We recently had a request from a reader asking how to soundproof a dorm room from the sound of water flowing through pipes. This poor college student must’ve gotten the room closest to the public bathrooms.
Your options are really limited considering you can’t make permanent changes to a dorm room wall. You could consider losely hanging some mass loaded vinyl or some heavy drapes, or you could consider getting yourself a sound machine or some other source of white noise.
Don’t do anything permanent. It’ll end up costing you time and money when you move out.
One of the greatest misconceptions amongst those not familiar with soundproofing is that insulation can effectively block sound.
Let’s clarify this point. Insulation can act as a soundproofing material, but only in the sense that it slightly dulls the noise you are trying to block. The pink insulation that goes inside your walls during construction will never stop sound as well as a real soundproof product.
Sure, you need insulation to keep your house warm, but if you have a sound problem you’re going to need something more.
Vinyl is one of the most often used soundproofing materials availble, probably second only to Green Glue. Also known as Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV), the material works based upon the principle that sound can not pass through dense surfaces.
But here’s the problem. Mass loaded vinyl adds a little bit off mass to a surface, but only a pound or two per square foot. Consider a bad sound problem, and that doesn’t seem like nearly enough to get the job done right.
Yup, in the world of soundproofing, windows can be (and are) considered a major problem. The misconception occurs when those who are uneducated run out and try to solve their soundproofing problems by replacing all of their windows.
Yes, windows are a major source of noise. No, replacing them with “soundproof” glass doesn’t usually work. In the end, adding a second pane of glass over the one that already exists, creating a 1-inch gap in between, is more effective.
Sadly, you can’t use Green Glue on the windows themselves. Otherwise, we’d be creating our own windows!
Over the next few days we’re going to talk a bit about the different types of soundproofing materials commonly used by contractors. Each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages, and some are certainly more effective than others.
One such material is sheetrock – specifically lead lined sheetrock. It is believed that sheetrock lined with 1/8 inch of #2 lead is effective at soundproofing.
The problem? It costs anywhere from $125 – $250 per sheet if you opt for this method. There are certainly other, more affordable, methods to choose from.
Not long ago we came across an intresting question. A landlord in an apartment complex wanted to know if he was allowed to go in and soundproof an occupied apartment.
The answer here is simple. Check your lease and you’ll see that you (or your lawyers) probably included information that grants you access as long as you give your tenants ample notice. We’d start with the apartments of the tenants who are complaining – as they’re most likely to welcome you graciously – before moving on to the tenant causing the problem (if you even have to). With a little Green Glue and some extra drywall, your sound problems will be fixed in no time flat!
As silly as it sounds, gaming is a very serious cause of concern amongst parents. Not just because their kids spend too much time playing, but because they make so much noise while they’re doing it.
Are your kids a little loud when they get excited about their video games? If so, consider soundproofing the bedroom or game room so that you’re not as disturbed while they’re in action. With a little Green Glue and some paint, you’ll have the job done in no time flat!
Are you intrigued by the concept of using Green Glue but hesitant because you’ve never seen it used before? If so, check out this simple video from the Green Glue company showing how easy it is to use.
When we say you simply need to apply it with a caulking gun and then apply new drywall to the existing wall, we’re serious. It’s really that easy. Check it out!
The Globe, a popular London music venue, recently sank more than 25,000 pounds into a soundproofing project in an attempt to keep their entertainment license and remain open.
The venue has been under scrutiny, resulting from complaints from neighbors about noise levels coming from within the bar. The first phase of the project involved roof repairs, ceiling repacement, and – of course – soundproofing.
The club hopes to have it’s currently revoked live music license reinstated. They hope to have a band test the soundproofing measures befoer approaching Council on April 16th regarding the license.
The other day I read an article about soundproofing a tin roof. The writer suggested that if you hired a professional before installing your tin roof he could do something to make sure that the roof was not noisy when it rained.
Look, we’re huge advocates of soundproofing, but if you don’t want to hear the rain the last thing you need to do is install a tin roof on your home. Besides, tin is corrosive and will not last a very long time – and when it does go bad, all the insulation and soundproofing materials you put underneath it will go bad as well.
Stick to installing a standard roof – or install your tin over a regular roof for added effectiveness. But for heaven’s sake – don’t expect to not hear noise from tin!