How to Soundproof Building Materials

Sound insulating building materials

Soundproofing is an element of building that now has greener options thanks to new materials and technologies and new ways of applying traditional materials. One common approach to green soundproofing is the use of an engineered recycled/non-toxic synthetic product. A typical interior stud wall with drywall has a sound transmission value of 43 STC (Sound Transmission Class, a rating signifying a building element's sound transfer amount). The higher the number, the less sound transfer exists. One layer of sound insulation can improve a wall by 10 STC.

Things You'll Need

• 5/8-inch drywall
• Drill
• Drywall screws
• Staple gun
• Green insulation fabric made from recycled plastic
• Eco-insulation glue
• Caulking applicator
• R13 or higher eco-insulation
• Wooden paint stir stick
• Stud finder

Instructions

Sound Insulation Fabric for Existing Walls

1. Staple one layer of the green insulation fabric on existing sheetrock walls.

2. Screw on an additional layer of drywall to cover the insulation fabric. Locate the studs behind the existing drywall with the stud finder. Measure 16 or 24 inches to the right or left to find other studs. Mark the stud locations to guide your drilling. Start at one side of the wall and align the top of the drywall piece with the ceiling. Drill five screws evenly spaced in a vertical line through the drywall piece and into the stud.

3. Finish drywall using a wall-covering material such as zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paints or wallpaper.

Sound Insulation Fabric for New Walls

1. Staple sheets of green sound insulation fabric onto the wood studs for new walls.

2. Add a layer of drywall. Start at one side of the wall and align the top of the drywall piece with the ceiling. Using the ceiling joists as a guide to indicate wall stud locations, drill five screws evenly spaced in a vertical line through the drywall piece and into the wall studs.

3. Staple on another layer of sound insulation fabric and drywall for added sound insulation. Repeat as necessary. Each layer can increase the STC level by 10.

4. Finish drywall using a wall-covering material such as zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paints or wallpaper.

Eco-Glue Sound Insulation

1. Use the caulking gun to apply a layer of the glue on the drywall piece. Smear it evenly using the wooden paint stir stick. Use approximately two tubes per 4-foot-by-8-foot piece of drywall.

2. Screw on another layer of drywall. Locate the studs behind the existing drywall, then measure 16 or 24 inches to the right or left to find other studs. Mark the stud locations to guide your drilling. Start at to one side of the wall and align the top of the drywall piece with the ceiling. Drill five screws evenly spaced in a vertical line through the drywall piece and into the stud.

3. Finish drywall using a wall-covering material such as zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paints or wallpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• The recommended application is two tubes of eco-insulation glue per standard sheet of drywall, but utilizing three tubes per sheet will improve performance. Do not use more than three tubes per sheet, or performance will decline.

References

• Audimute Soundproofing
• Green Glue