There are plenty of benefits to soundproofing your home. It takes a bit of time, effort, and money, but it’s definitely worth all the trouble, especially if you work from home or have kids (and pets) who are always making a noise. Check out these soundproofing secrets that every homeowner needs to know.
#1 Double up on drywall
Most people who want to soundproof a part of their home will opt for heavy and dense materials for their walls like bricks and stones. If this isn’t an option for you, a good alternative would be to double up on the drywall instead. Build two layers of drywall instead of one to help trap the vibrations and keep the sound out. For even better soundproofing, you can try separating the layers of drywall with acoustical caulk. This method is just as efficient but more cost-effective.
#2 MLV
Have you heard of MLV? If you’ve never soundproofed a room in your home before, this term might not sound familiar. MLV or Mass Loaded Vinyl is a thick, heavy vinyl material that you can hang on your walls or install on your floors to help keep sound from traveling too far. If you’re doing #1, you can also use MLV in between the drywalls for an added layer of soundproofing.
#3 Look for sound leaks and plug them up
Sound flows like water. It leaks through the tiniest cracks like water, too. Look around the room you’re looking to soundproof and caulk any area where sound might leak out. Ceiling fixtures, receptacle boxes, and switch boxes all have teeny tiny spaces where sound from the next room might leak through and they’re often overlooked! Cover them up with acoustic caulk and see how doing this little thing can help you big time.
#4 Check out acoustic panels
Don’t have the budget (or space) for another layer of drywall? Use sound-absorbing acoustic panels instead. These come in a variety of styles so you’re sure to find one that will fit the room’s aesthetic well. There are acoustic panels for home and commercial/professional use so you can shoes between those, depending on how much or how little sound you’d like to let into the room.
Forget about plastering your walls with egg cartons. Those are unsightly and they barely work anyway. If you’re planning on soundproofing your home or a room in your home, go back to these tips instead.