Soundproofing Walls & Ceilings How to

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How to Soundproof a Wall or Ceiling

Everyone would like a little more peace and quiet within their homes, but most people are unsure of how to go about making this happen. The following techniques are ideal for new construction, however most walls and ceilings can be retrofitted to accept the soundproofing techniques. You can apply these instructions for soundproofing common walls between apartments and condos, soundproofing a home theater or even bedrooms.

Steps
Start with a bare wall with the wood studs exposed. The sheetrock or drywall should not be in place yet.
Pack the cavity between the studs with a fiberglass bat insulation such as R13.
Seal the back of the outlets in the wall with firestop putty pads, because even a one percent opening in a wall can let through 50% of the noise.
Add mass to your wall, because in simple physics mass will block airborne sound waves such as conversation, television noise, ringing phones and alarm clocks. There is a mass loaded vinyl product available though various acoustical companies that weighs one pound per square foot, but is only 1/8" thick.
Use an acoustical caulk to seal all open joints and perimeter around the wall.
Isolate or float your drywall off of the studs by using resiliant channel or isolation clips. By doing this you are blocking structure-borne noise such as footfall noise and slamming doors.
Finish the wall with a double layer of drywall or sheetrock, minimum thickness 1/2".

Tips
When checking the walls or ceiling for cracks or leaks that need to be caulked, remember that if light or water can get through then sound will get through.
Putting a door on a wall that has been properly soundproofed will be a weak spot that will leak sound. If you must do this, you should consider acoustical door seals or gasketing for the door.

Warnings
There are lots of various products on the market that people will claim to be soundproof, be sure to do proper research when purchasing products.
There are varying degrees and expectations on soundproofing a wall. Keep in mind that if you can reduce the amount of noise from passing through that wall by 10 Decibels that you have cut the amount of noise that can be heard by 50%.