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How To Soundproof Walls
How to Soundproof a Wall: A Detailed Guide to Reducing Noise Transfer
Unwanted noise from neighbours, traffic, or other rooms can seriously affect comfort, sleep, and productivity. Whether it’s loud music through a party wall or voices travelling between rooms, soundproofing your walls can make a dramatic difference. In this guide, we’ll explain how sound travels through walls, the most effective soundproofing methods, the best wall products to use, and practical tips to implement them.
Why You Might Need to Soundproof Your Walls
Noise isn’t just an annoyance—it can affect health, concentration, and overall well-being. Common causes of noise transmission include:
- Air gaps and cracks around sockets, switches, wall joints, and skirting boards
- Lightweight wall construction, such as stud walls with thin plasterboard
- Direct vibration through the structure, where sound travels along studs, joists, or masonry
- Lack of acoustic insulation inside wall cavities
- Rigid connections between walls, floors, and ceilings that allow sound to pass easily
- Flanking noise, where sound bypasses the wall via adjacent walls, floors, or ceilings
Addressing these issues is key to effective soundproofing.
How Sound Travels Through Walls
Sound generally transfers through walls in two ways:
- Airborne noise – voices, TV, music, barking dogs
- Structure-borne vibration noise – vibrations passing through studs, joists, or masonry
Most wall soundproofing solutions target airborne noise, while more advanced systems also address structure-borne vibrations, including low-frequency sounds like bass.
The Three Key Principles of Wall Soundproofing
Effective wall soundproofing relies on three complementary approaches: adding mass, decoupling, and sound absorption.
1. Adding Mass
Heavier walls vibrate less, making it harder for sound to pass through. Increasing mass helps:
- Block airborne noise such as voices, TV, and music
- Reduce wall vibration, limiting sound transmission
- Improve overall sound insulation
Common mass-adding materials include soundproof plasterboard and Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV).
2. Decoupling
Decoupling breaks the direct path sound vibrations take through the wall structure. Especially important for low-frequency noise. Benefits include:
- Reduces structure-borne vibration
- Prevents sound from travelling through studs, joists, or wall frames
- Significantly improves sound insulation when combined with mass and absorption
Techniques include isolation clips, resilient bars, and independent stud walls.
3. Sound Absorption
Sound absorption reduces the energy that is reflected and resonates within wall cavities. Benefits include:
- Limits echo and resonance inside walls
- Works well for mid- and high-frequency noise
- Enhances the effectiveness of mass and decoupling
Typical materials include acoustic mineral wool, soundproof membranes and acoustic foam.
Best Products for Soundproofing Walls
- Acoustic insulation: Absorbs sound energy inside wall cavities and prevents resonance
- Soundproof plasterboard: High-density boards that block airborne noise
- Isolation clips: Decouple the wall from the structure, reducing vibration transfer
- Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): Flexible, dense material that blocks sound effectively
- Acoustic sealants: Seal gaps and cracks around joints, outlets, and edges to prevent sound leaks
- Acoustic putty pads: Soundproof electrical outlets using acoustic-rated and intumescent inserts inside electrical back boxes
Acoustic Plasterboard12.5mm - 15mm Full & Half Size
£10.5 exc VAT.
AcoustiClip | Sound Isolation Clip
£4.95 exc VAT.
Acoustic Putty Pads Single & Double Sockets
£4.35 exc VAT.
Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing Barrier Shield | 5kg & 10kg 1.2m x 1.2m
£10.05 exc VAT.
Acoustic Insulation Slabs - Soundproof Insulation
£43 exc VAT.
Acoustic Sealants 310ml & 900ml
£3.95 exc VAT.
How to Soundproof a Party Wall
Soundproofing a party wall can be done at two levels, depending on the severity of the noise, the available space, and the budget.
Option 1: Direct-to-Wall Soundproofing Panels
- Panels fixed directly to the existing wall
- Adds mass to reduce airborne noise
- Minimal space loss and faster installation
- Best for low to moderate noise
Option 2: Full Soundproof System
- Uses isolation clips or independent framing to decouple the wall
- Includes acoustic insulation, multiple layers of plasterboard, MLV, and acoustic sealant
- Reduces both airborne and low-frequency noise
- Requires more space and investment but delivers maximum performance
How to Soundproof a Stud Wall
Similar principles apply to stud walls, with options tailored to noise levels and budget:
Option 1: Direct-to-Wall Panels
- Fixed to existing plasterboard
- Adds mass to reduce airborne noise
- Quick installation and minimal space loss
- Suitable for light to moderate noise
Option 2: Full Soundproof System
- Remove plasterboard to access the cavity
- Install acoustic insulation between studs
- Add isolation clips/resilient bars and multiple layers of plasterboard, MLV, and sealant
- Delivers superior noise reduction, including low frequencies
Step-by-Step DIY Tips
- Inspect the wall and identify gaps, cracks, and weak points
- Seal all gaps with acoustic sealant
- Install acoustic insulation inside the wall cavity
- Add mass (soundproof plasterboard or MLV)
- Decouple wall surfaces with clips or resilient channels
- Apply finishing layers and seal edges carefully
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping gap sealing
- Using standard caulk instead of acoustic sealant
- Ignoring low-frequency noise sources
- Failing to decouple walls for vibration and louder noise levels
Conclusion
Soundproofing a wall involves understanding sound transmission, selecting the right materials, and applying effective construction techniques. By adding mass, decoupling surfaces, absorbing sound in wall cavities, and sealing gaps, you can dramatically improve acoustic privacy and comfort. Whether you choose simple direct-to-wall panels or a complete decoupled system, careful planning ensures even noisy homes or shared walls become peaceful, quiet environments.
Maybe you have a noise issue from a neighbouring property. Check out our guide to soundproofing party walls and soundproofing against noisy neighbours. Alternatively, find out how to soundproof a stud wall to increase privacy in your home.
Soundproofing walls FAQs
The best way to soundproof a wall is to block sound transmission between rooms. The most effective methods to soundproof walls are:
Add mass: increase the wall’s density by adding mass. Use mass-loaded vinyl, soundproof plasterboards, and high-density acoustic insulation to enhance soundproofing.
Decoupling: By isolating the existing structure from the new wall, you will reduce vibration and sound transmission through the wall. The AcoustiClip system is the best method of decoupling walls and ceilings.
Sound absorption: The wall’s ability to absorb sound waves is crucial in noise reduction. Product combinations work best for overall sound absorption or sound dampening. Acoustic insulation and soundproof membranes will dampen and absorb sound waves as they come into contact with them.
All our solutions are designed to incorporate as many of these as possible.
Some of the most effective wall soundproofing materials include:
- Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV): A dense, flexible material that blocks sound.
- Soundproof panels: High-density soundproofing boards that block sound.
- Acoustic insulation slabs: Help absorb sound within wall cavities.
- Decoupling clips: Sound-isolation clips decouple the existing wall from the new wall, reducing vibration noise.
- Soundproof Plasterboard: Denser than standard plasterboard, making it better at blocking airborne sound.
Yes! You can add materials like soundproof panels or acoustic wall systems directly to existing walls. These solutions don’t require major construction but can significantly reduce noise. By applying these types of solutions to your walls, you will minimise space loss in the room.
Recommended direct-to-wall soundproofing solutions, which don’t require removing the existing wall:
Silent Panel: Unrivalled soundproofing perfomance of any soundproof board. Soundproof walls without compromising valuable living space with Noisestop Silent Panel.
AcoustiClip Direct System: The best direct-to-party wall system. The AcoustiClip Direct System features isolation clips, acoustic insulation, and soundproof boards for maximum protection against noisy neighbours.
Noisestop System 2: The thinnest of the party wall soundproofing systems, Noisestop System 2 combines acoustic insulation and soundproof panels.
Acoustic Panel: Slimmest direct-to-wall soundproofing panel. The Noisestop Acoustic Panel is ideal for soundproofing rooms with minimal loss of space.
The cost varies depending on the solution you choose. If we assume the wall is 10 sqm, the average price of materials to supply soundproof panels would be between £42 and £51 per square metre (£420-£510 per 10sqm wall), depending on the type of panel.
For higher soundproofing levels, a complete acoustic wall system would cost between £55 and £65 per square metre (£550-£650 per 10sqm wall). These costs are approximated and do not include fitting.
Yes! Low-frequency noises, such as bass or vibration, can be more challenging to block. To reduce this, you will need to use a technique called decoupling, which separates layers of the wall to prevent sound vibrations from travelling through it.
Decoupling isolation clips applied directly to the wall or a stud frame will reduce vibrations from travelling through the wall’s structure. If you have space in the room, an independent soundproof wall will reduce sound transfer between the walls.
The best wall soundproofing solutions for reducing these noises are the AcoustiClip Direct System or the AcoustiClip Stud System, as they minimise vibration transmission through walls.
Soundproofing can help reduce noise transmission through party walls, but it may not eliminate it entirely, especially if the noise is very loud. To ensure the best level of soundproofing against noisy neighbours, use a complete acoustic wall system if you have space in the room.
A soundproofing system for reducing neighbour noise would be approximately 50mm to 80mm thick; you can go higher if you build an independent wall. The thinnest neighbour solutions are direct-to-wall panels, which help reduce lower-level TV and conversation; they range in thickness from 20mm to 30mm.
Soundproofing can significantly reduce noise, but it’s unlikely to block 100% of sound. Low bass frequencies or very loud sounds may still get through, but the overall noise reduction can be substantial. To ensure you get the most from your wall soundproofing solution, consider other areas of the building that may be weak spots and allow sound to pass through. See our flanking noise answer below.
Common flanking noise paths.
Sound can travel through:
- Ceilings and floors, joists with empty cavities
- Side walls that connect to the soundproofed wall
- Studs and framing inside the structure
- Doors and windows
- Electrical outlets, vents, and gaps
Find out more about flanking noise and how to stop it.
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