By Gage Drake
If you’re tired of hearing your neighbours, traffic noise, or other unwanted sounds invading your space, then you may want to consider soundproofing your home with plasterboard. Plasterboard is an effective way to reduce noise levels in any room and can be a cost-effective solution if you’re on a budget.
In this guide, you will learn the basics of soundproofing plasterboard, including how it works, the different types available, and how to install it.
How Does Plasterboard Soundproof?
Plasterboard is a great material for controlling and minimising noise pollution, both inside and outside your home. Its gypsum base, which is naturally sound-resistant, can help dampen external noises such as traffic or loud neighbours while simultaneously creating a useful barrier between individual rooms if you have a multi-room setup.
The ability of plasterboard to absorb sounds such as voices and music within the home can become especially handy in larger spaces, where echoes off walls and ceilings would otherwise disrupt the atmosphere. When correctly installed, plasterboard can provide an effective means of soundproofing your living environment.
Types of Plasterboard for Soundproofing
When choosing a type of plasterboard for soundproofing purposes there are several options available. Standard plasterboards are typically used as wall linings but are not particularly effective at reducing noise levels.
For better results, consider thicker boards such as acoustic or high-impact boards which provide more insulation against external sounds while also absorbing internal reverberations.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for an even higher level of performance then specialist acoustic boards are also available which feature layers of special insulation materials between two sheets of gypsum board for maximum sound reduction capabilities.
Installing Plasterboard for Soundproofing
To ensure maximum effectiveness when installing a plasterboard sound barrier, it’s important to ensure all gaps and joints are properly sealed with acoustic sealant or caulk to prevent any leaks around the edges.
It’s also recommended that you use screws rather than nails when attaching the board to walls or ceilings as they provide a more secure fit and won’t come loose over time which could lead to air gaps forming around the edges again allowing unwanted noise through.
Finally, pay particular attention to corners where two pieces join as these areas can be particularly prone to air leakage so make sure they’re properly sealed with caulk or sealant before installation is complete.
Add Mass for Maximum Effectiveness
Adding mass can further help increase sound absorption and reduce noise transfer between rooms within your home. For example, adding another layer of drywall over existing drywall can help absorb more sound waves before they reach other rooms in your house.
Mass also helps reduce vibrations from low-frequency sounds such as bass notes from music playing in other rooms which can travel through walls easily if not properly insulated against them.
Additionally, if you want even more protection against sound travelling through walls then consider installing acoustic sealant around door frames and windows which will help prevent air gaps that allow noise to pass through them freely instead of being blocked off by solid material such as plasterboards or sealants used around door frames/windows etc.
