Hey everyone! I own a single-story duplex, and one of my bedrooms shares a wall with the neighboring unit. I can hear some moderate sounds, like music or TV, coming through, but it's not too disruptive. The building is pretty old, built in the 60s, and there's no insulation in the walls as far as I know (the ceilings and floors are insulated). I'm considering a weekend project to tear down the drywall on my side of the wall, install rockwool insulation, and then rehang, texture, and paint it. My goal isn't complete soundproofing but to significantly reduce noise levels. How complicated is this project, and would rockwool actually help? I've done some DIY projects before, like building small decks and fences, but I've never hung drywall. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Using rockwool combined with dual layers of thick drywall and sound dampening materials like Green Glue can really boost sound isolation. Rockwool itself will help to an extent, especially for higher-pitched sounds like TV or music. Since you're already planning to rehang drywall, it might be worthwhile to go the extra mile for better results. Just a heads up, drywall installation can be a bit annoying, so consider hiring someone for that part if you're not committed to the hassle.
Honestly, rockwool isn't a magic solution. It's part of a broader sound-reduction strategy. Sound travels not just through walls but also through floors and ceilings. If you're taking the time to remove the drywall, you might want to think about other measures like isolation clips or extra layers, to tackle the problem more effectively.
Rockwool could definitely work well for what you're aiming to do! Just check in with your neighbor if you're opening up the shared wall, and keep an eye out for any electrical wiring while you’re at it. Also, there are pricier options out there, but rockwool is a great starting point!