Product Feature - Basic Wall Soundproofing System

When it comes to information and articles on the internet about soundproofing there is a lot of mis-information and myths about what materials constitute soundproofing and what products will really be effective.

What is Soundproofing?

Before we go any further let's clear this one up.  When we talk about soundproofing, what do we actually mean?  To soundproof a room means to make it resistant to the passage of sound, in other words to reduce or stop sound travelling from one room to another or to stop sound passing from the outside to inside a house.  In order to be able to do this effectively you need to select the correct materials.

Is acoustic foam not soundproofing?

In a word, no, acoustic foam will not soundproof.  We know you'll find many companies such as on eBay and Amazon selling 'Soundproofing Foam' but this is a very misleading description of a product.  While you will get some very slight reduction in sound transfer between rooms, the main purpose of acoustic foam is to improve the acoustics of the room the acoustic foam is installed in.

As an example, you've moved into your brand new house, you've worked hard and saved hard and now you finally have the keys.  You get everything unpacked, the sofa in the ideal position and you've managed to finally find the kettle.  You settle down in the living room to enjoy a peaceful cuppa but there's a problem.  It's anything but peaceful because all you can hear is the TV next door blaring out.  In fact even when your neighbours are just talking to each other in the house next door you could be a part of the conversation!

So what's the solution?

Well we can tell you for certain that gluing some acoustic tiles to the wall is not going to solve the problem.  It'll make your TV sound a little better when you're watching it but it's not going to solve the issue you have on the other side of that wall.  So what is the answer?

You are going to need to consider a dedicated soundproofing system.  There various routes you could take but the system we would recommend is one of the thinnest on the market and at the same time one of the most effective.  Plus it's super simple to install.

The Basic Wall Soundproofing System

The Basic Wall Soundproofing System is a soundproofing solution that is just 45mm thick that basically comprises of four materials, M20 Soundproofing Mat and 12.5mm Acoustic Plasterboard, Acoustic Sealant and adhesive.

Firstly you need to prepare the wall you will be applying the soundproofing system to.  The means removing any wallpaper and ensuring the wall is clean and dry.  It is recommended that you remove any skirting you have on the wall.  If you do this carefully you should be able to re-use this when you have completed the soundproofing.  If you have sockets or light switches we would recommend you arrange for an approved electrician to isolate these for you while you are completing the work.

Once the wall is prepared you can glue the layer of M20 Soundproofing Mat straight onto your existing plaster or plasterboard with our Advanced Acoustics Contact Adhesive.  When fixing the M20 Soundproofing Mat ensure you leave no gaps between the panels and don’t leave a gap around the perimeter of the wall.  Any gaps you do leave will allow sound to pass through so good diligence at this stage will reap results later on.

Once you have completely covered the wall with the M20 Soundproofing Mat you can then install your first layer of 12.5mm Acoustic Plasterboard with the same Contact Adhesive.  When installing the Acoustic Plasterboard ensure you leave a 5mm gap all the way around the perimeter of the wall, this gap will be sealed with Acoustic Sealant at a later point.  When butting boards up to each other ensure there are no gaps.  Where possible try not to overlap any joints.  When you have glued the first layer of Acoustic Plasterboard to the M20 Soundproofing Mat you can now seal the gap with Acoustic Sealant.  Once you have completed this you can now install the second layer of Acoustic Plasterboard.  Again you need to leave a 5mm gap all the way around the perimeter of the wall.  If possible it is best to install this layer of Acoustic Plasterboard perpendicular to the first layer.  Once you have installed the second layer of 12.5mm Acoustic Plasterboard you can then seal the perimeter of the wall with the Acoustic Sealant.

The wall is now ready to plastered or tape and jointed ready for wallpaper or painting and replacement of the skirting. Simple!

What if you have noisier issues to deal with?

This system will help reduce normal noise levels that shouldn’t normally be heard such as talking, TV and radio sound.  Loud music and bass noise will always be audible although its intensity will be reduced.  If you are suffering with loud noise then take a look at our Studio Wall System.