Acoustic Treatments
There are many products and methods that can be used to soundproof walls, floors, and ceilings, after our audio measuring evaluation, we will select the best approach and sound proofing materials for your existing wall. More than half of our business starts with existing walls; we have several options that can be installed over your existing drywall along with one more drywall layer on top. We will ask whether the wall is drywall, concrete block, or wood. Mass Loaded Vinyl and Green Glue will work very well in projects like this, and both are extremely easy to install. After you paint the wall and add your décor, the room will look the same as before, but with the immense quality of blocking outside noise, the room will be acoustically perfect, absorbing and dispersing all the sound evenly.
Noise is simply airborne vibration. What we perceive as noise traveling through an object are sound waves causing vibration. Regardless of how noise travels, it will find a way to reach its destination our ears, as airborne sound, our ears are, vibration receivers. Since noise travels primarily through air, the best way to block it is to put something in its path. To be most effective at blocking sound, the material needs three qualities. It should be gapless, since sound will sneak through even the smallest cracks and holes. It should have a lot of mass, so it is less prone to vibrate and pass noisy vibrations on to its other side. And last, it should help isolate sound, so vibrations are not directly passed on from one object or place to another.
How to soundproof a room
1. Seal up holes and cracks. Be extremely thorough. Noise will infiltrate even the slimmest gaps, negating other sound blocking measures you take. Use flexible polyurethane or latex caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Pack putty or squirt expanding foam around pipes and wires where they enter the house. Noise reduction programs designed to reduce noise levels in homes near airports even recommend extremes like sealing off a mail slot and using a mailbox instead. It is these simple steps that will give the most reduced bang for your buck.
2. Tighten up existing door and window openings. Thoroughly weatherstrip all four sides of existing doors and windows. Install a solid-core door, which will block more sound than a foam-core door or a door with glass panels.
3. Install acoustic drywall, and use two layers, (preferred), install sound barrier vinyl to stop air from moving between drywall layers.
4. Add and install sound isolation clips.
5. Add insulation to the attic and walls. Meticulously installed fiberglass batt or blown-in insulation will help reduce noise levels.
6. Add central air conditioning. It will allow you to remove window-style units and keep your windows shut against noise.
7. Add mass to walls. If one wall faces a busy, noisy street, add mass in the form of drywall, wall panels and loaded vinyl.
