Removing and replacing drywall can be expensive, especially if you only need to soundproof a small section of your wall.
There are many reasons why you might want to soundproof your walls – The urban area you live in might be too noisy, or you are trying to set up a home office and need some peace and quiet to concentrate.
Whatever your reasons, we have some tips for soundproofing your walls that will help you save money and still get outstanding results.
This DIY guide will discuss some of the best methods for soundproofing existing walls without removing any drywall. We are sure that one of these methods will be the right solution for your needs and will help to improve your quality of life.
How to Soundproof a Wall Already Built (Without Removing Drywall)
Soundproofing your walls is not as difficult or expensive if you live in an apartment complex. You might have noticed how thin the walls are in your apartment and you can hear everything clearly that goes on around you.
This also means that any noises coming through those walls will be heard by everyone else living in the same apartment.
Don’t worry, though, and there are still ways to soundproof your existing walls without having to remove any drywall. We have discussed some proven methods and strategies that will definitely help you out:
Seal the Gaps and Cracks Using Acoustic Caulk
Start by inspecting the area for any gaps or cracks in the walls and use the torch to find any hidden areas that you might have missed. In that way, you can expect how much caulk is needed.
Even the most minor cracks can allow sound to travel through, so it’s essential to seal them up as best as possible.
Fill any gaps or cracks by using an acoustic caulk. Acoustic Caulk is specifically designed to soundproof gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings.
You can easily find the right acoustic caulk for your damaged wall at any local home improvement store or if you’re exploring a particular brand, you can find it in an online store.
Once you have the caulk, apply it to the gaps and cracks using a caulking gun. Make sure to smooth it over so that it’s as flush as possible with the wall’s surface.
Sealing gaps and cracks is an essential first step in soundproofing your existing walls, but it’s not the only step.
Install another Layer of Drywall Decoupled with Resilient Clips & Channels
By installing another layer of drywall decoupled with resilient clips and channels, you can significantly reduce the amount of sound that travels through your walls. This will make your home more peaceful and quiet, and it will also improve its resale value.
In addition, this soundproofing technique is relatively simple and inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Whether you live in a noisy city apartment or a peaceful suburban home, soundproofing your walls effectively reduces noise pollution and improves the quality of your life.
Add Blown-In Insulation
The next step is to add blown-in insulation to the walls. This will help absorb sound and prevent it from traveling through the walls. There are a few different types of insulation that can be used for this, but we recommend using either fiberglass or cellulose insulation.
- If you are looking for insulation that doesn’t allow any outside sound to enter your room, then fiberglass insulation would be the right choice for you. It’s essential to wear gloves and a mask when working with fiberglass, as it can be irritating to the skin and lungs.
- Cellulose insulation can effectively block out noise and is made from recycled paper which means it is also an eco-friendly way to make your home soundproof. It’s important to note that cellulose insulation can be more difficult to find than fiberglass insulation. You may need to order it online or through a specialty retailer.
Once you’ve decided on the type of insulation you want to use, now it’s time to move to the installation process. It is up to you whether you want to install the insulation yourself or hire a professional and If you’re up for the challenge, installing insulation can be a fun project.
Install Mass Loaded Vinyl Sheet
The MLV is a type of soundproofing material that you can find in the form of thinly rolled sheets. Also, this material is quite effective in blocking noise because of the evenly distributed metal particles in it.
Mass-loaded vinyl sheet or MLV is a great way to soundproof your walls. It’s great at blocking noise. The mass-loaded vinyl sheets can be found at home improvement stores.
To install mass-loaded vinyl sheet:
- Cut it to size using a utility knife, then peel off the backing.
- Then you need to start from the top and work your way down, making sure to smooth it out as you go.
- Smooth out any bubbles and Once the sheet is in place, you can cover it with paint or wallpaper if desired.
Installing a mass-loaded vinyl sheet is a great way to soundproof existing walls without removing any drywall. This material is easy to install without any professional help because as you know from the above steps that it is a lightweight and flexible material
Install Acoustic Foam Panels
With Acoustic foam panels, you can reduce the outside noise and improve the quality of life in your house. The panels work by absorbing sound waves, preventing them from bouncing back and forth between the walls.
This significantly reduces noise levels, making it much easier to focus and concentrate on what you’re doing.
In addition, acoustic foam panels can also help to improve the quality of your sleep by blocking out external noise. Installing it is also quick and easy, and can be cut to fit any size wall.
Hang Acoustic Fabric Panels
Hanging acoustic fabric panels is another great way to soundproof existing interior walls. The choice of various colors allows you to find the perfect match for your current décor and achieve both comfort and style in your home. Plus, the fabric is also effective in absorbing excess noise, making it ideal for homes or apartments located in busy areas.
Don’t worry about damaging your walls – the fabric panel is easy to remove and won’t leave any residue behind and if you ever need to move out, simply take the panels with you. Hanging the acoustic fabric panels will help you achieve the best results in no time.
Cover Walls with Sound Absorbing Fabrics
Covering your walls with sound-absorbing fabrics is an easy and effective way to soundproof your home’s existing interior walls.
According to the length and width of the wall, you can decide how much fabric you need to cover the entire surface. It is stretched across the width of the wall and then tacked, stapled, or glued into place.
With many different colors and patterns to choose from, you can create a completely custom look for your home’s interior walls that also helps reduce noise.
But choosing the right fabric is important because the thicker and heavier the better sound control. So remember, when shopping for sound-absorbing fabrics, don’t go for the cheap and thin stuff.
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Use Decor to Your Advantage
There are a few things you can do to the soundproof existing wall. First, add some decoration to the wall to help absorb sound. This could include tapestries, rugs, or even large pieces of art.
Luckily, if you don’t have enough money to spend on soundproofing your wall, you can use what you have at home to make a difference.
Move around some items in the house, like pictures or plants- anything that can provide coverage for gaps between panels. In that way, the sound will have a harder time seeping through those gaps.
Using your decor to your advantage, you can easily soundproof the existing wall without removing any drywall.
Paint the Walls with Soundproofing Paint
Painting your walls with soundproofing paint is a simple solution to your noise problem as it will not only help to reduce the amount of noise that comes into your home, but it will keep your home looking good as well.
In addition to improving the sound quality in your home, soundproofing paint can also help in noise reduction from outside sources. If you live in a busy city or near a construction site, this can be a lifesaver.
Remember, soundproof paint is not a miracle because it can’t block out all noise. But it’s a great way to reduce the noise of mid-range frequencies, and it can make a big difference in your home or office.
Once you’ve decided on the correct type of paint, apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and enjoy your quiet home.
Install Acoustic Wallpaper
For a relatively quiet room, apply acoustical wallpaper to one or two walls to help in noise reduction.
Not like traditional paper-based wallpapers, acoustic wallpapers are made from a variety of materials, including latex and other acoustic ingredients.
Applying acoustic wallpaper not only decreases the overall noise in your space, but it also helps to improve the look of your walls. These wallpapers are available in a variety of colors and styles to match any decor, and they can be applied easily.
The added mass of the acoustic wallpaper will also help improve the room’s sound quality by absorbing excess reverberation.
Rearrange your furniture
Not only can rearranging your furniture give your home a new look, but it can also help reduce noise levels. Strategically placing large furniture pieces can help absorb sound waves, making it easier to enjoy a peaceful moment at home.
This could include placing a dresser in front of the door or using a bookcase as a partition. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the amount of noise that comes through your wall and create a quieter environment.
Soundproof Doors and Windows on the Wall
There are a few ways to soundproof your doors and windows so you can sleep soundly through the night or concentrate on your work during the day.
Door-sweep Under the Door
This will ensure that no outside noise enters through the gap at the bottom of the door and disrupts your concentration. This will help block any sound that might come through the gap at the bottom of the door.
Weatherstripping
Another way to soundproof your doors and windows is weatherstripping and this will create a tight seal around the edges of the door or window, preventing sound from coming in.
Use Soundproofing Blankets
You can also use soundproofing blankets to cover the doors and windows. These blankets are thick and will help to block out any sound.
Put Up Soundproof Curtains
Finally, you can put up soundproof curtains. These curtains will not only help to soundproof the room, but they will also help reduce any echo in the room.
You can select any combination of these methods and can make your room or office more soundproof and peaceful.
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Wrapping Up
Noise is a problem for many people, and it can be tough to soundproof your home without spending much money.
Fortunately, there are several ways to soundproof an existing wall in order to transform a noisy room into a serene and peaceful space. From using Acoustic Caulk to painting the walls with soundproofing paint, there are a variety of methods you can use to reduce noise.
You can also rearrange your furniture, use weatherstripping, or put up soundproof curtains. Try some of these methods to reduce noise in your home and have a more pleasant living area. What did you try? Do you have any other tips to share?