We know that the concept of using a new soundproofing product, like Green Glue, can be a bit overwhelming for some. Today we thought we’d take the opportunity to show you how simple applying Green Glue can really be. Check out this short but informative video. After you see this, you’ll be ready to start your own project.
Last week we started looking at some of the soundproofing materials available for use today.
One of the materials we’ve discovered is lead lined sheetrock. Lead lined sheetrock is actually very effective at absorbing sound. There’s just one problem.
It’s crazy expensive - averaging close to $200 per sheet, depending on where you make your purchase.
Truth be told, you’re better off using some Green Glue and buying some new drywall. It’ll cost less and be incredibly effective as well.
Today we’re going to continue our brief exploration of the different types of soundproofing materials on the market by talking about insulation.
Insulation materials are usually packed into walls and cavities to keep sound from leaking out. Most soundproofing experts agree that pink insulation material doesn’t do much to block sound, and they recommend pumping cellulose into your walls instead.
Cellulose does reduce noise, but not enough to make us happy. We’d much rather use Green Glue and some extra drywall to get the job done. It costs less and is more effective.
While browsing the web we came upon an interesting question. A landlord had been receiving complaints from tenants living both above and below a third tenant. He knows the ceilings don’t have any insulation, so he wanted to know what he could do to fix the problem without disturbing his tenants.
Reality? He needs to get in there and start soundproofing. As long as he gives his tenants enough notice, he could easily finish a soundproofing job, utilizing a bit of Green Glue and drywall, in just a day or two in each unit. Sooner, if he had help. The tenants are already complaining, so they probably won’t mind a minor inconvenience!
Believe it or not, there are a few parents out there paying attention to the amount of time their kids spend gaming. We even found a teenager trying to take a proactive approach, looking for ways to enjoy his games without annoying the heck out of his mom and dad. He knew he could soundproof his room, but he did not want to have to build walls.
What was our solution? Using Green Glue and a second layer of drywall to add another layer to the existing walls, of course. It’s easier, and safer, than any other type of construction and, if he works with his dad, will take less than an afternoon to complete. Arguing over the new paint color, on the other hand, may take longer!
As you have probably already guessed, we think very highly of Green Glue here. While there are tons of great soundproofing techniques, the use of Green Glue is probably one of the most effective and affordable.
Check out this video from Markertek for some information about how Green Glue was designed and used. We think you’ll have a better understanding of sound isolation after watching.
If you’re lucky enough to have a speedboat, yacht, or cabin cruiser than you’ll probably want to take the time to soundproof the interior just a little bit. Who wants to be aroused from a seaborne nap in the cabin by the sound of the incredibly loud marine diesel engine or by the sound of the waves slapping on the side of the hull? Why not enjoy your time on the sea as much as possible?
Soundproofing a boat is easier than you might think. The main source of noise is, of course, the engine compartment. With that in mind you’ll want to adhere some mass loaded vinyl to the inside walls of the engine compartment. You can get it to stick by using some sort of contact cement or, for added effect, another acoustical product like Green Glue. Whatever you do, make sure the products you choose to use are waterproof.
To finish off the project you’ll simply have to apply some acoustical caulk around the seams and perimeter of the vinyl. Make sure you let your work dry completely before putting the boat in the water. The soundproofing effects garnered by just this little bit of work will prove astounding.
A while back we were reading some posts over at the Floor Talk! site and a reader over there had posed an interesting question. The guy in question was a condo owner and wanted to install hardwood floors but his homeowners associateion wouldn’t let him have them installed because the floors would make too much noise and disturb his downstairs neighbor.
The reader than posed the question that interested us. He wanted to know if he could use Green Glue under the new hardwood floor to reduce the noise. The answer? Not as promising as we hoped.
If you have a condo and are able to change the height of the floor, adding another layer of plywood and then the Green Glue, the effect might really be exactly what you’re looking for. Remember, the thicker the insulation the less noise you’ll hear.
In the end, though, it turns out that the Green Glue combination will only really absorb low-frequency noises but those high-frequency noises wouldn’t be absorbed. In the end your downstairs neighbors will still hear you sliding your furniture around or dropping your keys and silverware.
In this case, Green Glue is only a part of the solution. As much as we hate to admit it, if you own a condo and could potentially violate your agreements or anger your neighbors you should consider hiring a sound consultant. He or she will be able to best determine whether installing a hardwood floor is a reality or merely another dream.