Soundproof drywall, also known as acoustic drywall, is a specialized type of drywall designed to reduce sound transmission. With its dense layers and viscoelastic dampening materials, soundproof drywall blocks, absorbs, and dissipates sound vibrations more effectively than standard drywall. But does it really work? Let’s take a deeper look at the science behind soundproofing and examine if using soundproof drywall is an effective solution for noise reduction.
How Does Sound Travel Through Walls?
Before we can understand if soundproof drywall works, it’s important to know how sound travels through walls and drywall in the first place.
When a sound occurs, it creates vibrations that travel through the air in waves. These sound waves encounter a wall and cause the drywall to vibrate. The drywall then passes those vibrations through to the studs and framing behind it, essentially turning the wall into a giant speaker. From there, the vibrations travel through to the drywall on the other side and re-transmit the sound into the air.
Standard 1/2-inch drywall has a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of about 33. This means it doesn’t do a great job blocking audible sound frequencies. Even loud speech can penetrate through traditional drywall pretty easily.
What Makes Soundproof Drywall Different?
Soundproof drywall, also called acoustical drywall, has several features that improve its noise blocking abilities:
- Multiple Dense Layers – Soundproof drywall contains 2 or 3 layers of dense gypsum pressed together, while standard drywall has just 1 layer. The extra mass dampens sound vibrations better.
- Viscoelastic Dampening – There is a viscoelastic polymer sandwiched between layers that converts sound energy into heat. This “dampening glue” improves sound absorption.
- Staggered Wall Studs – Sound can travel through wall framing. Some soundproof drywall uses offset studs to disrupt this path.
- Increased Weight – Heavier drywall materials like QuietRock weigh 2-3x more than standard drywall. More mass blocks more noise.
All these enhancements mean that soundproof drywall has a significantly higher STC rating, usually between 47-62. This improves noise blocking across all speech and music frequencies.
The Science of Sound Blocking and Absorption
To understand how well soundproof drywall reduces noise, we need to discuss the two main scientific principles at work:
Sound Blocking – This is a material’s ability to stop sound waves from penetrating through it. Dense and limp materials with more mass, like the layered drywall, block sounds waves better.
Sound Absorption – This is a material’s ability to soak up and convert sound energy into less audible forms like heat. The viscoelastic layer turns vibrations into heat, absorbing the sound.
Materials like soundproof drywall use both blocking and absorption to reduce noise transmission. Combining physical mass, density, and damping materials creates an effective sound barrier.
How Much Noise Reduction Does Soundproof Drywall Provide?
So how much quieter can a room get by installing soundproof drywall? This depends on the specific product, but here are some general noise reduction levels:
- Standard Drywall STC Rating – 33
- Single Layer Soundproof Drywall – STC 36-39
- Double Layer Soundproof Drywall – STC 43-47
- Triple Layer with Staggered Studs – STC 53-62
Going from standard drywall to a double layered soundproof drywall can reduce noise levels by 20-25 decibels. That cuts audible volumes nearly in half. It turns loud talking next door into faint murmurs.
Upgrading to triple layered drywall with staggered studs and insulation can block even more noise, reducing volumes by up to 80%. This turns noisy neighbors or barking dogs into barely noticeable background hums.
Does Soundproof Drywall Work For Reducing Specific Noises?
Soundproof drywall is highly effective at reducing many common household noises, such as:
Loud Music – The dense mass blocks deep bass vibrations from penetrating walls. This prevents music thumps reverberating through a building.
Voices and Talking – Multiple drywall layers dampen speech frequencies so conversations next door become muffled and unintelligible.
Footsteps – Extra mass absorbs and disperses the impact vibrations caused by walking and stomping. This eliminates loud thuds and creaking from floors.
Doors Slamming – The viscoelastic glue layer between drywall sheets helps dampen sudden sharp impacts like slamming doors.
Barking Dogs – High and mid-range frequencies get blocked by the heavyweight drywall, turning loud barks into faint yelps.
Home Theaters – Prevents entertainment system sounds from disturbing others at late hours.
Pros of Using Soundproof Drywall
Installing soundproof drywall offers many benefits for reducing noise:
Cost-Effective – Much more affordable than rebuilding walls or advanced soundproofing materials. Double drywall costs a few hundred dollars.
Works For Walls and Ceilings – Effective solution for noise coming through all directions, not just from neighbors.
Straightforward Installation – Can be installed by a general contractor. No special skills needed.
Looks the Same – Once painted, it appears no different than standard drywall.
DIY-Friendly – Handy homeowners can even tackle their own small soundproofing projects.
Non-Invasive – No major demolition or reframing required. Installs directly over existing walls.
For most homeowners, soundproof drywall offers an accessible noise reduction solution. The cost is reasonable, installation is easy, and the noise blocking capabilities are significant.
Potential Drawbacks of Soundproof Drywall
While it performs well, soundproof drywall also has some limitations to consider:
- Not as effective for low bass frequencies under 125 Hz
- Requires careful installation to seal air gaps
- Heavy double or triple drywall impacts framing – may require fortification
- Fire rating reduced compared to standard drywall
- More expensive than basic drywall
- Still lets some noise through compared to a room-in-room build
Soundproof drywall won’t completely block all noises or turn a wall fully soundproof. But for many, the noise reduction it does provide dramatically improves comfort and privacy.
Best Practices For Installation
To maximize the noise blocking performance of soundproof drywall, it’s important to follow some best practices during installation:
- Seal all seams and gaps thoroughly with acoustical sealant to prevent sound leaks.
- Stagger wall studs for double/triple drywall layers to de-couple the drywall sheets.
- Use acoustic caulk around outlets and switches to seal sound entry points.
- Consider using acoustic putty pads to absorb vibrations under wall receptacles.
- Carefully seal drywall edges at the floor and ceiling with acoustical caulk.
- Insulate interior walls for extra mass and damping.
- Isolate walls from flanking noise paths like vibrating pipes or ducts.
Proper installation is key, but done right, soundproof drywall can make a dramatic difference in noise reduction between rooms.
Is Soundproof Drywall Worth It?
For homeowners struggling with noise issues through walls, ceilings and floors, soundproof drywall can often provide an affordable solution:
Apartment Dwellers – Install soundproof drywall to create a quieter sanctuary away from noisy neighbors.
Media Rooms – Line home theater walls so movie sound doesn’t disturb the rest of the home.
Nurseries – Give babies an undisturbed quiet space to sleep despite other household noises.
Musicians – Build a discrete home music studio space to make noise at all hours.
Dog Owners – Muffle annoying barking that bothers roommates and neighbors.
Compared to expensive reconstruction or architectural soundproofing, soundproof drywall gives homeowners appreciable noise reduction at accessible prices. For many living situations, soundproof drywall can be a highly effective noise solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soundproof Drywall
Does Soundproof Drywall Really Work?
Yes, soundproof drywall is very effective at reducing noise transmission when properly installed. The dense mass and damping materials absorb and block sound far better than standard drywall. It can lower volumes by 20-80% depending on the specific product.
How Well Does Soundproof Drywall Block Noise?
A double layer soundproof drywall system generally provides an STC rating of 45-47, which can reduce audible noise levels by 20-25 decibels. This cuts the perceived volume nearly in half. Triple drywall systems with offset studs block even more noise.
Does Soundproof Drywall Block All Noise?
Soundproof drywall significantly reduces noise but does not block all noise. Loud sounds like yelling or drums may still be audible to some degree. But it turns them down to much quieter, less disruptive levels.
Is Soundproof Drywall Good for Walls or Ceilings?
Soundproof drywall effectively blocks noise coming through walls and ceilings. Installing it on shared walls and overhead floors will help contain noise in a room. Covering the ceiling reduces footstep thumps from upper floors.
Does Soundproof Drywall Look Different?
Once installed and painted, soundproof drywall looks identical to standard drywall. The only external difference might be a slightly thicker wall. Inside, it contains extra dampening materials.
Is Soundproof Drywall a DIY Project?
For small areas like a bedroom wall, soundproof drywall can definitely be a DIY project. But for whole rooms or ceilings, the sheets can become cumbersome for homeowners. Consider contractor help for large installations.
Does Soundproof Drywall Require Special Installation?
Soundproof drywall installs similarly to standard drywall. But extra care should be taken to seal gaps and stagger studs. Using acoustic caulk, putty pads, and isolating from noise transfer points are also advised.
How Much Does Installing Soundproof Drywall Cost?
For materials, soundproof drywall costs $1-$3 per square foot, 2-3 times more than standard drywall. With professional installation, project costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a wall to several thousand for a whole room or level.
Conclusion
For homeowners struggling with excessive noise, soundproof drywall offers an accessible and cost-effective solution. By combining dense physical mass with vibration damping materials, it effectively blocks nuisance noises like loud music, voices, barking, footsteps and slamming doors. When installed correctly, soundproof drywall can reduce audible volumes by up to 80%. This transforms loud disruptions into faint, unobtrusive background sounds. While it cannot completely soundproof a room, soundproof drywall does appreciably lower noise levels at reasonable costs. If excessive noise is affecting living comfort and quality of life, soundproof drywall should be strongly considered as an easy method to achieve meaningful noise reduction.