How to Soudproof Your Home

Noise from the street or homes with a close proximity have a tendency to allow that noise to travel into your home. It's also likely that if you have children that their sounds travel through interior walls quite easily. You can help stop that noise by adding a sound proof wall to an existing wall in your home. It can be done relatively easy and on a small budget. In this article I will explain how to add a sound proof wall to an interior wall and exterior wall.

To do an interior wall with sound proofing, first you will need to remove any wall covering over the studs such as drywall or wood paneling. Once you have the wall stripped to the studs and all the nails or screws are removed you will need to add insulation. Use the appropriate r-factor insulation for 2x4 and 2x6 or larger walls. (2x4 walls require r-13 and 2x6 walls require r-19 as minimums. Check with your local building department for codes in your area.) Now that the insulation is in the walls you may attach Sound board to the walls. This is a ½ inch thick or more fiber board that you can buy at any home improvement store. Attach with screws or nails and glue. Place resilient channels along the wall horizontally. Attach them with self tapping metal screws or pre-drill holes and use drywall screws. Resilient channels are a commercial product and may need to be special ordered from smaller hardware stores. Many larger home improvement stores carry this product. Attach them from the ceiling to the floor at intervals of two feet. Reattach drywall or paneling by screwing self tapping screws into the resilient channels. Caulk all seams in the finished walls with caulk to prevent any leaks. Seal around any openings such as doors or electrical outlets.