
How to properly transition from a floor to a wall while maintaining soundproofing performance. The use of Soundproofing Floor Underlayment, Acoustical Sealant, Acoustical Backrod, Green Glue...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Flooring: Protecting a Concrete Slab
A concrete slab is generally an asset for airborne sound isolation. The large mass (weight) provides for a great deal of sound isolation from vibrations entering or leaving the room. The slab does have...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How can I Ventilate a Sealed Room?
It’s unfortunately a very common scenario to build a soundproof room, with massive walls and ceiling, only to forget about the ventilation. You are going to need to seal the room tight to prevent...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Should I use Sound Board in My Room?
It’s a common question. Should I use one of several sound board products to help with soundproofing? The various sound board products are marketed under many different names. In general they are made...
View ArticleShould I Consider Pre-damped Specialty Drywall?
This is a very common question. There are several manufacturer’s of quality pre-damped drywall marketed for sound isolation. So is this a good product or a good idea? The short answer is “yes” to both....
View ArticleShould I use Soundproof Drywall or build my own?
This is a great question. With “sound proof” drywall available at big box stores and drywall distributors anyone would be nuts to not at least consider these products. In fact, this topic was just...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Should I use Foam or Fiberglass Insulation?
This is a common question, and perhaps the answer is surprising. When we’re looking to soundproof a partition (wall or ceiling) we’d like to introduce absorption in the otherwise hollow wall or...
View ArticleDo I simply add mass to Soundproof?
We hear terms like Mass Law, Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV), Massive Drywall, and one could conclude that mass is the only thing we’re after to soundproof a room. This is only partly true. This website has a...
View ArticleHow Does Constrained Layer Damping Work?
Break Down of Constrained Layer Damping: Damping is the conversion of energy over time and distance. We are relying on the panel flexing when hit with a sound wave. This includes wall panel movement as...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Are Acoustical Lab Tests Reliable?
“Is acoustic lab testing really objective? If a company is paying for the test, don’t they just get the test results they want?” Very reasonable questions. While some very competent, material testing...
View ArticleAcoustical Glossary
Acoustics Acoustical Acoustical Analysis Acoustical Consultant Acoustical Environment Airborne Sound Ambient Noise/Sound Amplitude Architectural Acoustics Articulation Class (AC) Articulation Index...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Building Materials Weight
GYPSUM (DRYWALL) 1/4” (6.4mm) 1.2 lbs per square foot = 38.4 lbs 1/2” (12.7mm) 1.6 lbs per square foot = 51.2 lbs 5/8” (15.9mm) 2.2 lbs per square foot = 70.4 lbs GREEN BOARD (MOISTURE RESISTANT...
View Article