Creating a calm, quiet environment at home often involves finding ways to manage sound. Whether you’re dealing with loud neighbors and street noise or want to contain sound within a room, there are several sound-deadening techniques to try. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from simple DIY projects to more advanced noise reduction methods.
The Difference Between Soundproofing and Sound-Deadening
Many people use the terms “soundproofing” and “sound-deadening” interchangeably, but they refer to different processes. Soundproofing aims to completely block sound transmission between spaces, while sound-deadening reduces the amount of sound that travels through walls, floors, and ceilings.
True soundproofing is a complex and expensive process that involves creating a room within a room with no physical connections between the two structures. It is rare to use this method in typical home construction due to its complexity and cost.
Sound-deadening, on the other hand, is more achievable for most homeowners. It involves using various materials and techniques to reduce sound transmission, making a space quieter but not completely silent.
How Sound Travels Through Structures
Sound travels as vibrations that can pass through solid materials like walls, floors, and ceilings. When sound waves hit a surface, they cause it to vibrate, and those vibrations move through the material and continue as new sound waves on the other side. Sound-deadening works by absorbing, deflecting, or blocking these vibrations.
Essential Materials for Sound-Deadening
You’ll need to use a combination of materials to reduce noise transmission. We’ll outline some of your material options below, along with their typical applications:
Insulation Options
Insulation helps with soundproofing and sound-deadening, though not all insulation is equally effective for managing sound. Here are some good options:
- Cellulose: Made from recycled materials and great for reducing sound
- Fiberglass insulation: Common for thermal insulation but also useful for absorbing sound
- Mineral wool: Denser than fiberglass, providing better sound absorption
- Spray foam: Expands to fill gaps, sealing out both sound and air
Drywall and Sound-Deadening Boards
Adding more mass to your walls is another way to reduce noise. Double layers of drywall or sound-deadening boards like Homasote help minimize sound transmission. You can also use mass-loaded vinyl (MLV)—a dense, flexible material that blocks sound when you place it between layers of drywall.
Specialized Sound-Deadening Products
In addition to the methods listed above, you can invest in specialized products designed to lower sound transmission, such as the following:
- Acoustic panels: These panels absorb sound waves, reducing echoes and reverberation in rooms
- Door seals and sweeps: These close gaps around doors, which let in a surprising amount of sound.
- Soundproof curtains: These curtains block noise from windows.
DIY Sound-Deadening Techniques
If you’re looking for affordable ways to reduce noise, there are several things you can do yourself. We’ll explore a few different DIY solutions below.
Floor and Ceiling Solutions
The following materials can reduce noise by absorbing sound that travels through your floors and ceiling:
- Acoustic ceiling tiles
- Carpet or thick padded rugs
- MLV layer under your flooring
Sealing Gaps and Cracks
One of the easiest DIY fixes is sealing gaps and cracks where sound can escape. Here are a few sealing solutions to consider:
- Acoustic caulk: Use acoustic caulk around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
- Foam gaskets: Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates to seal small spaces where sound can leak.
- Weatherstripping: Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Wall Treatments
Another way to reduce noise through walls is by adding mass. Consider the following methods:
- Fill any open cavities in your walls with insulation.
- Install acoustic panels or fabric-covered insulation boards to absorb sound.
- Install an extra layer of drywall with a sound-damping compound between the layers.
Professional Soundproofing Methods
If you’re dealing with more significant noise problems, consider the following professional noise reduction solutions.
Advanced Insulation Techniques
Specialized insulation techniques, like blown-in or spray foam, offer excellent sound coverage. You can also use acoustic insulation batts designed specifically for sound reduction.
Creating a Room Within a Room
This method involves constructing a separate frame inside the existing walls, leaving an air gap between the two structures. If you decide to use this method, you’ll need to add insulation to both walls and multiple layers of drywall with sound-damping compounds to help block sound. The key is to make sure there’s no direct contact between the inner and outer walls.
Installing Resilient Channels
Resilient channels are metal strips that you would install between the wall studs and drywall. The channels create a gap that reduces sound transmission by minimizing contact points.
Budget-Friendly Sound-Deadening Solutions
While true soundproofing may not be in the cards for most homeowners, sound-deadening is a more accessible alternative and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are a few cost-effective ideas:
- Moving blankets: You can hang these on walls for a temporary sound solution.
- Purchasing upholstery items: Rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture absorb sound and make rooms quieter.
- Shifting furniture: Place large bookcases or heavy furniture against shared walls to help dampen noise.
Measuring Soundproofing and Sound-Deadening Effectiveness
You can measure decibel levels with a meter before and after implementing your sound solutions to assess how well they work. You can also check your materials’ sound transmission class (STC) rating. The higher its rating, the better a material is at blocking sound.
Common Soundproofing and Sound-Deadening Mistakes To Avoid
Be aware of these common pitfalls when sound-deadening your home:
- Ignoring flanking noise: Sound can travel through unexpected places like ductwork or electrical boxes, so don’t forget to address these.
- Overlooking air gaps: Even small gaps can significantly reduce soundproofing effectiveness. Be thorough in sealing all potential air leaks.
- Using ineffective materials: Not everything marketed as “soundproof” functions well as a noise reduction tool. Do your research and choose products with a history of effective performance.
Our Conclusion
Whether you choose to tackle it yourself or hire professionals, the goal with soundproofing and sound-deadening is to block sound from all the different paths it can take. With some planning and effort, you can enjoy a noticeably quieter and more comfortable home.