You don’t need to have an aspiring musician in your home or business to benefit from soundproofing a room. Maybe you are renting out a bedroom or need a conference room to keep secrets inside. Maybe somebody in your household is hard of hearing and needs to turn up the TV or computer to comprehend the sound. Regardless, soundproofing a room generally has only benefits that come with it – and it’s a relatively easy project to undertake.

Sound escapes – or enters – through interior walls and the door to the room so it would make sense then that to block the audio you need to reinforce these features. Here’s how that is accomplished:

Examine Your Existing Wall Situation

Modern construction methods for interior walls dictate merely framing up the studs and applying sheetrock or paneling over-top them. This presents a nice finished look, but all it does for sound is create an echo chamber. If for some reason your interior walls are insulated, most simple DIY soundproofing methods are going to have little effect. If they are in fact covered by only a 1/2” piece of drywall and nothing else you can try these methods:

• Sound curtains – They go by many different names such as sound curtains, foam wall tiles, acoustic blankets, and more, but their function is mostly the same. These items hang on your walls and deaden the vibration of sound going one way to the other. They won’t exactly brighten up the room, but they are easy to install and will perform the ultimate goal of creating a noise-free haven.
• Install a bookcase – Sound curtains have the tendency to look tacky anywhere but a bedroom. If you are trying to quiet something like a den or living room, try and utilize bookcases and shelving. You can create more area for the sound to travel while also giving your home a luxurious look.

Install a Secondary Wall

If you know sound is going to be an issue you can either rip open the existing wall and install better insulation or build a secondary wall into the room. The obvious takeback here is that you’re going to have less area in the room but some people are willing to sacrifice that in the name of peace and quiet.

The secondary wall gets framed just like the first, anchored to the floor, ceiling, and adjacent walls. You can also decouple sound by putting the maximum amount of space between the two walls. Sound clips and channels can be attached to the studs to lessen some of that sound transfer. You should also cover the back of your drywall with noise-proofing glue (damping compound) as it absorbs low-frequency bass. Finally, insulate the double wall as well for even more soundproofing. You’ll notice the room is not only quiet, but also much easier to heat and cool now.

Proof the Door

Much like your garage, it doesn’t make much sense to treat the walls if the door is going to be a huge source of loss anyway. One of the easiest tasks that can be done is to install an inexpensive sweep on the bottom of the door. This will prevent sound from entering or leaving through the bottom crack of the door and it will keep cold drafts away. Unfortunately one of the main problem areas is the door itself as many residential models are constructed of a hollow core that protrudes sound. Installing a new solid door will help, otherwise so will adding mass to the door via a medium density fiber board (MDF) adhered with the soundproof glue.

The Benefits

The following are some benefits of investing in commercial soundproofing for your property:

• Improved Productivity: Excessive noise levels can be a major distraction and decrease employee productivity. By soundproofing your commercial property, you can create a more peaceful and focused work environment, which can boost productivity and employee morale.
• Better Customer Experience: If you run a business that relies on customer interaction, such as a hotel or restaurant, soundproofing can improve the overall experience for your customers. They can enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable environment without being bothered by external noises.
• Compliance with Local Regulations: Many cities and towns have noise ordinances that businesses must comply with. Failure to do so can result in fines or even legal action. Soundproofing your property can help you stay in compliance with these regulations.
• Protection of Confidential Information: In some industries, confidentiality is paramount. Soundproofing can prevent conversations and other sounds from being overheard by unintended parties, ensuring that sensitive information is kept private.
• Noise Reduction: Soundproofing can significantly reduce noise levels from external sources, such as traffic or construction. This can create a more comfortable and peaceful environment for employees and customers alike.
• Increased Property Value: Soundproofing your commercial property can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers or renters. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to sell or lease your property in the future.
• Health Benefits: Excessive noise levels can lead to stress, anxiety, and other health issues. Soundproofing can promote a healthier and more relaxed environment, which can benefit both employees and customers.
• Better Acoustics: Soundproofing can also improve the acoustics of your commercial property, which can be beneficial for businesses such as music studios, theaters, or conference rooms. Good acoustics can enhance the quality of sound and improve the overall experience for everyone in the room.

Contact Aeroseal for Commercial Soundproofing

It’s going to be very hard to make an area 100% completely soundproof, especially in a busy building. For commercial purposes, many businesses prefer for custom windows and doors to be used to ensure that certain rooms are sound-proofed. If you are a business looking to soundproof one or more rooms, please contact us today, or give us a call at 1-888-380-2376.