We built an addition for our teenage son and created a primary suite, but the wall between our rooms is a huge issue for privacy. The architect suggested an acoustic wall with special detailing, but the framer ended up building a regular 2x4 wall, ignoring the acoustic specs entirely. Now, we can hear everything my son and his friends say, and I'm looking for ways to improve the soundproofing without taking the wall down. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
You might want to look at the ceiling as well. If there's a second story above or if it’s an open attic, that could be a place where sound is getting through, so adding some sound insulation there could help. It's definitely worth checking out!
There are ways to enhance soundproofing without rebuilding the wall completely. You could add another layer of drywall or even build a staggered wall next to it. Just ensure you check for leaks in the ceiling, floor, or even from outlets where insulation might be lacking. Adding layers such as mass loaded vinyl or acoustic caulk could also help, aiming for a higher STC rating to reduce sound transmission.
If conversations can be clearly heard through the wall, it's likely there isn't any insulation in it. You might need to remove some drywall to see what's going on inside, which can be messy but doable. Otherwise, if things become too noisy, consider investing in some noise-cancelling headphones—they can be a lifesaver!