The best way to soundproof a stud wall follows four main principles:
- Increase the mass of the existing wall. The heavier and more dense the wall is, the harder it is for airborne sound to pass through it. Use different high density materials, as different materials are better at blocking different sound frequencies. It is the law of diminishing returns if simply using more of the same material
- Add resilience to the wall. Soundproofing needs to be able to flex to dampen and absorb sound vibrations
- Decouple the soundproofing from the structure. Sound energy can travel more easily through connected surfaces and decoupling from the original structure (using a system like the ReductoClip Direct to Stud Wall System) greatly increases the sound reduction performance
Learn more: How to soundproof a stud wall
Learn more: The best way to soundproof a stud wall
4. Insulate the cavity with acoustic mineral wool. When a wall is hollow inside, it becomes a sealed cavity. Adding mineral wool to the cavity stops the sound from amplifying and resonating inside
Learn more: Acoustic mineral wool and soundproofing