How To Soundproof Your Walls - Home Decorating & Painting Advice

How To Soundproof Your Walls

Question:

I just moved into a new house and I can hear everything in the next room. Can I sound proof my walls?

Answer:

There is an easy and low-cost solution to reduce sound transmission through your walls. We recommend using LIQUID NAILS® Acoustical Sound Sealant (AS-825) to seal off the tiny gaps and crevices that let airborne noise pass through. LIQUID NAILS® Drywall Adhesive (DWP-24) also helps prevent screw pops and provides additional noise reduction.


For New Construction

Step 1.

Before installing the wall framework, add a 1/4-inch bead of Liquid Nails Acoustical Sound Sealant in a continuous line along both the sill plate at the base and the top plate across the top of the wall.

Step 2. 

As you install the drywall, apply a 1/4-inch bead of Liquid Nails Drywall Adhesive to all framework to reduce the number of screws or nails required. 

Step 3.

Apply the sound sealant around all seams and openings, including cutouts, electrical boxes, perimeter joints, windows and any other areas where air (and therefore sound) may pass through. 

Step 4.

After the drywall has been installed, apply a second 1/4-inch bead of sound sealant where the drywall meets the floor and ceiling.


For Retrofit

Step 1. 

Apply a 1/4-inch bead of Acoustical Sound Sealant where the existing drywall meets both the floor and the ceiling.

Step 2.

Use the sound sealant to seal around all seams and openings, including electrical outlets, perimeter joints, windows and any other areas where air (and therefore sound) may pass through.

Step 3.

As you install a new layer of drywall, apply a 1/4-inch bead of Drywall Adhesive about every 8 to 12 inches using a serpentine bead to reduce the number of screws or nails required.

Step 4.

Apply a second 1/4-inch bead of sound sealant where the top layer of drywall meets the floor and ceiling. 

Following these four steps will help deaden the sound in your walls.
 

Pro Tip:

Simply placing a bead of sound sealant on each side of the wall assembly where the wallboard meets the ceiling member can improve the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating from 29 to 53, as demonstrated by the ASTM C919 Standard Practice for Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications.

Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.