Soundproofing Your Space
The concept is great, a small studio in the garden where you can jam or play music with your band members, mix records or even watch movies, however the reality could be less pleasant for your family or neighbours.
The problem is the sound will want to try to get out and, like water, its really good at finding the weakest spot in a structure and getting through it. However, there are several inexpensive construction methods that you can employ to improve the sound quality and not upset the people around you.
Method 1: Don’t put eggbox foam on the walls and expect it to work, this acoustic foam is designed to improve the quality of the sound within the building but on its own it won’t stop it escaping.
Method 2: Doors and windows. This can be in the form of triple glazing or additional secondary glazing within the window reveals but even better would be bespoke acoustic rated doors and windows. There are many specialist companies out there producing these units which can be tailored for your needs and are probably the most effective way of blocking sound from going out and coming in.
Method 3: Acoustic rated plasterboard and insulation. This again is relatively inexpensive and increases the density of the walls and therefore reduces the transmission of sound waves. The insulation can be placed within the wall structure and then the internal wall covering (double layered) screwed glued to the stud frame or timber wall with green glue acoustic rated adhesive. This is known as a damping method and is surprisingly effective.
Method 4: Lift the floor. This can be done by placing a “resilient channel” metal strip on the existing floor and then another floor built on top of this. Its effective as it raises the floor above the main floor and stops the transfer of sound. These all work but the most effective and highly rated technique is:
Method 5: Room within a room. This basically encompasses all the above ideas but in a single construction process to produce an almost floating room within the main room. This structure is virtually detached from the walls to almost totally prevent sound transfer to the outside, and any sound coming in. It’s pricey and time consuming but if you are a professional musician then we suggest it’s the only way to go.
Whatever your requirements we would definitely recommend some soundproofing, as it’s nice to be a good neighbour.