No one wants their cosy space disrupted by the sound of the noisy neighbours next door. From blaring TVs late at night, stomping footsteps or weekend DIY projects, we’ve heard it all. But thankfully there is a solution. With the right approach and soundproofing materials, you can begin to enjoy your space again without too much disruption.
How to Soundproof a Wall
Even a single wall can make a huge difference if soundproofed correctly and the right products are used.
To start with, we recommend using acoustic insulation rolls. These thick mineral wool or glass wool rolls fit neatly between the studs of a wall or ceiling and work by trapping sound within their fibres. To install them, cut the rolls to size so they fit snugly, with no gaps for sound to sneak through. Place them between the studs before covering with plasterboard.
Once the insulation is in place, adding acoustic plasterboard on top provides an extra layer of noise reduction. Acoustic plasterboards are denser and heavier than standard plasterboard, helping to block sound from passing through. Cut the plasterboard to size, fix it to the studs or joists, and seal the edges with acoustic sealant to prevent any cracks where sound could come through.
For further sound prevention, a Tecsound Acoustic Membrane can be applied directly to the wall or studs before plasterboarding. This self-adhesive membrane adds mass and helps block sound vibrations, making it ideal for projects where rebuilding walls isn’t possible - or ideal. By layering insulation, membrane, and acoustic plasterboard, you create robust soundproofed walls that drastically reduce noise from neighbours, whether it’s voices, TV, or footsteps.
Top Tip:
Seal gaps around sockets, windows, and doors with acoustic sealant. Sound can sneak through even the smallest cracks.
How to Soundproof a Room
Sometimes it’s not just one wall that requires soundproofing - it’s the whole room that needs a quiet makeover. Following the steps above on all walls will help prevent sound entering and escaping from all walls, but there are also other things that can help:
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Soft furnishings: Thick curtains, rugs and bookcases absorb sound naturally.
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Acoustic panels and foam: Place these on key walls to dampen echoes and high-frequency noise.
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Strategic furniture placement: Position sofas, shelves or cabinets against shared walls to add mass and block sound.
4 Tips:
- Soft furnishings absorb more noise than bare walls Rugs, curtains, bookcases, and upholstered furniture can significantly reduce echo and sound transfer.
- Seal cracks and sockets Sound travels easily through tiny gaps. Add acoustic sealant around plug sockets and skirting boards for a quick win.
- Add mass, not just foam Heavy materials like plasterboard or soundproof panels block noise better than thin acoustic foam alone.
- Treat the shared wall first You’ll get the biggest improvement by focusing on the wall you share with your neighbour.
Ultimately, successful soundproofing is all about layering. To ensure you block external noise, it’s best to combine acoustic insulation, a soundproofing membrane and acoustic plasterboard. For ceilings and floors, adding acoustic underlays can really help reduce noise from people walking above or vibrations from appliances.
No matter the size of your space or the type of noise, the right materials and techniques can help you reclaim peace and quiet. With careful planning and the right products from Insulation UK, you can create a calm, comfortable environment - free from unwanted noise.
