How To Soundproof Existing Walls

[@soundproofyourstudio]

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

[@beautyandthebudget3642]

To leave existing walls you could look at: Adding a layer (or 2) of MLV then soundproofing drywall on top (using a foam perimeter isolation strip round thedrywall and gap sealed with green glue) Or Adding the multi layer products that have soundproofing drywall, closed cell foam then MLV (with same finishing as above) Would have been good to see those within the options

[@soundproofyourstudio]

That would add mass and damping, but it won't decouple the walls from the outside structure. I don't think just adding mass alone will give you the results you are really looking for.

[@productreviewspecialist]

On the 2nd drywall layer...are you securing it with screws or only relying on the glue to reduce sound transmission thru the metal screws?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

You need to screw in both layers. I no longer recommend green glue

[@productreviewspecialist]

@@soundproofyourstudio why do you no longer recommend it? I was going to buy green glue based on your install and initial recommendation. One other question: when building my double wall...can I use 1x2 studs instead? The 1" air gap will still be the same...I was thinking people are just using 2x4 due to code...but I'm not worried about that

[@michaeljohnson897]

This was super informative wish I knew what STC rating the hat channel system was, would it be higher than 54?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

You know this might sound crazy but I don’t obsess over STC ratings any more. Trust that the system will work. Experience is everything and STC is really only for speech.

[@ShuasiBjorlen]

I have a question about an idea I have for “soundproofing” ( as much as possible ) a condominium with shared walls and was wondering if there was a way I could send you the details of my situation and what I am thinking of doing to get your opinion and see if there is any science that backs up my idea. Thx in advance and love your videos, they are very helpful and informative.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Thanks for watching. Sign up for a call here: www.soundproofyourstudio.com/Step1

[@solohuckstep]

There seems to be a high pitched frequency being produced from your mic or vocal chain. I’m not sure if it’s bc I’m wearing IEMs but just to inform you 👍 still a great video

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Oh interesting! I will look into that.

[@mitch7983monkey]

Great info! I'm really enjoying all of your videos in the soundproofing series. Question... I'm building a home theater and 3 of my walls are exterior. I'm trying to be a good neighbor and keep the THX experience in the room and not the neighborhood. I can do double wall with air gap. However, In order to save space in the room and cash in my budget. What are your thoughts pertaining a combo of drywall pieces placed in-between the studs on the exterior 2x6 wall, Hat channel, 2 layers of 5/8 drywall, and green glue and acoustic caulking. The room will consist of a 9.4.6 speaker configuration and a small arcade in the back. Honestly, any advice in this crazy journey would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[@soundproofyourstudio]

I do consulting and design if you want to do it perfect. Otherwise the added mass in between stud bays can help some however sound can still travel through the studs so it is not a perfect system.

[@mitch7983monkey]

@soundproofyourstudio I've seen the majority of your videos on soundproofing and absolutely love the "no snake oil" honesty. Consulting would probably be helpful. What's a good way to set up a quick chat?

[@royglennie]

Hey, do you have any data on the STC of the Hat Channel system? Thanks

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Hey Roy, I will do some research and get back to you. I am not sure off the top of my head.

[@janheijdraNL]

Very informative video (as usual!) thanks. Im trying to soundproof my bedroom in a recently renovated apartment. Most walls are brick walls that were plastered over, so no studs nor drywall. What would you recommend in my situation? I'd rather not remove the plastering of course (is it necessary?). Context: there is a bar/cafe 2 floors down and i still hear much of the noice!

[@soundproofyourstudio]

That is a tricky situation. No need to remove the plaster here. It helps with more mass. You could build a new wall, float the floor, decouple the ceiling. Check to see if simple solutions work first like addressing vents, pipes, doors and windows. Best of luck!

[@iainkay3630]

Does having double walls AND hat channels help to get an STC even higher than 63?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

No, that is not necessary. To get a higher STC add more drywall to each wall. You can also use green glue although it is very controversial.

[@GtrMmorpg]

Where I live all parts of a building are made of brick and cement or concrete, and we dont use insulation because we barely have changes in temperature in the diffetent seasons, how should I do this second wall in my case?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

I would build a stud wall if possible or another masonry wall with insulation in it. Try to get the biggest air gap you can afford to give up space for.

[@headwaystudio]

What if you increase the air gap to 2" on the adjacent wall? Im trying to avoid tearing out all my current sheet rock in my garage conversion.

[@mountains1233]

How much attenuation do you get at 63Hz and 31.5Hz against outside noise?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

I’m not sure since that is some very specific measuring, but 30 hz and 20 hz you can hear more so. 60 is pretty good. Subwoofers from cars do come through some.

[@ginger_breadman]

Does adding loose fill insulation in interior walls create a decent sound insulation for like adjoining bathroom sounds or adjoining room and snoring sounds?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Yes, adding insulation will certainly help with the transmission loss in your wall

[@ginger_breadman]

@@soundproofyourstudio In terms of STC what would be the improvement over my current 1/2” drywall over 2x4 studs verses having it filled with loose fill insulation?

[@ezrathecool]

​@ginger_breadman it would probably work well enough. Unless you are trying the hide the sound of loud music, then you would want to go over the top

[@mr.davidson6876]

Great video and explanation, thanks. With sandwich panel ceiling and walls, I can’t take out the inner lining (part of the structure). I’m thinking the hat channel system might work best for me? Thanks, loving the videos…

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Thanks for watching. The Hat Channel System works great.

[@jamesbizs]

Lol how to sound proof an existing wall. Tear down the wall? Ugh. Ok

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Someone had to say it! :)

[@daniel_dumile]

@@soundproofyourstudio most people doing art type stuff rent, I respect you being smug about this stuff cuz you wan the best but perfectionism is a different goal than what you pitch in these video titles. This is glorified clickbait. These negative comments will add up...

[@RigVader]

I have the same questing as Paul K. My walls are porous concrete (not in the US). What would a recommended facade structure be?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

That is great! Just build an interior wall at least 1 inch from the concrete walls. Add two layers of 5/8" drywall with green glue and you will be good to go.

[@RigVader]

@@soundproofyourstudio Thanks! I’m assuming I don’t need drywall on the inside of this wall (the part that goes agains the existing wall) and can just build the framing to not contact the existing wall and fill the cavity with insulation material.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

@@RigVader be careful here. You want to build two walls without drywall on the inside of either wall. The existing wall needs to be taken down to the studs for this design to work properly. Best of luck! You can always reach out for coaching if you have more questions.

[@RigVader]

​@@soundproofyourstudio My existing wall is not stud/drywall, but light weight concrete 🙂(though complete awesome breakdown in the video, but unfortunately it does not apply to my scenario)

[@soundproofyourstudio]

@@RigVader oh nice the lightweight concrete work well.

[@darinz1]

How about ceilings.I want to build a studio in my garage, There are bedrooms above. Should I take off the drywall on the garage ceiling and full the gaps between the joists with insulation and then build my room in room below without re adding the ceiling drywall same as would would do with a wall?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

No you definitely need to add drywall and decouple. Keep doing some more research before you build.

[@emontzka]

What’s the total width (depth?) of the two wall system?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

10.5”

[@Nick-ve1ix]

This is so confusing. Without removing the drywall Would adding a second wall with an air gap, 2 layers of drywall with MLV in the middle and green glue give a higher rating?

[@mobettaspice]

I’m so confused. I’m trying to soundproof an existing/finished wall not demo the place.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

You can add more mass to the wall, but that is it. You can also seal any cracks with acoustic caulk.

[@paulspringer3303]

build it during construction, or, add a wall. The rest doesn't make much difference. Also, see how much sound is coming in through the floor and ceiling.

[@stopmotionstudent3975]

What was the stc of the second option?

[@soundproofyourstudio]

I’m not sure exactly what you are referring to.

[@stopmotionstudent3975]

@@soundproofyourstudio I'm new to this . The stc rating of the less expensive option. I'm getting ready to sound proof a room. I live in an old neighborhood with wooden houses. I would like to get it just so I'm not bothering my neighbors. Watching movies and listening to music is what I'm using the room for. I Love that you're very honest with your content. Best channel I've come across on the subject. I'm going down to the studs. Haha. Thanks for replying

[@Dankflamio]

There is a really high dog whistle frequency in the audio of this. Sounds like 16k or something. It’s pretty fatiguing. I wonder what happened but wanted to let you know in case you’re able to do something about it for future videos.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Hmmm I’m not sure. I now use a cloudlifter so I don’t gain up my SM7B as much. This is an older vid so could be it.

[@rolih6]

Great simple explanation. Not like soundproof guy that is all the talking and no science..

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Thanks for watching

[@andrewclemons8619]

Best video ive seen so far good sir

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Awesome

[@paulk9534]

What if you’re working onto block? Our basement is concrete, walls and floor 🤔

[@soundproofyourstudio]

That is great! Just build an interior wall at least 1 inch from the concrete walls.

[@paulk9534]

@@soundproofyourstudio do I still need the two layers of sheet rock? I’m guessing the more layers the better🤔 but I don’t really want that additional cost

[@eliashdez]

@@paulk9534 did you sorted it out? I think it should have only 2layers of drywall on the inner part. The other side which faces the concrete wall, should not have the two layers of drywall.

[@paulk9534]

@@eliashdez hi, I didn’t start the project yet. This is my plan working from the solid block wall, then void / space before metal stud with insulation inside and then Two layers of drywall onto that stud (inside face of the stud wall). Hope that’s correct

[@quaz3294]

Everyone can't go down to the studs. I rent a commercial office and that's not it. I thought ud have something on what to do on top of drywall.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

That is a fair point, but the truth is that you won't be able to reduce sound traveling through the flanking paths without going down to the studs. You could add more drywall with green glue on top of the existing drywall, but I don't think it would be worth the effort and the money.

[@quaz3294]

@@soundproofyourstudio so u would recommend I just leave it as is? Yes, green glue and 5/8 drywall was the only answer I have found and for the cost and effort I am very concerned about effectiveness.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

@@quaz3294 yes, I would focus on adding a solid core door and looking at Indow inserts for the windows first. If that doesn't help then you might have to tackle the walls.

[@beautyandthebudget3642]

To leave existing walls you could look at: Adding a layer (or 2) of MLV then soundproofing drywall on top (using a foam perimeter isolation strip round thedrywall and gap sealed with green glue) Or Adding the multi layer products that have soundproofing drywall, closed cell foam then MLV (with same finishing as above) Then fo floors you'd need to do something for flanking (lots of options including soundproofing matts and MLV)

[@whydidyoutubeaddthis]

Well seems like i won't be having any soundproof rooms. lol

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Yeah it really requires construction

[@cloudsha]

such a click bait with misleading title. I'm sure everyone came here with the thought that there is some info about how to soundproof without tearing down your wall. This kind of click bait won't earn the subscribe click at all.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Apologies if it felt a little click baity, but my intention was really to try and dispel the myth so that you realize you cannot properly soundproof existing finished walls. In this way I hope it was informative. Your best bet is to simply add mass to your existing walls in the form of 5/8" drywall. This could help, but it is hard to say if it is worth the money, time and effort.

[@BigBoss-lp9yi]

😑😞😮‍💨 Well, back to the drawing board I guess cause this isn't happening 😐 Sucks there isnt something simple like foam that actually IS for sound proofing on here, for the sake of simplicity. Most everyone confuses treating sound with proofing. Basically, you're screwed if you dont wanna completely get into stuff that most of us arent qualified to do or just flat dont have the patience, skills required or time to pull off. At this point, eff it. 😒

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Philip Newell has a design using foam and drywall. I will make a vid on it soon. Check out his book Recording Studio Design.

[@bennythepetty]

Change the title of your video. This is not a tutorial on soundproofing existing walls, this is a construction project.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Yeah there is not much you can easily do to existing walls. I have another video using rebond foam and drywall but it is still a construction project

[@freecandy2552]

Obviously a horribly missleading title... how to soundproof existing walls... unexist them, and start over from studs.

[@soundproofyourstudio]

Yes, I agree. I made another video that doesn’t require removing drywall.

[@TheGodfather101]

9/10 your weak point is your window.

[@calcustom5026]

What an absolute waste of a video. You literally didn't answer the premise of the question