How to Turn a Room Soundproof
Sounds are augmented by reverberation inside the empty gaps in a wall. Soundproofing prevents the sound waves from entering or penetrating a room's walls. Proper soundproofing requires a room to be stripped down to the studs and soundproofing insulation to be installed. The process does not fully keep sound from exiting the room, so material on top of the finished walls is necessary. Thicker and more porous materials, such as egg-crate foam and shag carpeting, offer increased soundproofing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Egg-crate material
- Foam insulation
- 3/4-inch drywall
- Shag carpeting
- Soundproofing underlay
- Drywall screws
- Drill
- Screwdriver drill attachment
Instructions
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Remove the existing wall and ceiling covering. Remove any screws and nails left from the drywall or wall coverings.
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Hire a professional to install foam insulation between the wall studs and ceiling joists and to install the 3/4-inch drywall.
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Attach egg-crate material to the exterior of the drywall. Egg-crate material is available in rolls of various lengths. Attach the egg-crate material to the walls with screws at the base and every 12 inches up each stud. Use the same spacing for attaching the material to ceiling joists. There should be a 1- to 2-inch gap around light fixtures.
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Have a professional install carpeting with a sound-proofing underlay in the room. Shag carpeting has the greatest sound absorption; however, any type of carpeting will help.
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Tips & Warnings
Bead or standard insulation offers substantial soundproofing and can be used instead of the more-expensive foam insulation. Foam insulation has the highest soundproofing ability. You can save money by installing the drywall yourself. Just remember to properly mud and tape all the joints along the walls and ceiling. Any open joints between drywall panels will allow sound to pass through more readily.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
