How to Soundproof a Stud Wall

How to soundproof stud walls

The ultimate guide to soundproofing stud walls

Fortunately, you are in the right place if you’re looking for the answer to how to soundproof a stud wall. This guide will explain what is required to soundproof internal walls successfully. Whether you are soundproofing against noisy neighbours or increasing the privacy in your home, we will show you the best solutions and techniques to soundproof your stud walls.

What is the best method of soundproofing a stud wall?

Adding mass, isolation, and sound absorption are the best ways to soundproof stud walls.

Adding mass/density – Increasing the mass of the stud wall will block airborne sounds; lightweight internal stud frame walls require additional mass to reduce sound transfer. Using acoustic insulation and soundproof panels will increase the wall’s mass and help control the noise level.

Sound absorption – Standard building materials aren’t designed to absorb sounds like soundproofing materials will. Mass-loaded vinyl membranes and sound insulation slabs increase the wall’s absorption capabilities, diminishing sound transfer between rooms.

Decoupling/isolation – Sound can pass the stud frames to the other side via vibration; reducing the vibration transfer further increases the wall’s ability to minimise sound transfer. The AcoustiClip system, a sound isolation clip designed to absorb vibration, is the most effective method of reducing vibration through internal stud walls.

What are the primary considerations for soundproofing stud walls?

1. What is the walls construction? The choice of construction material, whether the stud has been insulated, impacts the wall’s sound-blocking ability and dictates the necessary level of soundproofing.
2. How much noise can you hear through the wall? Evaluate the noise level and determine whether it is low-level background noise, medium noise levels (TV noise and conversation), or high noise levels (raised voices and dogs barking).
3. What type of noise can you hear? In most cases, airborne noise transfer through walls (conversation and TV noise) is the main problem. However, vibrations from low-frequency noises such as deep voices, snoring, and movement would also require soundproofing.

What is the best method of soundproofing a stud wall?

Adding mass, isolation, and sound absorption are the best ways to soundproof a stud wall.

• Adding mass and density: The best way to increase the stud walls mass is to use acoustic insulation and soundproof panels. This will block sounds as they try to pass through the wall.
• Isolating the wall: Decoupling/isolating the frame from the wall will make it harder for sound to transfer from one side to the other. The best way to isolate the wall is with a sound isolation clip system.
• Sound absorption: Sound absorption or dampening is the wall’s ability to absorb sound as it comes into contact. Acoustic insulation and mass-loaded vinyl membranes are good choices for absorbing sounds.
• Product combinations: The best soundproofing method is to insulate walls using various materials. A soundproof system combining all these elements will ensure high sound reduction levels.

What is the best acoustic insulation for stud walls?

Sound insulate a stud wall or an acoustic party wall solution with high-density sound insulation slabs. DFM acoustic insulation inside a stud frame increases the wall’s ability to block and absorb the noise.

• Sound insulate stud walls against airborne sound transfer using sound insulation slabs.
• Acoustic insulation adds mass and sound absorption to the wall.
• The best acoustic density of insulation to use is 60kg/m3.
• The thickness you use will suit the depth of the frame you are soundproofing, but you are not required to fill the stud cavity.
• Acoustic insulation won’t fully soundproof the area but is an essential component in a soundproof system for stud and party walls.

Recommended solutions to soundproof stud walls

What is the best stud wall soundproofing solution?

All of these solutions will effectively soundproof your stud walls. When choosing the most suitable solution, we would ask the following questions to determine the most appropriate.

How much noise do you hear through the wall?

Establishing the noise level is key when choosing the correct soundproofing solution. If you can only hear low-level background noise through the wall, the Silent Panel would sufficiently soundproof the wall. The AcoustiClip Stud Wall System would be more suitable if the sound is audible conversation and clear TV noise. 

How much space can you afford to lose?

Space loss is a significant factor in deciding on the right solution. The slimmest options are soundproof panels ranging between 20mm and 30mm thick; the Noisestop Silent Panel provides the highest level of sound insulation when applied directly to the wall. Our slimmest solution is the Noisestop Acoustic Panel for walls requiring sound insulation with minimal space loss. Soundproof systems applied directly to the wall will range between 45mm and 80mm. The thickness can be up to 120mm and beyond for the very highest level of soundproofing.

Stud wall soundproofing recommendations in more detail

Once you have established the noise level and the amount of space the soundproofing can take up, you can choose the best solution for your wall.

Soundproof walls without compromising space

Most customers want to soundproof a room without losing living space, and the most economical way to do this is by applying soundproofing directly to the wall. But how do you apply the sound insulation to the wall and create the separation? That’s the easy part: you use the AcoustiClip sound isolation clip.

Apply the clips directly onto solid party walls or stud frames as part of your acoustic wall system. Once the AcoustiClip is applied to the wall, it absorbs vibration sounds due to the dual rubber fixing points and stops it from transferring through the wall.

Use the AcoustiClip to build an acoustic wall

The AcoustiClip is suitable for use on all walls. Once the Acoustichannel, a metal furring channel, has been clipped in place, you can build your acoustic wall. Combine acoustic insulation slabs and soundproof panels to form a soundproof wall that effectively blocks all types of noise through your walls.

Still looking for more solutions to soundproof your walls?

That’s no problem. We’ve got plenty more solutions to meet your requirements. Wall soundproofing can be tailored to your space, as no one solution will meet everybody’s needs. Noisestop offers a range of products that soundproof walls of all shapes and sizes. Whether you want to build your acoustic wall or apply one of our soundproofing panels to your existing wall, look at some of our best selling wall soundproofing materials.

Best products to soundproof stud walls

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