How to soundproof a room

Soundproofing a room does not have to cost you an arm and a leg, it can be done relatively cheap if you have the knowledge and the skills needed to complete the job. Knowledge is the key; if you don't have the knowledge, find someone who does.
Most constructed walls and ceilings consist of the studs (framing) or joists (rafters, ceiling beams) and if you are lucky the developer added a little R-19 or R-30 insulation before applying the final layer of drywall. This is what we deal with on a daily basis. One of the greatest myths is that common fiberglass insulation is a good soundproofer. This is totally false. Fiberglass insulation is so loosely woven that allows sound to pass readily. Also note that the fibers in the fiberglass insulation can transmit sound much like a wire carries electricity. Now there are batt insulations that have the R-values needed to meet building codes and are also very good soundproofing agents. One of the best batt materials on the market is called Roxul. Roxul is a mineral wool product that is manufactured in Canada. It has proven soundproofing qualities and can be used in conjunction with common fiberglass insulation to fill the joist and stud cavities and provide the sound dampening and sound absorption you need for effective soundproofing. Installing Roxul in ceiling joist cavities is also a great way to get both the thermal and soundproofing benefits you need for your soundproof room. Once you have the Roxul installed in those areas, you will then attach the mass loaded vinyl directly to the studs and joists, it will stretch across the frame structure much like a membrane across the studs. The stud cavities will provide the dead air space needed to allow MLV to resonate properly and give you the soundproofing results you want. It is always best to overlap the seams wherever possible and then you would caulk the seams as well as the perimeter with a good acoustical caulk. Next you would tape your seams with a MLV sealer tape and then the final step would be to install your final layer of drywall, tape, mud, and paint and presto, you are finished.
There are many other methods for soundproofing a room such as floating the walls and ceilings, but the methods explained above are the least labor intensive and will provide your with a very soundproof room.
I hope you have obtained knowledge from this article, please continue to read this weblog for daily updates and postings regarding every aspect of soundproofing.

As Always,
Bob O.
Soundproofing technical advisor
e-mail: dr.bob@soundproofingamerica.com
Call Toll free (877) 530-0139