How to make soundproofing tiles out of dryer lint?
Q. When I was younger I remember watching a Canadian television talk show called Jonovision. I believe the theme of the show was about young inventors and this kid collected dryer lint and mixed it in a bowl with a couple ingredients to create some sort of sound proofing square tiles. Anyone ever heard of this?
Asked by philip d - Thu Jan 24 21:08:42 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 3 Answers - 2 Comments

A. I would suggest drywall compound, just enough to hold the lint together. You would have to compress the mixture by putting something heavy on it.
Answered by Kate B - Fri Jan 25 10:16:54 2008

Who do I consult about soundproofing my condo?
Q. I need someone to come into my place and analyze what can be done to reduce the noise from my neighbors, either with flooring or adding drywall to the existing wall. I may make these alterations since I own it, but I need to know what type of contractor to consult. Does anyone know?
Asked by le coq geant - Fri Jun 20 12:01:54 2008 - Other - Home & Garden - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. I assume you want to insulate your floors and walls from neighbors below and/or next to you. Dealing with acoustic problems is a specialty. The best and most unbias answers would come from an architect or engineer familiar with reducing sound transmission in buildings. First I'll say that there's no such thing as "sound-proofing " - emphisis on "proofing". However, one can reduce sound transmisssion. Another key factor is the frequency of the sound you want to control i.e. base drums or violin music. Bottom Line: Doesn't the Condo Association have rules about these problems ? FLOORS: Carpet store sell special padding for carpet that has a lower acoustic transmission factor than regular padding. Carpet is also good… [cont.]
Answered by Dan B - Fri Jun 20 13:51:33 2008

I have a drummer in the house and need advice on cheap soundproofing?
Q. I need some very cheap suggestions for soundproofing a room, Please Please don't tell me about egg boxes they don't work!
Asked by scharon - Fri Jul 27 06:41:49 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 8 Answers - 1 Comments

A. THANK YOU...Finally someone else who says NO EGG cartons. whew... If I can assume that aesthetics aren't a major issue, I have suggestions. Construction grade foam insulating panels, 4 x 8, Often Blue, and probably 2 inch thick would help. Not knowing how many levels in the house or where Drum practice takes place, you might consider some level of insulating a ceiling as well, even with the installation of a drop ceiling. Carpet on the floor will help absorb some sound, as will fabric or drapes at any openings. In fact upholstered furniture in the practice room will add some sound absorbtion. A bookshelf along one or more walls,,,and that could help hide the foam sheets. On a more personal note, you might arrange a schedule that… [cont.]
Answered by DIY Doc - Fri Jul 27 07:02:23 2007

Does the foam soundproofing material work?
Q. Does anyone know if the foam (egg crate like) acoustic foam work? I have noisy neighbours and want to insulate a small cupboard where the noise is coming from but don't have much money to do it. Does the foam only work to reduce the noise from my flat or does it reduce noise coming in?
Asked by hennes - Thu Feb 4 10:47:53 2010 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. I have found a noise cancelling method that sometimes works. Point 2 stereo speakers in their direction. Be sure it's NOT their favorite talk radio station or favorite style of music. If this doesn't work, I did read about egg crate material as a viable, inexpensive alternative. I forget where to look. Try asking your local diner or restaurant to save you some. They're about 12 or 14 inches square.
Answered by marknluz - Thu Feb 4 10:57:16 2010

whats the best way of soundproofing a room,from my dogs barking? any way i could do it on the cheap?
Q. I have a caravan as i go to dog shows in the summer and the dogs live at the end room of my caravan,any ideas on soundproofing?
Asked by patkick - Sat Oct 28 13:03:24 2006 - Maintenance & Repairs - 6 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Blocking sound is a difficult task. The most cost effective method would be to build a partition with a acoustic / barrier composite sandwiched in between. Products such as Durabarrier or Ultra Barrier from will work well. It is important that you minimize any cracks, crevices or openings when reducing sound in any application. These products will allow you to build a wall with a total thickness of 2.0 - 2.5" with a sound reduction around 65% if installed properly.
Answered by Fred B - Mon Oct 30 11:10:51 2006

How do I check the soundproofing of a house that I'm looking to rent?
Q. Is there a way to like knock on the walls and tell?
Asked by asdfasdf a - Fri Jul 30 10:56:32 2010 - Renting & Real Estate - 3 Answers - Comments

Is styrofoam good for soundproofing?
Q. I play the drums, and is styrofoam a good way to soundproof? And where can i get big blocks of it? Also where can i get CHEAP mattresses, i heard they are good too.
Asked by imac - Mon Mar 3 01:26:18 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Diy doc is correct about the egg cartons. I play drums and tried everything to do what you call "sound-proof" One success I had was with dense styro foam ...this foam is actually compressed from very thick sheets to smaller ones. With the compression, the R value is very very high!! I got all of mine for free by going to a buss. that installs room enclosures...a company called HORIZON is a big one. I just picked scrap for about 2 weeks from the back. I hope this helps.
Answered by fluflu66 - Mon Mar 3 10:49:53 2008

Soundproofing my friends basement?
Q. My friends and I are thinking about soundproofing my friends basement because when we have parties there it disturbs other residents. We obviously don't want this to happen so i was wondering how much it would cost if we bought soundproofing board from a home store and put it up in his basement. Also i would like to know how to do this in the most effective way possible. The basement is unfinished and of medium size.
Asked by sam o - Sun Apr 15 13:27:18 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 4 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Before you take this on consider the following: Soundproofing is really a question of cutting low frequency (bass) transmission. Highs and midrange are comparitively easy (basically seal the room and you're done). Cutting bass require decoupling of the inner surface from the other side so the sound is not transmitted through the wall or damping the wall by adding mass (or both). Since you will need to build walls a good option is to use Resilient Sound Isolation Clips on the bottom of ceiling joists and on new stud walls, both with metal furring strips with one or two layers of drywall over them. You also need to fill the wall cavity and interjoist cavities with fiberglass insulation.. If you will be doing the work yourself consider "s [cont.]
Answered by agb90spruce - Sun Apr 15 18:00:03 2007

I have been given a project to Soundproofing solution for Villa in Dubai,UAE.can anybody locate me?
Q. Can any body locate in Dubai regarding the soundproofing solutions? Dear Friends Thanks for your reply at my query. actually i am the incharge of Properties.i have been given the instructions to make soundproofing one of our Villa.(100% soundproof) Its ready Villa and people live there,just for privacy maintain,we have to make it soundproof the whole villa. can you suggest me the contractors who are already have done this type of work or doing the job. Best Regards Jamal Akbar Khan.
Asked by jamal_akhan1978 - Tue Jan 20 01:14:03 2009 - United Arab Emirates - 4 Answers - Comments

A. Energyzone LLC Post Box: 62650, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Telephone: +971(4)2975770 Facsimile: +971(4)2975771 Universal Biometric is the sole distributor for Acoustiblok sound proofing materials in the Gulf region of UAE Universal biometric FZE Post Box: 8663, Saif Zone Sharjah - UAE Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Contact Person: Faisal Farooq Hard Block Factory LLC PO Box 37642 Jebel Ali 2nd Industerial Area Jebel Ali Free Zone Dubai United Arab Emirates Telephone: Facsimile: Website: +971(4)8801555 Telephone: +971(6)5576262 Facsimile: +971(6)5576263 Mobile: +971(050)646447 0
Answered by H - Tue Jan 20 01:59:38 2009

For Soundproofing is it better to remove Laminate or lay carpet with underlay on top?
Q. Upstairs have laminate flooring which is causing us big problems with the sounds from walking around. Is it better for them to remove the laminate or lay the carpet over the top? Which will be the best soundproofing option?
Asked by emmamail99 - Thu Nov 13 14:47:24 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Carpet with underlay and get rid of laminate, however, if you need laminate in the room, like in a kitchen you can get soft laminate floors which don't make a sound.
Answered by Charlie's broken .22 - Thu Nov 13 14:52:35 2008

Need advice on how effective soundproofing will be?
Q. I am going to soundproof my party wall in a semi detached house. The builder reccomends over lapping plaster board then rockwool then plasterboard, losing about 3 inches in every room. Has anyone used this method and how effective is it?
Asked by marc odriscoll - Sat Apr 23 10:51:43 2011 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 4 Answers - Comments

A. I've seen this technique done many times, using mineral wool batts (ie. rockwool), acoustic tile, and rigid foam slabs. Efficacy is varying, and often the cost of refinishing walls outweighs the noise reduction benefit. The problem that you face is that sound waves only partially travel through walls. A significant amount of vibration will also be transmitted through your framing. As a result, effective noise dampening has to be engineered into the house at the time of construction by using a vibration absorbing material where joists mount on the foundation and such. Retrofitting sound reduction is not necessarily useless, but don't be surprised if you can still hear the guy next door. Also, if you want your rockwool to be anywhere near… [cont.]
Answered by abodeinspections - Sat Apr 23 12:45:15 2011

How much will soundproofing windows cost?
Q. There is a major busy highway right behind our house, and the noises are almost unbearable at night when we are trying to sleep. How much will soundproofing the windows for noise reduction cost in general?
Asked by hi - Fri May 7 20:51:42 2010 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - Comments

A. You should be able to get someone locally out there without any problems to show what local products are available to shield you from the noise by adding to your window to make them soundproof or doing something else. It's a good thing that a lot of window contractors are offering to give free estimates, and you can use this to your advantage to see who offers the best deal. The following is a link to a handyman site that offers free very resourceful information to assist you in assessing the cost of your project, and, ultimately, finding a local window contractor in an effort to get the best deal for you: Info on local window contractors: I'm hopeful the above will provide you with the information that is necessary to make a wise consumer… [cont.]
Answered by Thinker - Fri May 7 22:55:22 2010

where can i find information on window soundproofing +?
Q. soundproofing double glazing or treble glazing which is the best+
Asked by JAMES L - Mon Dec 11 16:38:12 2006 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 7 Answers - Comments

A. Try Lowe's . Home Depot ask someone in the window dept.
Answered by StarShine G - Mon Dec 11 17:15:49 2006

How do i remove soundproofing foam and glue from my walls?
Q. My cousin had sound proofing foam glued to his walls to drown out the sound of his drumkit, however I now need to remove it all. So far I've pulled off the squares of foam (along with chunks of the plaster!) however there's still quite a lot of foam that's stuck fast, as well as the glue. I can only assume it's some kind of no nails/superglue type stuff. Any suggestions on how I can remove the residue so I can paint over it would be great. Thanks
Asked by Nat*123 - Sun May 17 10:52:05 2009 - Decorating & Remodeling - 1 Answers - Comments

A. You have a problem, a big one! If he used something like liquid nails then you are really screwed. Is it a plaster wall or drywall? I guess it doesn't matter because the parts where the glue was will have to be removed. If it is made from drywall the wall board will have to be removed and replaced. I do not know of any solvent that can remove the stuff. You may want to contact the manufacturer if you can find out what exactly he used. Good luck, glad it isn't me!!
Answered by Gregory - Sun May 17 11:03:31 2009

What kind of doors are best for soundproofing a room?
Q. I have a bathroom that's in very close proximity to the kitchen and dining room. Currently it has a flat, hollow door. I want to purchase a more solid door so the sounds from inside are more muffled. Is hard wood the way to go or is there something that absorbs sound better? If wood is the way to go, is oak a good choice?
Asked by Ronnie - Wed Jan 16 15:11:20 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Yes solid wood is good. It can be any wood, but if its solid oak it would be very expensive. Also, keep in mind that it will be very heavy and the hinges and support that you now have will not be sufficient to hold any solid door. You will need a carpenter to strengthen the frame etc. A cheaper option would be to drill a few small holes at various spots in the door sides and inject low expansion insulating foam that come in cans. You will need 4 or 5 cans. Also add a strip of sticky foam at the bottom edge of your door if it is far from the floor.
Answered by CLAUDE D - Wed Jan 16 15:29:13 2008

What is best way of soundproofing downstairs flat cheaply, Kingspan Insulation or greem laminate underlay?
Q. The ceiling is damaged anyway, so we are replacing the ceiling, ie, taking down the tongue and groove cladding on the ceiling and plasterboarding and plastering over. Want to try and make it a little bit more soundproof on the cheap, and am considering either 25mm Kingspan insulation, or the green laminate underlay - the think 12mm boards, not the cheaper roll stuff.
Asked by digitalincarnation - Wed Mar 18 19:26:44 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. If your taking down the cieling anyway then you need to fill any spaces with as dence a material as you can get in them safely. If you simply place boards over the joists you are creating a form of sound box within the voids,"think of an acoustic guitar and how the sound increases because of the vibrations coming from the body". A membrane is often fitted from above and sand is poured inbetween the joist using the membrane to support the weight,but as your doing this from beneath thats not an option. I would pack in as much rock wool as you can and then double plaster board and skim.. Compress the filling as much as you can as density reduces noise, and fluffyness is only good for heat insulation. This dus,nt answer the cheapest… [cont.]
Answered by want to walk - Thu Mar 19 05:01:41 2009

Is there an effective way of soundproofing an apartment ceiling?
Q. It is a concrete apartment building, cheaply built, with no adjoining walls, and we are experiencing a lot of noise from upstairs neighbors; moving furniture, high heels, high volume TV and stereo and a dog which howls when left alone.
Asked by bolichi - Wed Jan 4 09:03:46 2006 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Earplugs. I don't believe that there is a product on the market which wouldn't harm your landlords ceiling. You may discuss the possibility of splitting the bill with your landlord on installing a drop ceiling. Drop ceilings are fairly economical and easy to install. They do a great job of deadoning the noise from above. The sound is echoed between the air space , the 3 or 4 inches between the existing ceiling and the drop ceiling. The drop ceiling panels are made of fiber and have a sound dulling effect in themselves. Unless you have a low ceiling already, or a decorative ceiling, your landlord may go for the deal. You can put the drop ceiling in the rooms where you spend most of your time...ie..your bedroom and family room. This will be… [cont.]
Answered by pepsi guy - Wed Jan 4 10:33:05 2006

Soundproofing a room from a surround sound?
Q. I have a surround sound system in my kitchen and my bedroom is above the kitchen. I here every sound from the speakers. I also have a fire place in my kitchen and bedroom with the chimney running through the bedroom. I need some soundproofing to keep the sound out od my bedroom. Thank You. Please give me some websites or names of products.
Asked by tinaaman160 - Sat Jan 2 16:03:59 2010 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments

A. one option you have is to use a product called SAFE & SOUND, it is a sound proofing product that would go between studs. If that is not an option,you can look up some other products that are out there. I have seen a product ( cannot remember the name) that is about 1/2" thick and would be applied under drywall and is an excellent sound proofing choice. All of these options require you to create a new wall and or ceiling surface. Short of all of the above, your only other option is to create sound deadening by way of temporary walls or screens. good luck
Answered by movinonman - Sat Jan 2 17:19:55 2010

If one cannot afford industrial soundproofing, what are some good ways to do it?
Q. I've heard that many egg trays attached to plywood is good. I'd attach them in several layers to both sides of the plywood. My application would be for an apartment door, to protect against loud hallway noise. Any other ideas?!
Asked by esha26 - Fri Sep 1 17:43:05 2006 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 5 Answers - 1 Comments

A. The last guys that thought they could get away with home made soundproofing were the two brothers who owned the Station Night Club in Rhode Island. When on one crowded night the band on stage set off fireworks the soundproofing caught fire and flames filled the place burning it to the ground. About a hundred young music fans died trapped inside and hundreds got horrible disfiguring burns that are ruining their lives. The roadie who set off the pyrotechnics is in jail and the brothers are still facing murder (not manslaughter) charges because of their criminal negligence in putting that kind of material up there. the fireproof soundproofing for the apartment door can't cost that much - don't mess with egg crate foam because it can spread… [cont.]
Answered by Rich Z - Fri Sep 1 17:58:15 2006

How can I get my upstairs neighbours to put in soundproofing?
Q. The people upstairs from me in my new flat have got stripped floorboards, which means i can hear pretty much every word they say, and every footstep and movement. They're not noisy, they're just going about their lives as any normal person would, but it's like they're in the house with me. I believe that you're not actually allowed to have stripped floorboards in upstairs flats, but not sure if this is true? I haven't spoken to them yet as wanted to know where i stood before subtly raising the issue with them.
Asked by cameron s - Thu Oct 5 06:57:45 2006 - Other - Home & Garden - 11 Answers - Comments

A. If your in a flat then there will be lease. You need to check the lease. I have a flat in London, and there is a clause in the lease which says that you must have carpet on the floors to reduce noise. The other thing you can do is talk to them and explain how the noise travels. Maybe you could ask them to try to be a bit quieter between say 11pm and 7am. Good Luck!
Answered by Copper - Thu Oct 5 07:06:30 2006