Do and Don’ts when soundproofing wall

As much as you can easily perform a DIY service when it comes to soundproofing, you risk substandard work if don’t know what to do and what not to do. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are or from which drywall supplier Toronto store you bought your materials, if you don’t know basic soundproofing rules there is a very high chance you will make serious mistakes. Below are vital tips for an awe-inspiring soundproof wall:

What to do

1. Get help

DIY service is always the best option due to its low cost and the flexibility it offers. Nevertheless, the moment you are stuck, get help. Find people who have the expertise and ask as many questions ask you can. This very inexpensive action will definitely save you from heavy redoing costs and the embarrassment that might come your way after finishing the job.

2. Caulk

The only way you will achieve a soundproof room is by caulking around all sound leak areas. Caulk around light fixtures, electrical boxes, heating and plumbing lines. Ensure to seal even the smallest cracks and holes because where air can pass so will sound.

3. Remove existing drywall

If you will be installing a resilient channel, then your existing drywall has to come off. Attaching a resilient channel on the existing drywall will not make your wall soundproof.

4. Know your STC rating

STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating is a measure of the decibels of sound reduction that a product provides. When buying soundproofing products, go for those with a higher STC rating as it means better soundproofing. For the best soundproofing building supplies Toronto, visit Bernardi Building Supply.

What not to do

1. Don’t remove old plaster-and-lath walls

An old plaster-and-lath wall is a good sound stopper material just the way it is. If you have such walls there is no need of removing them so that you can add resilient channel and insulation. Simply make these walls more soundproof by sealing gaps and cracks.

2. Don’t use resilient channel on both sides

Installing a resilient channel on one side of your targeted wall is enough to cater for soundproofing. Don’t waste resources by installing resilient channels on both sides of any of the walls you will be working on.

3. Don’t use resilient channel with steel studs

If you have walls with steel studs there is no need for incorporating resilient channels. Steel studs absorb vibration just as well as sound channels. The soundproofing capacity of an insulated steel stud wall is the same as that of an insulated wood-framed wall with resilient channel.

4. Don’t use insulation alone

Where your soundproofing process involves tearing off drywall it is paramount that you utilize both insulation and resilient channel. Using either of these products alone will only get you walls with minimal soundproofing capabilities. When you use resilient channels and insulation together, the STC rating of your wall goes up by 15 points. On the other hand, using resilient channel or insulation alone gains your walls an STC rating of only 5 points.

Follow the above tips for a successful DIY soundproofing process every time.