How to Soundproof an Apartment or Condo


Do you have loud neighbors? Does the lady upstairs stomp around her apartment or condo? Do the folks next to you play their TV too loud? Are kids constantly screaming and being rambunctious? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, I will give you step-by-step do it yourself instructions on soundproofing your apartment or condo.

The key to soundproofing an apartment or condo is to block sound transmission. You will easily accomplish this with a product known as mass loaded vinyl barrier, also known as QuietBarrier™ and EconoBarrier™. More effective than a sheet of lead for stopping sound, vinyl barrier uses its weight (up to 2 lbs. per square foot) to stop sound transmission dead in its tracks.

If 3% of the wall is not covered, the wall will transmit 50% of the sound. The entire wall must be covered with the Acoustic Vinyl Barrier. This includes removing or covering the base board, and using our acoustical sealant to fill any gaps in electrical outlets, light switch receptacles or any gaps where the wall meets a wall, floor or ceiling. If the wall contains a door you must attach a door seal to cover the gaps. If the wall contains a window, then that may be the main source of sound transmission. Please call us to discuss how to resolve these issues.

The treatment above for walls may also be used for ceilings to keep sound from traveling into your condo from upstairs.

If you are lucky enough to have a drop ceiling in your apartment, soundproofing the ceiling is quite simple. Simply purchase QuietBarrier™ for placement above the ceiling grid. The air space between the grid and the actual ceiling above will be the air barrier necessary to stop transmission, while the QuietBarrier™ laid over the ceiling tiles will provide the mass to block sound from transmitting. Another alternative is to apply the QuietBarrier™ to the rafters if they are exposed. This will prevent the grid from having to support the weight of the QuietBarrier™, as well as making future removal and replacement of ceiling tiles a breeze.

Should vertical space be available, you may want to soundproof your apartment by adding acoustical ceiling tiles. If a grid is already in place, purchase acoustical ceiling tiles to replace the existing tiles. This step alone will help greatly reduce sound transmission. You can take it one-step further by adding a layer of mass loaded vinyl barrier above the ceiling tiles, providing the utmost in soundproofing.

You may have read this far, thinking "what about the floors?" Soundproofing your floor is just as easy as your walls or ceiling. To do this, you will want to pull up the existing carpet and padding. Once you have the sub-floor exposed, use a layer of ImpactBarrier™, with the foam side facing the floor. After laying the vinyl barrier composite, use a Acoustical Sealant to seal the creases. When finished, simply relay your padding and carpet.

Important consideration: If you are a renter, be certain to receive permission from your landlord before performing major renovations.