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Wall Soundproofing Materials

If you study the modern drywall-over-studs wall, you will find that it is difficult not to appreciate the many benefits it provides as compared to its ancestors, the plaster-and-lath, and the timber-and-masonry. It is quite easy to build which makes the process a fast one, it is lightweight and is composed of inexpensive, readily available materials. However, as much as this type of wall is a serious upgrade from the ones used years back, it fails miserably when it comes to soundproofing.

Nevertheless, there are simple ways in which you can make a drywall-over-studs wall soundproof by using readily available building supplies Toronto. To soundproof such a wall, you will first need to rip off drywall from the wall/ceiling, and then fill the primary walls with fiberglass insulation, attach resilient channel (metal strips) to the studs after that, and finish off by fastening a new drywall to your channel. Making your wall soundproof is that simple.

With this straightforward project, you will not need high-level construction skills or specialized equipment. If you are accustomed to hanging and taping drywall, and you have a little electrical/carpentry expertise, this job will not be difficult for you.

Since soundproofing can be a labor-intensive and messy project, it is advisable that you divide the work into sections to minimize household havoc. The best way to handle this job is by working on a single room at a time. Soundproofing will work for you whether you want to keep sound in or out.

Below is a breakdown of the soundproofing materials you need and where you can find them:

1. Resilient metal channel: This replicates a spring when placed between the studs and drywall. Sound waves striking a wall that has a resilient channel will cause the drywall to vibrate, but this vibration will be independent since it will not reach the studs. You can purchase a metal channel from any drywall supplier Toronto.

2. Fiberglass insulation batts: These are available in home centers. It is not necessary that you purchase ‘acoustic butts’ as the plain old R-11 thermal insulation will work just as well.

3. Drywall (Type X 5/8 inches): Due to better fire resistance and soundproofing properties, the Type X 5/8” is better than the standard drywall. You can purchase it in home centers and lumberyards.

4. Acoustic sealant: You can purchase this type of sealant from drywall suppliers anywhere in Toronto. If the acoustic sealant is too expensive for you, go for silicone caulk which you can find in home centers and works just as well too.

5. 1- ¼ inch Screws: These are screws for attaching your channel to the studs. In order to attach the channel and the drywall properly, utilize 1-inch screws. Note that fine-threaded screws are better than the course-threaded versions especially when you are dealing with a resilient channel. All these types of screws are available in a home center.

6. You will also require door sweeps, transition strips, and door caskets all available at the home center closest to you.

Above are all the materials you will need to make your walls soundproof. You can purchase all of them at Bernardi Building Supply which is a one-stop shop for affordable and high-quality drywall/acoustical products in Toronto.

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