How to Soundproof a Wall Between Apartments

In this guide, I’ll be showing you different methods on how to soundproof a wall between apartments.

While it’s possible to annoy your neighbors as f*#k, it’s also possible to undertake simple DIY hacks to soundproof against the noise coming through the wall.

According to a research published on BioMed Central website, there is a strong link between neighbor annoyance and eight different mental and physical health symptoms. (Source)

By now, you already aware that a noisy neighbor won’t only deny you a peaceful and quiet living but will also be the likely causes of the 8 mental and physical health symptoms you’re likely to suffer in the aftermath.

To help you deal with this problem, it’s important to soundproof your apartment. Read the guide below to learn how to deal with noise coming through apartment walls.

A-List of Methods on How to Soundproof A Wall Between Apartments

Below are some of the best and recommended hacks on how to soundproof a wall between apartments.

For effective results, I’d recommend you to combine two or more methods.

1. Seal the Gaps and Holes on the Wall

Holes or gaps on your wall, even the tiniest of them, can let in a great amount of noise. This is true, especially if your apartment has small walls.

Ensure you go through your apartment thoroughly to check for any holes that may be letting in noise. Once you locate them, use an appropriate sealant to seal them.

You can try Green Glue compound, which is both an adhesive and a soundproofing compound to seal the holes and gaps. By using the glue, you will be actually killing two birds with one stone.

Green glue absorbs sound waves and transforms them into heat energy, which is distributed on the wall.

Sealing the holes and gaps is simple, you only need to have the materials and the time, and you are good to go.

The steps include:

Remove your wall decorations, such as artwork.

Then clean the area around the holes and ensure they dry out before you apply the glue.

Allow it to dry out before returning the artwork.

2. Hang soundproof Curtains on the Walls

If you have sealed the holes and gaps but can still hear the noise, you should consider hanging soundproof curtains on the walls.

Soundproof curtains such as 3 Pass Microfiber Thermal Insulated Curtains are made of acoustic properties that absorb sound.

The curtains are also thermally insulated, which means there will be no heat loss in your home, especially if you live in a cold environment.

Soundproof curtains are made of heavy material such as polyester that blocks and minimize the noise reaching your ears.

The curtains are also aesthetically pleasing, so it will be a great addition if you want to improve your home’s appearance.

Ensure you go for those that match with your existing walls.

You can also consider soundproofing blanket such as Sure-Max Thick Soundproofing Blanket, which works the same as soundproof curtains.

The blankets are hanged on the walls to block out the noise.

3. Use acoustic Foams

Acoustic foams are also a suitable method of soundproofing if you are wondering how to soundproof a wall between apartments.

The foams are commonly used in recording studios but can work well even in a home. Here is a guide on how to hang acoustic panels without ruining your wall.

The panels are made of polyester material, which is either two or four inches thicker. Remember the foams do not work

Consider Acoustic Panel Studio Foam for your apartment when shopping. They work well at minimizing noise coming through a surface.

4. Paint the Walls with Soundproof Paint

Painting your walls with acoustic paint such as Acousti Coat may sound unbelievable, but it actually works.

This is a good and cheap way to soundproof your walls, especially if the noise coming in is less.

Painting your walls with soundproof paint is also a good idea if you were planning on renovating your walls.

The paint comes in different colors, which allows you to choose the one that would go well with your home.

The paint is thicker compared to the regular paints, and it’s applied in layers to increase its width. This ensures that low-frequency noise is greatly reduced.

Soundproof paint is an excellent choice if you don’t have the budget for an expensive product such as MassMass Loaded vinyl.

Painting the wall is an easy job that you can do as a DIY project instead of spending money on hiring a professional.

Remember to consult with your landlord first before doing any repair in the apartment.

5. Fill Out Space with Furniture

Another way you can minimize the noise in your apartment is by filling out space with furniture.

An empty room is prone to noise because of the echo effect. Noise will hit the ceiling and floor then reflected back on the walls if there are no objects to block this reflection.

For this reason, you should consider purchasing new furniture if you don’t have any to fill out the spaces. Couches and bookshelf are some of the furniture that you should consider

Ensure you place them near the wall to block the noise and prevent them from bouncing off.

You can fill the bookshelf with books to leave no room for noise to sneak out.

You can also try wall art and decorations such as a painting.

Even though they may not block out the noise entirely, you will notice a difference in the amount of noise coming in.

6. Use Mass Loaded Vinyl

Another material that works as a soundproofing material and thermal insulation product is mass loaded vinyl (MLV).

MLV is one of the best soundproofing products that are effective at cutting out the amount of noise getting into your space.

MLV is made of a dense rubber that reduces noise transmission. If you can’t get your hands on this product, consider these mass loaded vinyl alternatives.

Installing MLV is pretty simple, and you can do it yourself with the help of a friend. The steps include:

Measure your wall and use the measurements to trim the MLV.

Clean the area of the wall where you plan on installing the MLV by removing protrusions and dirt.

Position the MLV on the wall with your friend’s assistance. Then fasten it using nails or screws.

Tape the seams using duct tape and ensure they don’t cover your electrical outlets.

Use a sealant to caulk the perimeter before installing the drywall.

7. Add Mass to the Wall- use Drywall

You can add mass to your existing wall by installing drywall to block out the noise coming in.

Drywall is made up of strong materials like gypsum, custard board, sheetrock, and viscoelastic.

These materials contribute to its effectiveness at blocking out the noise coming in through walls.

If you choose to install drywall, consider adding to layers for the best results, especially if you have thin walls.

8. Use form Padding

Form pads are also an affordable means of soundproofing your apartment walls. The foam pad is made of high-density rubber which sound deadens noise in a space.

The mats are installed on the wall the same way you would install on the floor. Use wall padding such as Gymnastics Mats.

The thickness of the mats makes them ideal for sound deadening your apartment wall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLjhrXFo0Kw

Final Thoughts on How to Soundproof A Wall Between Apartments

I hope by now, you’ve learned different methods on how to soundproof a wall between apartments.

These are simple DIY hacks that you can accomplish on your own or with the help of your friend or family member.

The best part is that all these hacks are inexpensive and, in the end, will reduce unwanted noise to manageable levels.