Solution Types
When soundproofing walls the choices fall into two broad types: Slim-line solutions that are stick-on and independent wall solutions that involve creating a deeper stud structure.
So you want to Soundproof a Wall?
When researching information on wall soundproofing you are likely confronted by a confusing array of acoustic materials and soundproof panels, along with wildly varying performance statistics. At Soundstop we simplify the process.
Comprehensive Wall Soundproofing Solutions
Welcome to our extensive collection of wall soundproofing solutions, expertly designed to create a peaceful environment in your home or workspace. Whether you're dealing with noisy neighbours or internal noises, our soundproofing methods can significantly reduce unwanted sounds. Understanding how to soundproof a wall involves various techniques and materials, such as acoustic insulation, soundproof panels, and sound isolation clips.
Why Choose Wall Soundproofing?
Wall soundproofing, also known as noise reduction for walls, is essential for creating a quieter and more comfortable environment. The best soundproofing solutions effectively absorb, block, or dampen sound vibrations, preventing them from traveling through the structure of the walls. With our product range of soundproofing for walls, you can tailor a solution or use one of our complete soundproofing wall systems.
The Benefits of Wall Soundproofing:
- Enhanced Privacy: Effective soundproofing minimises sound transfer between rooms, ensuring private conversations remain confidential.
- Reduced Noise Pollution: Soundproofing prevents the exchange of noise between indoor and outdoor environments, lowering overall noise pollution.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Creating a quiet and peaceful environment with soundproofing helps individuals achieve better sleep, leading to more refreshed mornings.
- Increased Property Value: Soundproofing adds value to properties, attracting buyers or renters seeking quiet living or working spaces.
- Health Benefits: Lower noise levels through soundproofing reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better overall health and well-being.
- Enhanced Communication: By reducing background noise, soundproofing makes it easier to hear and understand speech, improving communication.
- Versatile Spaces: Soundproofing allows different activities to occur simultaneously in adjacent areas without interference, making spaces more versatile.
Key Questions for Wall Soundproofing
Before soundproofing a wall, consider these key questions to ensure the correct soundproofing decision:
- What is the wall constructed of? Knowing if the wall is solid brick/block or lightweight timber stud construction helps determine how well the current wall blocks noise and the level of soundproofing needed.
- What level of noise is being heard? Determine if the noise is quiet and muffled, clear and discernible, or excessive, such as barking dogs or loud conversations, to select the appropriate soundproofing solution.
- What type of noise is being heard? Identify if the noise is airborne or impact noise, or a combination of both, to choose the correct wall soundproofing system.
- Is there a chimney breast on the wall? Chimney breasts typically provide better soundproofing due to their higher mass, compared to alcoves with a single brick.
Addressing these key questions before soundproofing a wall is essential for choosing the correct soundproofing system.
How to Soundproof a Brick Wall
In the UK, brick walls usually separate attached and semi-detached houses, often allowing unwanted noise through the connecting wall. Soundproofing a brick wall can be easily achieved through the following steps:
- Decouple the Wall: Create a sound breaker by leaving a gap between the soundproofing and the original wall to stop sound vibrations.
- Add Mass to the Wall: Use heavy and dense materials to block airborne sound.
- Add Different Types of Mass: Combine various high mass materials to block different sound frequencies.
- Dampen Sound Vibration and Energy: Use damping materials to absorb sound energy and vibrations.
- Add Acoustic Insulation: Fill cavity spaces with acoustic mineral wool to prevent sound resonance.
To achieve the highest level of soundproofing, decouple from the offending wall and use different layers of mass, such as soundproof plasterboards, soundproof membranes, and acoustic insulation, while dampening sound energy and vibrations using the GenieClip system.
Are there any building regulations about soundproofing a wall?
Soundproofing must comply with Part E of the Building Regulations, which covers the acoustic requirements for residential buildings in the UK, including soundproofing party walls and internal room insulation. This ensures that residential homes are adequately protected from both airborne and impact sounds.
To meet Regulation E standards, you must complete the soundproofing works to the specified requirements. Following this, a sound test is necessary to confirm compliance. This test, which typically costs around £800, involves generating specific noises, including impact sounds. The testing company submits the results, which then determine whether the soundproofing passes or fails.
Will Soundproofing a Wall Work for Noisy Neighbours?
Wall soundproofing can effectively reduce noise from neighbors by absorbing, diffusing, or reflecting sound waves. Proper placement of acoustic panels and using multiple layers enhance noise reduction and improve overall sound quality within your home. For best results, acoustic panels should be placed in strategic areas such as ceilings and corners, where sound is most likely to enter.
From simple DIY solutions to complete acoustic wall systems, we offer practical ideas to effectively soundproof your walls and minimise noise transmission. Whether you need to insulate a party wall against a neighbour or soundproof walls to create a home cinema or studio, our wall soundproofing solutions can meet your needs. Our products range from basic soundproofing panels to advanced systems designed to block even the most persistent noises.
Explore our comprehensive range of wall soundproofing solutions to find the ideal product for your needs. Ensure a quieter, more comfortable environment with our top-quality soundproofing materials and systems.
Our Wall Soundproofing Solutions:
SM20 Wall Solution
A high performance slim-line stick on solution that can be easily retro fitted to walls by anyone with competent DIY skills. This solution is ideal for those looking for simple soundproofing that doesn’t take up to much space and is easy to install.
The SM20 solution delivers high levels of soundproofing for its depth and cost, even outperforming more complex solutions.
This slim-line solution delivers excellent soundproofing performance for it's relatively small wall depth gain.
A standard SM20 solution costs around £375 for a 5m by 2m wall, plus VAT and delivery. Optional upgrades are available at an additional cost.
A very DIYable solution that can be installed by an Intermediate level DIYer. The heavy duty rubber acoustic panels are simply stuck to the existing wall and overlaid with acoustic plasterboard.
GenieClip with Stud Wall Solution
This top of the range solution delivers a very high level protection, while still keeping relatively slim. Can be installed by someone with expert level DIY skills, or a professional, and the solution can be upgraded to deliver even higher performance.
Combining award winning Genie clip technology with an independent wall system to give a very high degree of soundproofing protection. Best solution for low frequency sounds.
Using Genie clip technology allows this solution to stay relatively slim line and still deliver a very high soundproofing protection.
This type of solution starts from £420 for a 5m by 2m wall, plus VAT and delivery. However, we offer various upgrades to enhance performance that come at an extra cost.
Installation can be undertaken by an Expert level DIYer if they feel confident, alternatively, any builder or joiner can also complete the installation. Various skills and tools would be required for this installation so keep this in mind when deciding.
GenieClip Direct to Wall Solution
For those who can't afford to lose any space, yet still want a good level of soundproofing protection. The solution can upgraded to make slimmer and deliver higher performance, and can be installed by someone with a good level DIY skills, or a professional.
A good all-round solution, delivering good soundproofing performance for the cost and wall depth gain.
This solution utilises Genie clip technology to keep the overall wall depth gain at a minimum, whilst still delivering a good degree of soundproofing protection.
TAt around £515 for a 5m by 2m wall, plus VAT and delivery, this solution produces high sound protection for the cost. Upgrade options are available to increase performance.
A very DIYable solution that can be installed by an Intermediate level DIYer. Various skills and tools would be required for this installation so keep this in mind when deciding.
Independent Stud Wall Solution
The independent stud wall soundproofing system is best suited for new builds, or when building a new wall, and will provide an excellent degree of acoustic protection. The solution has options and upgrades that you allow you to build the ideal soundproofing for your space and soundproofing requirements.
This solution offers an excellent degree of acoustic protection, with a relatively smaller wall depth gain and low costs.
By using resilient bars this solution is relatively slim, whilst delivering high levels of sound protection.
The materials cost for this solution are also relatively low for the performance it gives making it one of the most cost effective solutions. They start from £340 for a 5m by 2m wall, plus VAT and delivery.
Installation can be undertaken by an Expert level DIYer if they feel confident, alternatively, any builder or joiner can also complete the installation. Various skills and tools would be required for this installation so keep this in mind when deciding.
Stud Wall Upgrade Solution
Upgrade an existing stud wall that has little or no soundproofing qualities with this slim-line solution. Easily installed by a competent DIYer and delivers a good level of acoustic, with options to decide the overall depth gain and performance levels.
This stud wall solution delivers good performance levels for the costs, with optional upgrades available to increase performance further.
With depth gains off just 25mm, these slim-line solutions are ideal for those with limited space.
With standard solutions starting around £340 for a 5m by 2m wall, plus VAT and delivery, they are the cost effective soundproofing solution.
A very DIYable solution that can be installed by an Intermediate level DIYer. If you can measure accurately, cut materials and follow simple instructions then you can install these solutions.
Ultra Slim Wall Solution
Delivers good soundproofing for compact spaces like stairwells, alcoves and corridors, where space is an absolute premium. Easily installed by a DIYer and often used in conjunction with other soundproofing solutions to envelop an entire room or space.
This solution delivers moderate performance levels, with optional upgrades available to increase performance further.
With a 19mm wall depth gain, this ultra slim-line solution is designed to deliver soundproofing in tight spaces like corridors and around windows and doors.
Our slimmest solution starts from £400 for a 5m by 2m wall, plus VAT and delivery, with optional upgrades available at an extra cost.
A very DIYable solution that can be installed by an Intermediate level DIYer. If you can measure accurately, cut materials and follow simple instructions then you can install these solutions.
Have you Thought about these Weak Spots?
Doors
The gap between the door and the floor is often the biggest breach in a room's soundproofing but we have a range of solutions that can help.
Plug Sockets
Electric plug sockets are often one of the most overlooked weaknesses when a room is soundproofed but can reduce the performance by as much as 10%.
How do our Wall Soundproofing solutions work?
Our wall soundproofing solutions work by combining layers of acoustic materials together to block sound waves. This then creates an effective barrier against noise.
All of our solutions are made up of various soundproofing product combinations that work together to provide exceptional soundproofing. This includes mass-loaded membranes, acoustic boards, specialist clip system and other sound-dampening products.
In addition to delivering soundproofing, our solutions also meet other requirements, including those for our slim-line options, such as our SM20, stud wall upgrade and ultra slim line solutions.
We also we also provide high performance solutions like our GenieClip and independent stud wall solutions, which helps to tackle the more severe nuisance noise problems.
All of our wall solutions can be tailor made to meet specific requirements and budgets. In addition to this, we offer optional upgrades, such as to increase performance or reduce depth gain.
To keep things simple all of our wall soundproofing solutions have a solution calculator, which works out your exact requirements. All you need to do is enter your wall dimensions, select your upgrades and the calculator will put your soundproofing kit together for you, making sure you have everything you need.
What are the Benefits of our Wall Soundproofing solutions?
Wall soundproofing provides many benefits in both residential and commercial settings. This ranges from improved acoustics to increased privacy. Furthermore, finding the ideal soundproofing for your needs is now easier than ever thanks to our soundproofing solutions.
Wall soundproofing is an excellent way to improve the comfort and safety of any space. It can reduce sound coming from both the inside and outside, providing you with a more peaceful environment.
Wall soundproofing reduces distractions, while attempting to relax and unwind, resulting in a more comfortable environment and better sleep quality.
It can also help protect against any potential health risks, such as hearing loss, that are associated with prolonged exposure to severe loud noises.
Regardless of the wall type, our wall soundproofing solutions reduce the impact noise caused by loud activities, including hobbies and machinery, as well as loud music and movies so you can enjoy the peace and quiet you deserve.
What to Consider when choosing Wall Soundproofing solution?
When it comes to soundproofing walls, there are several important factors to take into account.
The first thing you must do is determine what level of sound reduction you require and the type of soundproofing material that best suits your needs. For example, for Maximum soundproofing protection, we would recommend using the GenieClip system with the Tecsound and SBX board.
In addition to this, the amount of space that is available and the thickness of the soundproofing material should also be taken into consideration. Higher performing solutions typically require more space, they do also provide better sound insulation. For instance, our Ultra Slim Wall Solution takes up only 19-29mm, delivering 12-14dB performance, where as our GenieClip with Stud Wall Solution takes up 124-185mm but delivers an impressive 64-74dB.
Next, you will need to consider the cost of installation, as some of our soundproofing solutions will need to be installed properly by an experienced professional. However some of our solutions can be easily installed by a competent DIYer who feels comfortable with taking on tasks such as measuring and cutting materials, applying glues and fillers, and lifting heavy loads. We would recommend our SM20 Wall Panel Solution as the ideal project if you are looking to do it yourself.
Finally, don't forget to take into consideration the aesthetic appeal of the soundproofing material, as some materials may be more visually pleasing than others. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the best wall soundproofing solution for your needs.
Don’t forget, we have online calculators for each of the solutions as well as comparison tables comparing each of the solutions. In addition to this, our team of soundproofing specialists are available to offer you help and advice.
How to create a noise proof wall?
Creating a noise-proof wall is an excellent way to improve and enhance the peacefulness and privacy of your space. There are several steps in this process that are designed to minimise sound transmission and block outside noise.
We have simplified these into a few steps to help you out.
1. Identify the Source of Noise
It is crucial to locate where the noise is coming from before taking any action. Knowing exactly where the noise is coming from will help you when selecting the best soundproofing solution to eliminate your nuisance noise.
2. Add Density
Sound travels less effectively through denser materials. By adding mass the level of sound that passes through a wall can be greatly decreased. This can be achieved simply by installing extra layers of drywall or specialised soundproofing panels. This increases mass without taking up too much room.
3. Use Acoustic Insulation
Another effective way to enhance soundproofing is to fill in the gaps between the walls with acoustic insulation. Sound waves are absorbed by insulation materials such as, mineral wool or fiberglass. As a result, less sound is able pass through the wall.
4. Implement Decoupling Techniques
Decoupling is a technique that separates two sides of a wall. This prevents sounds from travelling through the stud walls. This can be done by using staggered or double stud walls, resilient channels, or sound isolation clips and hat channels. This physically separates the drywall layer from the wall structure.
5. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Even the smallest of gaps or cracks in a wall can greatly reduce its soundproofing effectiveness. You will need to fill in any gaps around windows, doors, and where different materials meet with acoustic sealants. These sealants are specifically designed to absorb sound and prevent it from leaking through.
6. Install Acoustic Panels or Tiles
Consider installing Acoustic Panels or Tiles on the surface of the wall for even further sound absorption. Although these may not stop sound from travelling through the wall, they will reduce the echo and reverberation within the room, creating a quieter space overall.
7. Consider Soundproof Windows and Doors
Finally, replacing any windows or doors within the space with soundproof models can significantly enhance the overall soundproofing performance of the wall These are designed to seal tightly and are usually made with materials that provide excellent sound absorption.
To create a noise-proof wall it usually entails combining several of these techniques together in order to achieve the required level of sound absorption. when you are soundproofing a room, such as a home cinema, a bedroom, or an office space, it is important address both the transmission of sound through the wall and the sound reflections within the space.
For specific products and solutions tailored to your soundproofing needs, Soundstop offers a range of materials and expert advice to help you create a more peaceful and private environment.
Browse our Wall Soundproofing Product Ranges:
We offer an extensive range of wall soundproofing products covering most acoustic requirements, from acoustic wall panels and membranes to specialists clip systems.
Not Sure where to begin?
How to Soundproof a Wall
Understanding the basics of soundproofing walls will help you choose the best solution for your requirements and budget. Read our ‘how to soundproof a wall’ guide to get up to speed on soundproofing walls.
From understanding the science behind soundproofing, to exploring the different materials available, this guide is essential for homeowners looking to create a peaceful environment. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you can create a soundproofed wall tailored to your needs.
More ‘Wall Soundproofing’ how to Guides:
Other Areas we can Help:
Floors
Are you trying to stop noise from below reaching you, or eradicate your noise passing down to your neighbours?
Ceilings
Ceiling soundproofing is often your only option when living below noisy neighbours. Check out our solutions.
Sound Absorption
Jump straight into our sound absorption solutions designed for and used in both public spaces and private homes.