Sound Proofing a Shared Wall

[Michael Craig]

Hi BP,

The front apartment shares one paper thin wall with the rear apartment - unfortunately this wall happens to be for the bedrooms. Previously I lived in the front apartment so I know just how thin the walls are. I was able to tolerate the noise that came from the rear unit because a quiet senior citizen lived in the rear unit. Now that two young recent college graduates are moving in the rear unit mid month, I can see this causing an issue for the existing tenant in the front unit.

Any recommendations? Does sound proofing walls work? What experience do you have with dealing with this type of issue?

[Jaysen Medhurst]

@Michael Craig, the best way to go is probably adding a second stud wall in whichever unit has the available space. Fill the cavity with insulation (like Roxul Safe and Sound and be diligent about sealing any penetrations around electrical boxes with sound-deadening putty. On the new wall, use 2 layers of 5/8 drywall with a layer of acoustical caulk between. You can add a second layer of drywall with caulk on the existing wall as well to go even further.