Soundproofing materials for walls – 5 best acoustic solutions
To choose the right soundproofing materials for walls, you need to understand what they are and how they work. There are a vast array of soundproofing materials for walls, but you only need to know about a few to get the best results and reduce your noise issue. You should first identify the type of noise, then the source and lastly potential weaknesses in the room.
Glossary of soundproofing terms
What is airborne noise?
Sound that travels through the air such as music, talking or a TV.
What is impact noise?
Sound vibrations that travel through a structure or material such as footsteps.
What is flanking transmission?
Sound that uses alternative routes to travel over, under or around a partition. Examples are holes in walls, pipes running under two adjoined rooms or lighting. Two structures that make contact can thus cause flanking transmission can be called ‘flanking structures’.
Basic soundproofing materials for walls 2023
This list shows the basic soundproofing materials for walls and what they do. These common materials are then used to create sophisticated acoustic wall panels, as you will see further down the page. Understanding the core materials will help you navigate complex soundproofing materials for walls.
We also have a full guide to soundproofing materials if you’d like to know about floors and ceilings.
Isolation Clips and Channel
The most effective sound reduction option for space used. Clips are drilled into the wall and hold a new soundproofing partition away from the original structure.
Acoustic Plasterboard
A dense plasterboard with a higher mass than regular plasterboard. These are available as half sheets for easier handling.
Tecsound
A visco-elastic membrane that can be adhered to walls to improve insulation.
Acoustic mineral wool
High mass wall insulation used inside a wall to fill cavities and reduce reverb.
Mass loaded vinyl
A rubber sheet with high mass of up to 10kg/m2 often used in a pre-formed acoustic wall panel.
Isolation strips
Placed under stud work to reduce direct contact with flanking structures and flex with sound reverberation.
Best soundproofing materials for wall 2023
Now that you know what soundproofing materials for walls are, you can delve into the best soundproofing materials. These are acoustic panels that comprise of two or more materials. The benefit of having a precomposed wall soundproofing panel is that air gaps between layers (which allow for reverberation) are massively reduced, space is maximised and installation is far easier.
Acoustic materials for walls v/s soundproofing materials for walls
People often get confused between acoustic materials and soundproofing materials for walls, and with good reason. Soundproofing is to control noise entering or leaving a space and as you’ve seen with the airborne solutions above, materials usually do both.
However, acoustic materials are to treat sound within a space and help create a clearer noise. This is done by controlling the reverberation of noise within a space. Materials that can control reverberation (echo), are those which can absorb sound and instead of reflecting a noise (as airborne resistant materials do), acoustic materials for walls will reduce reflection.
Materials with air holes, like loose woven fibres or foams, allow sound to travel into the structure where, through fractional loss of energy by friction, the soundwave is dissipated and transformed into heat energy instead. As the noise is not reflected off the surface, the amount of soundwaves inside a space is reduced and clarity is improved.
You can find a complete write up on the best acoustic wall panels for your room here.
Best acoustic materials for walls
The best acoustic materials are those with a Class A absorption rating, so keep an eye out for that! All of our absorption materials for walls have a Class A rating to ensure you get the best results possible. Acoustic materials for walls can take many forms and also become quite costly. We have a selection of acoustic panels that are cost effective, look good and easy to install.
How to soundproof a wall
If you’d like to know how to install soundproofing materials for walls, or the best systems to look at, then we have a full blog about wall soundproofing for you. This will take you through the best wall soundproofing solutions and systems. A wall system is simply a layered design that uses more than one soundproofing material for walls and can also include an additional stud frame.
If you need help installing your solution, then we have a dedicated network of installers who will be happy to give you a quote. Get a quote for soundproofing installation.
How to soundproof a room
If looking at soundproofing materials for walls has given you more ideas and you’d like to know about options for whole rooms, then have a read of our room soundproofing guide. Remember that you can also give our experts here at iKoustic a call and they will be able to get you to the best soundproofing solution fastest.
How much do soundproofing materials cost?
Depending on what you are buying, soundproofing materials for walls start at £7.80 per m2 but the best soundproofing materials for walls will cost more and deliver better results.
For a guide to cheap wall soundproofing, head over here.
What are the best wall soundproofing materials?
If you are trying to control airborne noise through a wall then a decoupling device like the MuteClip and a partition of high mass is the best soundproofing solution. High mass materials will reflect airborne noise and MuteClip separate two surfaces, reducing transmission.
What are acoustic materials for walls?
Acoustic materials on walls are to reduce reverberation within a space. Absorption materials with open structures, like loose woven fibres and foams provide good absorption. Use a Class A rated materials whenever possible.
Can I soundproof a wall?
Yes, using materials of high mass will reflect airborne noise like talking and music. Adding in decoupling technology like a MuteClip will boost performance and save space. There are an array of soundproofing materials for walls but contact us for expert advice on what to use.
How do you install wall soundproofing?
Most soundproofing can be installed by a confident DIYer using our installation guides and videos. Be aware that soundproofing materials for walls have high mass and will require more than one person. We also have a complete installer network offering coverage across the UK. Find an installer here.
