Yes,
While some products are designed with acoustics in mind – such as Owens Corning QuietZone and Rockwool Safe'n'Sound – no insulation can completely eliminate noise. What's more, even when interior walls are insulated, sound energy may still find a path to travel between rooms.
For soundproofing, spray foam insulation is one of the best options, as it effectively reduces noise by creating an airtight seal. Cellulose insulation is also a strong choice, as its dense structure absorbs sound well, making it suitable for both walls and ceilings.
Insulation can both absorb and block sound waves. Absorbing stops the sound from reflecting toward the source, while blocking prevents sound from passing through the barrier. Absorbing sound is ideal for noise sources that originate within the home, like sounds from a stereo, appliances or a home theater.
It is designed to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels, providing improved acoustic performance and additional thermal insulation. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as the higher cost, installation complexity, weight, and limited soundproofing.
Soundproofing, (sound insulation) means that sound is blocked and cannot pass from one side of a material through to the other. Acoustic insulation is a specific material that does not block sound and is, therefore, not a soundproofing solution by itself.
Hang Soundproof Blankets
One easy way to soundproof a room causing minimal damage is to hang soundproof blankets on the walls. This option will cover anything you have on your walls. It may leave something to be desired in terms of aesthetics but will yield good results.
The best, and most common, method for adding insulation without removing drywall is through the drill-and-fill method. Using the drill-and-fill method, the insulation is blown directly into a closed wall through small holes drilled into the wall.
Most homeowners spend an average of $1,861 to soundproof a room, but the cost ranges between $1,022 and $2,700 depending on the room size, material, and the prep work your pro will complete.
In short – yes. If you feel that there's a need for your space to have acoustic insulation and to be soundproofed, then that is reason enough and makes it worth it. You don't need to overthink it in this case.
The best affordable way to soundproof your walls effectively is to use drywall and other materials like acoustic caulk to create an air-tight wall space. Installed over insulation and sealed in to form an extra layer in your walls, drywall forms a solid barrier for sound.
The Higher R-Value the Better The higher the number the better job the insulation will do at keeping heat and sound in or out of your home. Cellulouse Insulation has a R-value rating of 3.6-4.0 cubic inches, which is one of the highest ratings in the industry.
Mineral wool insulation, also known as rock wool, is an excellent soundproofing option for blocking the transmission of sound. It has a thicker density and effectively absorbs standard sound waves. Fiberglass insulation used for soundproofing is a versatile choice that provides both thermal and soundproofing benefits.
Adding mass to the wall: Use materials with high mass; heavy, dense products are great for blocking airborne sounds. Products that combine materials with different high mass will form an effective barrier against sounds that transfer through the air, like TV noise and conversation.
Double drywall offers significant advantages in certain buildings and specific situations. By adding an extra layer of drywall, you can benefit from increased fire resistance, improved soundproofing, and enhanced insulation.
Foam thickness: Two-inch foam is the industry standard for recording booths. With that in mind, anything two inches or less will work for general soundproofing.
Our fiberglass panels are, on average, over 75% more absorbent than foam, across all frequencies. This performance difference means less square footage of product to achieve the same or better sound absorption result. Our product looks better.
Thermal lining paper is among the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls. This thick, insulating wallpaper can be easily applied directly to walls, making it a quick and straightforward solution. Costing around £10 per square metre, it effectively reduces heat loss and is perfect for smaller DIY projects.
Interior walls are often left uninsulated during construction because the energy efficiency benefits are less significant than those gained from insulating exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
Seal up the Wall – If you have any gaps, cracks, or seams, seal them with acoustical sealant to keep sound from leaking out. Upto 5 STC points depending on how bad it was to begin with. Add Insulation into the Wall – blow-in insulation (not spray foam) is a great way to reduce sound transfer.
Add Carpet, Rugs, and Pads
The thicker the carpet, rugs, or wall hangings, the better sound absorption they can provide. Today, you can even purchase wall hangings and rugs specifically made for soundproofing. Both options are usually denser than typical rugs and tapestries, often made with rubber and felt backings.
To make a room as soundproof as possible, you will need to address the walls. If you don't want to install a system like IsoTrax®, you can also blow insulation into an existing wall by drilling a hole in the wall and using specialized equipment. This will help reduce vibration and noise.