Nova Zhang
Double drywall is an effective way to reduce sound transmission between rooms. While it does not make a room completely silent, it helps to deaden sound by increasing the mass that sound waves must travel through. This can be done by using two layers of drywall, typically with a thickness of 5/8 each, or by using a single thicker piece of drywall. For even better soundproofing, green glue, a viscoelastic compound, can be applied between the two layers of drywall, acting as a decoupler and further reducing sound transmission. The use of insulation, such as mineral wool or fiberglass, can also be considered to help absorb vibrations and reduce sound transfer. While double drywall can be a cost-effective solution, it is important to note that it may not provide the same level of soundproofing as specialized soundproof drywall products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of double drywall | Double drywall helps with soundproofing, but the impact on noise levels varies. Some people report that it makes rooms virtually soundproof, while STC tests show a minimal increase in STC (2-5 dB). |
| Cost | Double drywall is a budget-friendly option compared to soundproof drywall, which can be $20-$40 more per sheet. |
| Installation | To keep the wall flat, screws need to be driven in tight and then backed out slightly. |
| Additional materials | Green Glue, a viscoelastic compound, can be used between two sheets of drywall for improved soundproofing. Other materials that can help include safe n sound insulation, mineral wool, and resilient channel or hat channel. |
| Other considerations | Sound can also travel through air gaps in sockets, outlets, switches, and door jambs, so these areas should be addressed in addition to using double drywall. |
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What You'll Learn
Double drywall helps reduce sound transmission between rooms
Double drywall is an effective way to reduce sound transmission between rooms. While it does not provide complete soundproofing, it helps to significantly reduce noise levels. This is achieved through increased mass, which leads to sound deadening or sound energy loss.
In practice, this means that adding a second layer of drywall can make a noticeable difference in reducing sound transmission. For example, a user with a home theater room adjacent to their son's room installed double drywall on both sides of the common wall. They reported being able to play movies at a reasonable volume without disturbing their son's sleep. Another user with a similar setup shared that they could play their stereo at "comfortably loud" levels without the noise reaching upstairs, thanks to double drywall and exterior doors with seals.
To further enhance the sound-reducing properties of double drywall, some users recommend using Green Glue, a viscoelastic compound, between the two layers. Green Glue acts as a decoupler, allowing one layer to vibrate independently of the other, thus reducing sound wave transmission. This combination of double drywall and Green Glue is praised for its soundproofing capabilities and cost-effectiveness.
However, it is important to note that sound can still travel through air gaps, sockets, outlets, switches, door jams, and vents. Therefore, addressing these areas with proper sealing and using specific construction methods, such as dead vents, can further improve sound reduction between rooms.
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Adding insulation can improve soundproofing
Adding insulation is a versatile and cost-effective way to improve soundproofing in your home. Insulation can be added to existing walls, ceilings, and floors without extensive renovation work. It is particularly useful for reducing the transmission of airborne noise, such as conversations, televisions, radios, barking dogs, aircraft, and vehicles.
There are several types of insulation that can be used for soundproofing, each with its own advantages. Batt insulation, the most popular type for soundproofing, is dense and thick, making it effective at blocking sound by absorbing air and sound waves. Fiberglass insulation, the most common form in American homes, is easy to install, fire-resistant, renewable, and moisture-resistant. Mineral wool insulation is another effective option due to its density and moisture resistance, but it is more expensive and can be harmful if inhaled.
When choosing insulation for soundproofing, density is crucial. The denser the material, the better it is at absorbing and blocking sound waves. Thicker insulation boards are also generally more effective at blocking sound, as thin boards provide minimal noise reduction.
In addition to blocking sound, insulation can also help with reducing noise transmission between rooms. By adding insulation to shared walls and ceilings, you can prevent sound from traveling and disturbing others in your home. Insulation can also improve energy efficiency, leading to cost savings on utility bills.
While insulation is an excellent option for reducing noise levels, it may not block all types of sound. For example, insulation may not be as effective at blocking low-frequency sounds such as bass or heavy machinery. In these cases, additional soundproofing materials such as sound-absorbing panels or acoustic foam may be needed.
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Green Glue between drywall layers can improve soundproofing
Double drywall can help with soundproofing, and Green Glue between drywall layers can further improve soundproofing. Green Glue is a viscoelastic damping compound that reduces sound transmission by isolating and reducing the energy transfer between layers. It is flexible and does not harden, allowing it to effectively isolate the two layers of drywall.
When used between two layers of drywall, Green Glue forms a damping system that dissipates the vibrations caused by sound waves. This unique polymeric formula converts the mechanical energy from sound waves into heat, reducing noise transmission across all frequencies. The compound can improve the sound transmission class (STC) rating by up to 12 points when sandwiched between a single additional layer of drywall.
For example, a standard 2 x 4 wall with a single layer of drywall on each side has an STC rating of approximately 32. By adding a double layer of drywall with Green Glue on one side, the STC can increase to approximately 45. Adding Green Glue to the second layer as well can bring the STC up to about 50.
However, it is important to note that Green Glue may not be suitable for all situations. For example, it may not provide significant relief from footfall sound, only offering a 30-50% reduction. Additionally, some people have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of drywall and Green Glue for room acoustics, suggesting that other materials like cork may outperform Green Glue in certain cases.
In summary, while double drywall can help with soundproofing, adding Green Glue between the drywall layers can further enhance its soundproofing capabilities. Green Glue is a cost-effective and simple solution for reducing sound transmission between rooms, especially for low-frequency noise common with home entertainment systems. However, it may not be the best solution for all types of sound, and other materials or methods should also be considered for comprehensive soundproofing.
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Drywall is more effective when combined with other soundproofing methods
Drywall can be an effective soundproofing method, but it works best when combined with other methods. For example, one user reported that they had a walk-in closet with double drywall, and while it was virtually soundproof, they also had insulation in the ceiling. They could not hear their neighbour, and when the door was closed, they could not hear the phone ring on the other side.
Another user, who had a home theatre room with a common wall with their son's room, reported that they had a double layer of drywall on the theatre side, and their son never woke up due to the noise. However, they were careful with the volume. They also mentioned that double drywall combined with placing their son's bed on the furthest wall helped reduce sound transmission.
In addition to using double drywall, some users recommend using Green Glue, a "viscoelastic" compound laid between two sheets of drywall, which acts as a decoupler and creates a barrier between the sheets, allowing one to vibrate while the other does not. This method is said to provide excellent soundproofing results at a fair price and with a simple installation process.
Other methods that can be used in conjunction with double drywall for effective soundproofing include using resilient channel or hat channel over the existing wall, safe n sound insulation or mineral wool, and furring channel systems or sound isolation clips.
Overall, while drywall can help with soundproofing, combining it with other methods will provide the best results in reducing sound transmission.
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Double drywall is a cost-effective soundproofing method
One user on Reddit shared that they had a walk-in closet with double drywall and it was virtually soundproof. They could not hear their neighbour and when the door was closed, they could not hear the phone ring on the other side. Another user shared that they had a home theatre with a common wall with their son's room. They put up a double layer of drywall on the theatre side and their son never woke up due to the noise.
To increase the soundproofing properties of double drywall, it is recommended to use Green Glue, a “viscoelastic” compound that is laid between two sheets of drywall, acting as a decoupler. This allows the outermost layer of drywall to "float" and not transfer the sound waves. While Green Glue is an additional expense, it is still a budget-friendly option, especially when compared to soundproof drywall such as QuietRock.
Other ways to improve soundproofing include using steel studs, safe n sound insulation, mineral wool, or acoustic dampening drywall.
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Frequently asked questions
Double drywall helps with soundproofing, but it does not make a room completely silent.
The best way to use double drywall for soundproofing is to use two layers of 5/8" drywall with Green Glue between the two layers.
Green Glue is a "viscoelastic" compound that acts as a decoupler between two layers of drywall, allowing one layer to vibrate while the other does not.
Yes, one way is to use drywall manufactured specifically for soundproofing, such as QuietRock, which has a steel core that helps stop sound. Another way is to use resilient channels or hat channels over the existing wall, but this creates a triple-leaf construction which is not ideal for soundproofing.
Yes, one alternative is to use safe 'n' sound insulation or mineral wool throughout the walls and ceiling. Another option is to use strategic double walls or 2x6 offset 2x4 construction.
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