Quick Guide on How to Soundproof an Apartment

Properly executed soundproofing in an apartment is the key to comfort and health. What it entails and how to do it right, we learned from Timur Kalandarov, General Director of iHouse Lab.

Timur Kalandarov - Expert, General Director of iHouse Lab

1. General Information

Sounds we hear are divided into several types:

• Airborne: emitted from a source into the air and then penetrates through partition walls. For example, neighbors' voices (40-50 dB) or music (80-100 dB).
• Impact: occurs when a force is applied to a partition (floor slab, wall stud, door panel). In most cases, impacts are transmitted through floor slabs. For example, knocking on a door or wall.
  
• Structure-borne: sound propagates through structures in various directions: for example, drill noise (90-110 dB).

2. Soundproofing - A Comprehensive Solution

It is important to consider soundproofing during the project design phase. Choosing the right material allows achieving significantly better sound insulation performance of the structure without increasing its thickness.

To ensure quality soundproofing in an apartment, it is necessary to soundproof walls, ceilings, floors, as well as install multi-chamber glass units and entrance doors with enhanced sound insulation. Sometimes sockets in neighboring apartments are installed through a through-hole in the partition wall: this can cause you to clearly hear neighbors' conversations. Sound may also penetrate through gaps in heating pipes.

3. Stages of Soundproofing

1. Installation of Soundproof Partition Walls made from gypsum board - the best solution for achieving required sound insulation in apartment rooms. The advantage of gypsum board partitions lies in their mass, thickness, installation time, and excellent sound insulation properties (45-59 dB).

Sound is absorbed when using mineral wool in the composition of gypsum board partitions and wall cladding, thanks to the fibrous structure of the material. For example, ISOVER SoundShield and ISOVER Acoustic boards significantly reduce noise levels by 51 dB in a two-layer gypsum board partition. Using Gyproc GKLAKU-Line boards in the partition increases the sound insulation index Rw to 59 dB.

2. Installation of Soundproof Floor - the next step in achieving quietness and comfort in an apartment. It represents a type of floating floor. Mineral wool ISOVER "Floating Floor" is laid on the floor slabs. The next layer is geotextile and fiberglass mesh weber.vetonit R108, followed by a screed weber.vetonit 4350. The "sandwich" can now be used to lay laminate or parquet.

3. Soundproof Ceiling is a suspended system made from metal framework and a double-layered cladding of gypsum board sheets, with mandatory installation of soundproofing material such as mineral wool (ISOVER SoundShield and ISOVER Acoustic). This combination of soundproofing materials ensures the required level of sound insulation in living spaces.

Additional 3 Tips from the Expert

Owners of old apartments and new constructions dream of eliminating unwanted noise. Therefore, it is important to understand soundproofing to avoid mistakes. Expert Alexey Rusakov answered the most relevant questions.

Alexey Rusakov - Expert, Project Manager at "Raummaister"

1. How to preserve additional space when installing a suspended ceiling?

To save space, avoid recessed lights with large mounting mechanisms and multi-level constructions. In this case, the ceiling will be closer to the floor slab.

2. Can soundproofing be limited to just one construction, for example, one wall in a room?

The maximum effect from soundproofing is achieved when a room is completely isolated from existing structures. When discussing soundproofing of one wall, this contradicts the principle described above. The effect of a single partition will be minimal, and it will require a lot of time and effort.

3. Should gypsum board partitions and cladding be installed in the bathroom for soundproofing?

Generally, when designing soundproofing in a bathroom, the focus is on reducing noise levels from cold and hot water pipes and sewage systems. Gypsum board sheets can be used as enclosing structures here, but they must be moisture-resistant. Additionally, use special soundproofing materials and quiet sewage pipes.

On the cover: Design project by Kashu Interiors.