What Is Soundproof Drywall And Does It Really Works?

What Is Soundproof Drywall

It’s tough enough finding an affordable place to live. But when you have to deal with noise from your neighbors it can be really frustrating. Soundproof drywall is the perfect solution for this problem.

According to the report of the National Association of Home Builders, over 20% of homeowners have noise issues with their neighbors. This is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. However, many people don’t know how to go about soundproofing their homes.

Soundproof drywall is different from regular drywall in that it has an extra layer of material that helps to block out noise.

This material is usually a type of mass-loaded vinyl or fiberglass. These materials are very dense and are very effective at blocking out sound.

But does it really works? How do you know? That’s why you need to read this complete article.

Because in this article, I have shared all the important things about soundproof drywall. Also, I have provided a step-by-step process to install it in your room.

So Let’s Get Started!


What is Soundproof Drywall?

Soundproof drywall is a specialized type of drywall that is designed to reduce noise transfer. It is commonly used in recording studios, offices, and other spaces where reducing noise pollution is important.

Soundproof drywall works by creating a barrier between the noise source and the room beyond, absorbing sound energy and preventing it from being transmitted.

The material is typically denser and heavier than standard drywall and may be reinforced with a sound-dampening material like fiberglass.

While soundproof drywall will not completely eliminate all noise, it can substantially reduce the amount of noise pollution in a space, making it more comfortable and productive.

Also, soundproof drywall can be used in conjunction with other sound-reducing measures, such as acoustic panels and sound-dampening insulation, to create an even more effective sound barrier.


What are the benefits of Soundproof Drywall?

Soundproof drywall, also known as acoustical drywall or noise-reducing drywall, is a type of drywall that is designed to reduce noise. There are a number of benefits to using soundproof drywall in your home or office, including:

  • Improved Acoustics: Soundproof drywall can significantly improve the acoustics in a room by reducing echo and reverberation. This can make a room feel more comfortable and improve the quality of sound.
  • Fire Resistance: It often has fire-resistant materials, which can help keep you safe in case there was ever an emergency with fires.
  • Less Thickness: The STC rating for R-13 is slightly lower than that of R-16, with overall soundproofing being greater. Because it has less mass, it can be used in more places where you might not want to put up a full wall of R-16.
  • Temperature Insulation: By trapping pockets of air, it can also help insulate against temperature changes. And because it’s less dense, it can also help reduce your energy costs.

Does Soundproof Drywall really work?

Soundproof drywall can block noise to come to your house, it can act as sound blocker depends on its installation.

Few people use multiple layers to increase the mass of the wall which is technically effective as per the laws of the physics. The denser area you have the more noise you can block through that.

Well, you know what is soundproofing, it is the ability of any material to block the sound which prevents the soundwaves to pass through it.

There are two things to be in mind soundproofing vs Sound-absorbing so make sure you learn them first in our detail pictorial well explanatory guide.

Soundproofing of any material is rated in Sound transmission class (STC) where the rating of 40 is standard and well fit for any soundproofing material.

However, the STC for soundproofing drywall is in between the 50-55 which is more than its standard drywall STC and good enough to deal with noise blocking.

It does its job very accurately and in most cases, you can not hear the voice on the other side of the wall.

Remember soundwaves moves in the form of movement of particles which is sort of vibration or mechanical energy and if you are using thin layer drywall which vibrates a lot but this is not the case with soundproof drywall.

Soundproof drywall is made of gypsum materials, where the layer of gypsum alternated with other glue or polymer materials layer.

Which makes it rigid and there will be fewer vibrations and fewer chances for noise waves to pass through, Soundproof drywall is thicker than standard drywall and it is around 5/8 inch thick.

Hence yes soundproof drywall work well the only matter of fact is how you install this. 


How To Install Soundproof Drywall: 3 Step Process!

Installing soundproof drywall is not as difficult as you may think. In fact, it is a pretty simple process that anyone can do with the right tools and materials. Here is a quick guide on how to install soundproof drywall:

1. Gather All The Materials & Prepare The Area

Before you start, make sure that you have all the materials that you will need. Because soundproofing drywall is a bit different than regular drywall, you will need to purchase soundproofing material as well.

This can be found at most hardware stores and includes soundproof drywall, screws, washers, drywall tape, and joint compound.

Once you have all the materials, then you need to prepare the area where you will be working. This means removing any existing drywall, insulation, or other materials that may be in the way.


2. Install The Soundproofing Material

With the area prepared, you can now start installing the soundproofing material. Begin by attaching the soundproofing drywall to the studs using screws and washers.

Make sure that the washers are placed between the drywall and the studs so that they can properly grip the material.

Once the drywall is in place, you will need to secure it with drywall tape. This will help to hold the drywall in place and prevent any gaps from forming. Once the drywall is secure, you can now start to apply the joint compound.


3. Finishing Touches

After the joint compound is dry, you will need to sand it down so that it is smooth. You can then paint or wallpaper over the soundproof drywall just like you would with regular drywall. You can also add molding or other trim around the edges for a finished look.

And that’s it! By following these simple steps, you can easily install soundproof drywall in your home. But make sure to take your time and do it right so that you can enjoy the benefits of a quieter home.


How To Make Existing Drywall Soundproof?

Well, it is obvious that if you are already having drywall or willing to make this wall to soundproof then you are not going to replace the existing one.

Here the best solution is to buy new drywall and cover the existing wall with a new layer of drywall this in result increase the mass of the existing wall and make your wall surface denser.

To learn more on how to soundproof a wall make sure to learn in our detailed exclusive guide. Here are a few tips such as buy a thin layer of drywall which will be cheaper in cost.

Fix it with the existing wall but create a decouple area in between the existing wall and new drywall you are setting, which will trap the noise waves and reduce the vibration from one wall to other.

This decouples area, where noise trapped, can create a resonate so make sure to overcome that by using green glue in between both walls and now you are done with soundproofing your existing wall.

I hope you like this way to make your existing wall soundproof and not forget to learn in detail.


Wrap Up On What Is Soundproof Drywall

It is obvious to use drywall for the purpose of construction for minimizing the cost of materials like plaster bricks or any other things.

Well but I advise not to deal with the privacy and make sure to have installed the soundproof drywall only which is thicker in size and quite effective in blocking the noise.

Otherwise, you will be searching the way on minimizing this noise while sleeping using earplugs which are not fit for health, why here is an answer for alternatives of earplugs or start soundproofing window or door.

So make sure to have soundproof drywall or make your existing wall to soundproof drywall, check the STC score for each new buying drywall which gives you confidence on its noise blocking capacity.

Let us know your suggestions on soundproof drywall if you have used earlier any to help our readers to get a better idea.


FAQ: What Is Soundproof Drywall & How Does It Work

Using the soundproofing drywall in a way that can reduce the noise in your house is quite difficult. That’s why many people like you have lots of questions that can be solved easily. So I have added some of them in this article to provide appropriate answers.

Q1. How much does soundproof drywall cost?

Ans: It usually depends on the thickness and size of the soundproofing drywall. The average cost for a 4-by-8 foot sheet is about $30. Also, the installation cost is about $1 per square foot. But make sure you get an expert to do it for you as the installation cost might differ.

Q2. Is soundproofing drywall the same as regular drywall?

Ans: No, they are not the same. The main difference between the two is that soundproofing drywall is denser and has a higher STC rating. This means that it can block out more noise than regular drywall.

Q3. Can I install soundproofing drywall myself?

Ans: Yes, you can. However, it is recommended that you get someone who is experienced to do it for you. This is because the installation process is quite complicated and if not done properly, it can cause more noise rather than reduce it.

Hey, I am Kirtish Vyas a YouTuber and believer in making life peaceful, a couple of years back I started soundproofing my house, bedroom, studio, and Car to reduce the unwanted noise, and the same experience I am sharing on SoundProofidea. Read More