Blog Post

Matt Jobling • July 30, 2020

What Is The Best Way To Soundproof A Wall?

Firstly We Need To Understand How Sound Passes Through A Wall

Airborne Noises - Talking, television sounds, dog(s) barking.

Impact Noises - Footsteps, footfall on stairs adjoining the party wall, banging doors and cupboards.

When sound is created at the source, it becomes a vibration energy, this energy is known as airborne noise and initially travels through from within your neighbours room, through the dividing wall and into your room where the sound is first heard.

This sound energy enters the structure and the vibrations pass through the wall, through materials such as the bricks, mortar and plasterboards, in most scenarios.

Usually, standard house walls perform poorly in terms of soundproofing due to having either a low level of mass, weaknesses in the structure, or no de-coupling / isolation of the materials to dampen down the vibrations.

In some cases where a stud frame is present, there may be a hollow space between the timber profiles, with no insulation, in which case the sound energy will amplify and echo in this empty chamber, this is commonly known as the 'drum effect'.

How Can We Effectively Reduce This Unwanted Sound?

- Using a combination of different layers of materials with a high level of mass / density.

- Adding products with a high level of resilience to your current existing wall, of which will help to reduce, as well as absorb the sound energy being transferred through from the neighbouring property.

- Finally, adding layers of different densities or types of mass which perform well against different frequency levels i.e. high pitch and medium pitch sounds.

In simple terms, the best way to soundproof a wall is by:

1. Adding a combination of different materials with varying properties, which help to effectively reduce the vibration energy.

2. Also adding a high level of mass to the wall, this essentially makes it more difficult for the sound energy to pass through - If you add lots of layers of the same density, the common misconception is that this will continuously reduce the sound energy to the same degree. This is not the case, as adding different types of mass helps to reduce varying frequencies of sound energy, therefore increasing the overall effectiveness of soundproofing the wall. Adding more layers of the same material, won't effectively soundproof a wall.

3. Importantly, to soundproof a wall, we also need to add layers which have high level of resilience, this means having materials which can effectively absorb and minimise the sound energy / vibrations travelling through your wall.

Highest Performing Wall Soundproofing System - ReductoClip™ Independent Wall System

Our highest performing wall system is known as our ReductoClip™ independent wall system, which is typically used in nightclubs and studios, this is the most effective system in terms of sound reduction predominantly for airborne sounds and vibration energy.

This system works exceptionally well, even for louder sounds, by being completely isolated from the current structure, the timber frame which makes up part of the system is 10mm away from the existing wall therefore it is de-coupled and not in direct contact with the solid wall, making it harder for the sound energy to transfer through as you have a break in the system.

The system also comprises of an isolation strip around the perimeter, helping to reduce flanking vibration coming through from your walls, floor and ceiling.

ReductoClip Soundproofing Solution - Overview

How to Soundproof a wall with the ReductoClip™ Independent Wall System

How do the ReductoClips™ Work?

The ReductoClips on this system are designed to fix on to the timber frame, reducing the magnitude of vibrations by de-coupling the further plasterboard layers from the frame, acting similar to shock absorbers, which dampen down and absorb the vibrational energy. They are also designed to hold the horizontal furring bars in place.

The final layers of the system – the Tecsound SY100 and the two layers of acoustic plasterboard both have different types of mass which assist with blocking out different levels of sound frequencies or pitches.

As a rule of thumb, with this system you would typically expect to have an 80-90% reduction in sound transferral through the offending walls of your neighbouring property, taking into account the performance of this system, this is the slimmest independent wall system on the current UK market, minimising the amount of space loss within your room.

If you would like to learn how the ReductoClips outperform other clip systems, please see our ReductoClip™ System Comparison Blog .

ReductoClip Learn More

Further wall soundproofing solutions can be found below:

ReductoClip Direct to Wall

ReductoClip

"We don’t expect you to become an expert overnight , that’s what we’re here for."

Request A Quote

Call Us 01423 206208

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Case Study: How To Soundproof a Floor (The 5 best acoustic floor solutions) 2024

By Ian Baker • January 26, 2025

The 5 best acoustic floor solutions when looking to successfully soundproof a timber floor to achieve a high level of airborne and impact noise reduction

ProSound Easy-Fix Acoustic Ceiling Foam Panels

Reducing Office Noise and Echo: Acoustic Panels Case Study

By Sam Fessey • December 9, 2024

Reduce echo and dramatically improve the sound quality in office spaces. A detailed case study showing the office acoustics before and after. Easy peel and stick installation of ProSound Easy-Fix Acoustic Foam ceiling Panels.

ReductoClip Independent Wall System on a brick wall

Brick Wall Soundproofing

By Phil Lyons • November 28, 2024

Soundproofing a brick wall can be extremely effective if key principles are followed. Decoupling soundproofing layers from the brick wall and enhancing its ability to absorb and dampen sound energy. Adding resilience to the brick wall with ReductoClips allows the wall to flex and absorb vibrations, much like a car’s suspension system smooths out road bumps. To block airborne noise, heavy, dense materials like FlexiSound and Acoustic Plasterboard are added. For optimal soundproofing of a solid brick party wall, the ReductoClip Independent Wall System offers a outstanding solution, combining key soundproofing elements for maximum noise reduction.

How To Soundproof A Stud Wall

By Phil Lyons • September 27, 2024

How to soundproof a stud wall, reducing noise through hollow internal partition walls.

ProSound™ SoundBoard 4 Soundproofing Wall Panels

Do Soundproofing Wall Panels Work?

By Sam Fessey • September 4, 2024

An overview of the best soundproofing panels for soundproofing unwanted noise through a party wall and the best acoustic wall panels for reducing reverberation and echo within a space.

Cost of moving house v's cost of soundprrofing money and house on scales

What is the cost of soundproofing v's moving house?

By Ian Baker • September 1, 2024

Soundproofing the walls, floors and ceilings within your house is a cost-effective alternative to moving house. Learn more about the costs involved.

Which is the best soundproof isolation clip?

By Phil Lyons • August 22, 2024

Soundproofing isolation clips are highly effective in reducing noise transmission between walls and ceilings. By decoupling the surfaces and creating a break in the sound path, these clips significantly minimise the amount of noise that can travel through structures. Helping to soundproof against noisy neighbours and soundproof music studios and home cinemas.

ReductoClip Direct to Wall Soundproofing

How can I soundproof an existing wall?

By Phil Lyons • August 7, 2024

Soundproofing an existing wall can significantly enhance the comfort and privacy of your living space by reducing unwanted noise from noisy neighbours. The key to effective soundproofing lies in understanding and applying the three main principles of soundproofing: isolation, damping, and mass.

Sound Absorption and Acoustic Panels: A Comprehensive Guide

By Sam Fessey • July 5, 2024

In the modern world, managing sound within spaces has become essential for various reasons. Ranging from ensuring a peaceful environment in commercial office spaces to improving audio quality in recording studios..

How to soundproof an existing floor between rooms

By Phil Lyons • July 1, 2024

A detailed case study on how to soundproof a timber floor separating bedrooms in a hotel. Using the highly acclaimed SoundMat 3 Plus, this solution significantly reduces impact and airborne noise. Step-by-step instructions on the DIY installation of this tried and tested soundproofing solution.