How to soundproof a Wall

Acoustical Source
Noise Control Solutions for
Soundproofing and Acoustic Applications

American Micro Industries, Inc.
440  Ramsey  Avenue,  Chambersburg,  PA  17201
Phone: 800-558-2058     Fax: 717-261-1790
e-mail:   sales@americanmicroinc.com

Noise Control Solutions
for Walls

Sound transmission through walls is the most common noise problem in condominiums. It is inevitable that the big screen TV with its blaring football game will be a distraction to the neighboring young professional trying to work in his home office. Or perhaps the crying baby, at 3:00 a.m., is keeping the retired senior from getting a restful night’s sleep.

If you hear the voices and daily activities of your next door neighbors, then you have a noise problem. Soundproofing is the solution, and here at American Micro Industries we have just what you need. You’ll be able to smile at your condo neighbors, knowing they won’t hear your cocktail party this evening, and you won’t hear their son’s trumpet practice tomorrow.

Problem – Airborne Noise

Most noise that is transmitted through a wall from one side to the other is airborne; this includes sounds made by TVs, stereos, voices and loud music, especially bass. This noise can be quite loud if the sound source is close to the wall. By soundproofing the party or common wall (the wall you share with your neighbors), the sound produced on your side will stay on your side and little or no noise from the other side will pass through.

The Solution To Your Airborne Noise Problem

A mass-loaded vinyl barrier is the best material for blocking airborne sound. This vinyl material has been "fortified" with a heavy substance so that it absorbs sound waves rather than allowing them to pass through. There are several kinds of mass-loaded vinyl barriers, some heavier and with more sound-blocking capabilities than others. Let’s find out which one will solve your problem.

SOLUTION # 1:

QUIET BARRIER ™ – This is the most effective way to soundproof new and existing walls. This mass-loaded vinyl barrier can be installed on an existing wall or attached to the studs during new wall construction. Because the surface is black vinyl, a wall covering such as drywall or paneling will be required for aesthetic purposes. Using QUIET BARRIER ™ in the wall construction should result in an 85% to 90% reduction in mid-frequency noises.

Features and Benefits of QUIET BARRIER ™

Material: Mass-loaded vinyl barrier
Appearance: Smooth finish, charcoal black
Characteristics: Dense, limp-mass vinyl, 1/4 inch thick, weight 2 lb. per sq.ft.
Applications: To be used as an integral part of a wall system
Reduces airborne noise transmission through walls
Sound Absorption: Effectively blocks 85% – 90% of airborne sound coming through the wall
Especially effective at blocking sounds in lower ranges such as voices and heavy bass
Comes in 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets with or without a peel-and-stick backing
Comes in rolls 4 1/2 ft. x 20 ft. long
Flammability: UL94V0 - On a vertical specimen the barrier stops burning within 10 seconds; no drips allowed
Cuts easily with heavy duty snips

ECONO BARRIER ™ – This 1/8 inch thick material is a lighter-weight (1 lb. per sq. ft.) mass-loaded vinyl barrier product. It is also more effective than a sheet of lead at blocking sound and will lower the transmission of sound between two spaces. It is effective at blocking a wide range of sounds, especially those in the lower ranges, but if loud noise is a problem, this product may not be sufficient. In that case, consider the heavier QUIET BARRIER ™ material. ECONO BARRIER ™ comes in 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets with or without the peel-and-stick backing, and rolls 4 1/2 ft. x 20 ft., 30 ft. and 60 ft. long.

Features and Benefits of ECONO BARRIER ™

Material: Mass-loaded vinyl barrier
Appearance: Smooth finish, charcoal black
Characteristics: Dense, limp-mass vinyl, 1/8 inch thick, weight 1 lb. per sq.ft.
Applications: To be used as an integral part of a wall system
Reduces airborne noise transmission through walls
Sound Absorption: Effectively blocks 65% to 70% of airborne sound coming through the wall; normal conversation and mid frequency sounds
Comes in 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets with or without a peel-and-stick backing
Comes in rolls 4 1/2 ft. x 20 ft., and 30 ft. long
Flammability: UL94V0 Flame Rated – On a vertical specimen the barrier product stops burning within 10 seconds; no drips allowed
Cuts easily with heavy duty snips

SOLUTION # 2:

IN-THE-WALL BARRIER ™ – In response to customers asking how to soundproof a new wall, American Micro Industries designed a vinyl barrier and foam composite. This material is made up of three layers. The two outer layers are 1 1/2 inch acoustic foam, fire-rated at UL94-HF1. The acoustic foam separates and absorbs the sound to prevent transmission through the wall. The internal layer, a mass-loaded vinyl barrier, dissipates the sound energy, trapping and containing the noise within the room. This material will effectively block 75% to 85% of sound in the mid-frequency range.

Features and Benefits of IN-THE-WALL BARRIER ™

Materials: Two layers of acoustic foam with a mass-loaded vinyl barrier in between; 1 1/2 inch foam , 1 lb. vinyl barrier, 1 1/2 inch foam
Appearance: Charcoal
Dimensions: 3 1/8 inch thick, 14 1/2 inch wide x 4 ft. long; designed to fit between 16 inch on center studs in new wall construction
Applications: New wall construction for studios, home theaters, basements, condos; simply push between stud system
Sound Absorption: Will effectively block 75% to 85% of sound in the mid frequency range
Fire rating: UL94-HF1
Can be easily cut with a utility knife

SOUNDPROOFING A Wall

Noise Control Solutionsfor Walls