Soundproofing Secrets: Myths vs. Facts About Blocking Noise

The term “soundproofing” was once relegated to the worlds of audio recording and music venue treatments, but its use has exploded over the past few decades. That’s because soundproofing our spaces is both an important part of preserving peace between neighbors and keeping us safe from the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to loud noises. In order to soundproof spaces properly, it’s important to avoid the soundproofing myths that are floating around out there giving us misguided ideas of how soundproofing works and the differences when talking about soundproofing vs. sound absorption. We can’t simply tack up some acoustical foam and hope it prevents sound passage between rooms or units. We need a more substantial solution. Separating soundproofing facts from soundproofing myths is the focus today, so let’s get started.

Understanding Soundproofing Myths

There is nothing nefarious about the soundproofing myths proliferating the internet. Most of them are well-intentioned but misinformed. The best way to avoid the pitfalls associated with an improperly soundproofed space is to understand some key concepts about how to soundproof a room properly. Let’s begin by looking at some common myths about soundproofing, and then look at some alternative solutions that actually work.

Myth #1: Soundproofing and Sound Absorption Are the Same

The first of our soundproofing myths involves one of the most common misconceptions floating around out there. Many people assume that if they tack up some acoustical foam, hang some acoustic panels, and throw a rug on the ground, they will effectively soundproof the space. Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Each of these materials is effective at absorbing a specific spectrum of sound frequencies, but none of them actually prevents sounds from passing through our walls, floors, and ceilings into the adjacent space. In order to accomplish that, we need to use soundproofing materials, which are intended to block sound transmission through surfaces and barriers.

Myth #2: Thicker Materials Always Mean Better Soundproofing

There is something to be said about adding mass and density to reduce sound passage, but just because a material is thick, that doesn’t mean that it is providing the necessary mass and density to effectively soundproof the space. The type of material is far more important than the thickness.

Myth #3: Egg Cartons Provide Effective Soundproofing

Another one of the soundproofing myths that is prevalent online is that egg cartons are an effective means of soundproofing. While the texture and air gaps provided by egg cartons does provide some minimal sound damping properties, egg cartons are no substitute for proper soundproofing materials. They may make a very small difference for those soundproofing on a budget, there are far better options out there.

Myth #4: Sealing Gaps and Cracks is Enough

Sealing gaps and cracks is a crucial element in soundproofing spaces, but it only addresses airborne noises and should not be thought of as a standalone solution to noise problems. Sound vibrations readily pass through even solid objects, meaning a more encompassing solution is necessary to properly soundproof a space.

Myth #5: Soundproofing is Only for Professionals

Once again, there are many people out there who only see soundproofing as a solution for professional musicians and recording engineers, but this is not the case. While soundproofing for home studios is important, many local building codes require soundproofing for apartments, other multi-unit housing complexes and office buildings. Proper soundproofing reduces the amount of noise we are subject to, making us happier and healthier in the process.

Read More: Understanding the Science of Sound: A Beginner’s Guide to Acoustics

Soundproofing Facts and Strategies

Now that we have covered some of the more prevalent soundproofing myths out there, let’s dig into some strategies that deliver real results. Understanding these secrets of soundproofing will help you vastly reduce the quantity and improve the quality of the sound in any indoor space.

Fact #1: Understanding Sound Transmission

Sound waves are transmitted via two primary mediums. Airborne noises are transmitted through the air, and impact noises are transmitted through solid surfaces. Each source of sound is addressed differently in the world of soundproofing.

Airborne Noise:

Airborne noises are addressed through sound absorption and sound blocking. For the noises originating from inside the space, we utilize soft, porous materials like acoustic panels and acoustical curtains to absorb the sound waves. They allow waves to pass into them, but the makeup of these materials transforms the vibrational energy of sound waves into a small amount of heat energy in a process called sound damping. Keep in mind that these materials are incredibly dense, which is what gives them their superior sound absorbing qualities. Absorptive materials like regular blankets and fabric furniture provide a small amount of sound absorption, but not enough to make a significant difference. Noises that originate outside are generally addressed by sealing gaps and cracks that could allow them to pass into the room. Most of these gaps and cracks are centered around the windows and doors, so using an acoustical caulk is a great way to seal them up and prevent airborne noise from passing through.

Impact Noises:

Impact noise, on the other hand, travels through surfaces as vibrations that take whatever path available to traverse the barrier and come out the other side. These types of sounds are addressed by adding mass and density to the surface, decoupling surfaces, and damping the sound.

Fact #2: The Importance of Decoupling

Since sound waves utilize whatever pathways they have at their disposal to pass from one side of the wall to the next, decoupling for noise reduction is an effective means of breaking that pathway and stopping sound waves in their tracks. We decouple structures by creating gaps. One of the most common means of decoupling walls is to frame walls with two side by side sets of studs. Each set is staggered so the studs don’t line up with one another and drywall is attached only to one set, preventing vibrations from traveling directly from one side of the wall to the other. We can also use a variety of hangers or RSIC clips to decouple other parts of the structure. Consulting with professionals is the best way to identify your best route.

Fact #3: Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) for Sound Blocking

One of the most effective ways to add mass and volume to our interior surfaces is to roll out a layer of mass loaded vinyl onto the existing drywall or subfloor. The MLV, although relatively thin, adds a substantial amount of mass to the surface. This provides enough resistance to keep a whole lot of vibrational energy from passing through to the other side.  Once rolled on, it must be covered for safety reasons, so many people add a second layer of drywall on top of the MLV to add even more mass to walls. If you plan to go this route, make sure your wall structure is sturdy enough to handle the additional weight.

Fact #4: Soundproofing Windows and Doors

Windows and doors can be problematic where soundproofing is concerned, since they are common points of noise passage and must be treated differently than other parts of the room. Luckily, there are some very simple ways to prevent problems around windows and doors.  One of the most effective ways to reduce noise passage at any entry point to rooms is to seal the gaps and cracks at the edges. Using an acoustical caulk will prevent most sounds from passing through. It will also maintain its flexibility for the long haul, since it’s made of latex, meaning you won’t have to deal with any cracking or shrinking down the road like you would with traditional silicone caulk. The addition of a door seal kit with an automatic door sweep will take care of the remaining gaps created by the door itself and the frame. Window inserts also help a great deal with window noise. They install easily over existing windows, providing an extra window pane and air gap that work together to greatly reduce noise passage and prevent drafts. For anything that does make it through, acoustical curtains are a great option. They are incredibly heavy and absorptive, meaning they will trap most sounds and light that make it through your windows.

Read More: How Soundproof Windows and Doors Help Dampen Noise

Fact #5: Soundproofing Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

To truly soundproof a room, we must reinforce the walls, ceilings, and floors. Proper and effective soundproofing materials will create more formidable barriers that better resist sound passage and decouple surfaces so vibrations don’t have a direct pathway from one side to the other. Again, one of the most common solutions used when soundproofing walls and ceilings is MLV and drywall. It’s a simple project that produces fantastic results without the need to pay for expensive laborers. Using mass-loaded vinyl or an acoustic underlay for soundproofing the floors can even soften the impact noises associated with footfalls, effectively reducing noise for both upstairs and downstairs units. Decoupling the surfaces inside the walls, ceilings, and floors is another popular step, but is less common, due to the size of the project. In existing structures, decoupling means opening up walls and installing a second set of studs. But if you are dealing with a tremendous amount of noise energy, this step will produce huge results.

Fact #6: Addressing Flanking Noise

Flanking noise refers to the sounds that make it past our soundproofing efforts and traverse the barrier through gaps, noisy structural elements, or spots that aren’t sealed adequately. Addressing flanking noise and solutions to it first requires identifying the source of the sound, and using the right material to remove the noise from the room.  Any of the methods we have covered so far may be used to address flanking noise, assuming we have identified the correct source. This is not always as simple as it seems, meaning it can be helpful to enlist professionals to identify the source and avoid falling into soundproofing myths to stop those sounds in their tracks.

DIY vs Professional Soundproofing

If you are interested in soundproofing your spaces, you will need to decide whether it’s a DIY job or one better handled by the professionals. You can save some money by going the DIY route, but professional soundproofing will deliver much better results and help you avoid common soundproofing mistakes.

Pros and Cons of DIY Soundproofing

People have gotten into DIY projects big over the past few decades. Information on the internet has made them easier than ever, and a broader range of available materials allow us to access almost anything we need. That said, there are still some pros and cons associated with DIY soundproofing projects. The main pro is that you will save money. The materials people use in DIY soundproofing materials are noticeably cheaper than professional materials, meaning you can install twice as many DIY soundproofing materials as professional materials on the same budget. The problem is quality. Using DIY materials to soundproof spaces is far less effective than those higher end materials, meaning you won’t get the premium performance you would get with professional help. Putting together DIY soundproofing solutions also makes you more likely to open up your project to some of those soundproofing myths that don’t do much of anything. If you want real performance out of your soundproofing project, it’s best to work with professionals.

Read More: 5 Tips for DIY Acoustics Projects

When to Consider Professional Soundproofing

While the cost of professional soundproofing is higher than the cost of a DIY solution, this is going to be the best route in a number of different circumstances. Most of it comes down to the level of soundproofing required, either due to soundproofing building regulations or personal preference, as well as how important audio fidelity is to you. Consulting with acoustic professionals is often the best first step, no matter what your soundproofing plans are. We can help you identify the right soundproofing materials for your specific project, and help you avoid the soundproofing myths that doom so many projects from the start. We can even help you avoid products that you don’t need or that won’t produce the results you’re after in your unique space. We can even fill you in on future trends in soundproofing so you can use the most up to date materials available. If you’re ready to learn more, reach out for a consultation.