That’s Ineffective! The Mistaken Concept of “Soundproofing Just One Wall”
“Soundproofing Just One Wall Is Pointless!? Common Mistakes in Noise Control”
What would you do if you were troubled by noise from the neighboring room in your apartment?
Many might think, “I just need to soundproof the wall facing the neighboring room,” but in reality, this often has little to no effect. Here’s a detailed explanation of why that is.
Why Soundproofing Can Be Ineffective
- Sound Travels Through More Than Just Walls!
Sound doesn’t travel solely through walls. Noise spreads through floors, ceilings, ceiling voids, window frames (sashes), and even pipes. Even if you reinforce a wall, sound can still penetrate through other pathways, rendering your soundproofing ineffective. Sound can bypass or transmit as vibrations, so addressing just one wall won’t yield adequate results. - Mid-to-Low Frequency Noise Is Hard to Block
Most of the noise from the neighboring room consists of mid-to-low frequency sounds. While the structure of an apartment can block some high-frequency sounds, when noise remains a problem, it is often low-frequency noise that is the culprit. Blocking these sounds is extremely difficult, and simple soundproofing materials available online are usually ineffective.
When Soundproofing a Single Wall Can Be Effective…
Of course, there are cases where soundproofing just one wall works. However, there needs to be a clear justification that soundproofing one wall is sufficient. Undertaking soundproofing blindly may result in insufficient effects and ultimately be a waste of money.
Noisy Environment Solutions Should Start With Investigation
Soundproofing is never simple. Start by conducting noise investigations or measurements to identify the pathways through which the sound is traveling. Some companies offer free investigations and measurements, so consulting a professional is recommended.
However, solving noise issues fundamentally means addressing the noise source. It is not fair for the affected party to bear high costs for soundproofing. Start by consulting with the property manager or local government to request action. (Stay calm and composed while handling the situation!)
Conclusion
“Soundproofing just one wall” is often inadequate for noise control. By properly investigating the noise pathways and types of sound, and applying the correct soundproofing measures, you can finally achieve effective results.