How to Soundproof a Wall With Insulation? A UK Guide

Approximately 80% of people in the UK experience some level of noise pollution in their homes, according to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. While this can be bothersome for many, research has shown that excessive noise pollution can lead to increased anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Soundproof insulation for walls can help mitigate these issues and create a peaceful and calming environment in your home. Acoustic insulation improves sound quality and quiet, ideal for older homes or shared walls with neighbours.

This guide explains how to soundproof walls within your home or shared party walls with neighbours. It covers sound insulation techniques, benefits of soundproofing, and provides a step-by-step guide to help you make informed decisions.

The most effective way to soundproof your walls is to work with a trusted professional who understands the correct type of acoustic insulation needed based on the level of noise you are experiencing. Finding the right insulation specialist can be time-consuming, as you'll need to compare multiple quotes to find the best fit for your needs. Fortunately, GreenMatch is here to assist you.

By filling out our simple 30-second form, we can connect you with up to four free quotes from your area's top soundproofing insulation specialists. There are no hidden costs and no obligations. Click below to learn more.

Using soundproof insulation is an effective way to increase privacy, minimise noise disturbances, and improve a room’s acoustics. With only 23% of homes in the UK being detached, most people are likely to encounter noise issues with their neighbours. 

Understanding the most effective methods for soundproofing your walls can significantly create a quieter, more comfortable home environment. Here are the ways you can achieve sound insulation in your walls:

Using a combination of these techniques on how to soundproof a wall can effectively reduce noise transfer and create a more peaceful, private space.

Soundproofing a wall with insulation involves adding dense, sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise transmission between rooms or external walls. Here's a step-by-step approach to soundproofing a wall with insulation:

Before selecting acoustic insulation for your walls, it’s important to determine whether your external walls are cavity or solid. Cavity wall insulation soundproofing requires materials that can be easily inserted into the space between wall layers. In contrast, solid walls offer more flexibility in material choice, as insulation can be applied directly to the wall surface.

When considering wall insulation, there are many materials to choose from. Netatmo suggests aiming for around 40 decibels of noise in your home to maintain a peaceful environment. The best soundproofing insulation generally depends on the type of noise you're trying to block out. Here are some top-rated materials known for effective soundproofing:

Combining various soundproofing materials with additional techniques can significantly enhance the acoustic insulation of both cavity and solid walls. 

Next, prepare the wall area for insulation. If the wall is unfinished, you'll have direct access to the cavities, allowing for easy insulation installation. You may need to remove the drywall to access these cavities for finished walls. If this isn't feasible, you can also apply soundproofing techniques over the existing drywall by adding a layer to reduce sound transmission.

Once the wall is prepared, fill the wall cavities with the chosen insulation material. Place the insulation securely within the wall cavities, ensuring that it’s not compressed, as this maintains optimal sound-absorbing properties. If maximum soundproofing is needed, consider layering different materials within the cavity, such as combining fibreglass with acoustic mineral wool to target a broader range of sound frequencies.

If you want to add soundproofing insulation to interior walls or a shared wall with your neighbour, consider applying Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV) over the existing insulation within the wall cavity or directly on solid walls. MLV provides a dense layer that effectively blocks sound transmission. Attach it directly to the studs or drywall, securing it with nails, screws, or adhesive to ensure complete coverage. Seal any overlapping seams with acoustic caulk to prevent sound from leaking.

Another option is to build a stud wall sound insulation on your interior walls, which allows you to add additional insulation materials like acoustic cotton or mineral wool. However, remember that this approach will slightly reduce your home's interior space and may increase costs. Still, it provides more flexibility in selecting insulation materials for effective soundproofing.

For even greater soundproofing, apply a Green Glue noise-dampening compound layer between the first and second layers of drywall. Green Glue dissipates sound vibrations, significantly reducing noise transfer. Spread a layer of Green Glue on the back of the second drywall layer, then attach this drywall over the existing wall or MLV layer. This additional drywall layer combined with Green Glue provides a highly effective sound barrier, especially for solid walls.

Once the wall structure is in place, seal gaps and cracks with acoustic caulk. Apply the caulk around the wall's edges, baseboards, and openings for outlets, light switches, and fixtures. Even small gaps can allow sound to leak through, so it's essential to seal these areas to ensure effective soundproofing thoroughly.

Complete the wall as desired after installing the insulation, MLV, and drywall. You can paint, apply wallpaper, or add other finishes. Despite the added soundproofing materials, the wall will appear like a standard finished wall while significantly reducing sound transmission.

While it's possible to tackle soundproofing as a DIY project, working with a trusted insulation specialist ensures the job is done correctly and maximises the benefits of soundproofing. Finding the right specialist, however, can be time-consuming and may involve comparing several quotes. 

GreenMatch makes this process easier by providing a quick solution—fill out our 30-second form to receive up to four free quotes, with no hidden costs or obligations. Click below to get started and learn more.

Soundproofing a wall with insulation offers several valuable benefits, making a home or workspace quieter, more private, and even more energy-efficient. Here are some key advantages:

Overall, soundproofing with insulation improves comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency, creating a quieter, more enjoyable living environment that meets practical and lifestyle needs.

Acoustic wall insulation can be an excellent solution for soundproofing your home, offering one of the most effective ways to reduce noise transfer between rooms or from external sources. You can significantly minimise sound transmission by installing high-density insulation materials, such as acoustic mineral wool or fibreglass, within wall cavities or over solid walls, enhancing privacy and creating a more peaceful living environment. This is particularly beneficial in homes with shared walls or urban areas where external noise can be an issue.

However, acoustic wall insulation can be costly, especially when installed across multiple rooms or for entire walls. For homeowners looking for a more budget-friendly approach, acoustic floor insulation and ceiling sound insulation offer alternative ways to reduce internal noise in the house. Acoustic floor insulation can help block noise from foot traffic and reduce sound transfer between floors, which is ideal for multi-story homes. Meanwhile, ceiling sound insulation is an effective option for limiting noise from overhead spaces and reducing sound transmission between levels or through shared ceilings in apartment buildings. Combining wall, floor, and ceiling insulation can create a comprehensive soundproofing solution that addresses noise from all directions, though wall insulation alone remains one of the most impactful methods.

Ready to transform your home with soundproof wall insulation? Look no further—GreenMatch is here to help! We connect you with up to four free quotes from top-rated insulation specialists in your area without hidden costs or obligations. Just take 30 seconds to complete our quick form and receive your quotes. Click below to get started and experience the difference today!