Thin walls and soundproofing

[Taylor D. Jenkins]

When you’re living in a multifamily and are able to hear people next door or downstairs, people will say it’s because the “walls are thin.” Is this literally due to having thin drywall? Is there not good insulation? No insulation?

How do you improve the soundproofing between units side by side and top/bottom?

I’ve read using 5/8” drywall can help between walls and on ceilings. Also using acoustic insulation and resilient channels on the ceiling. Have y’all found that these measures work?

[Max Lock]

Hi @Taylor D. Jenkins

I had a similar issue with a unit of mine, where there is a one bedroom lower unit and 3 bedroom upper unit. I ended up ripping out the ceilings of the 1 bedroom when it was unoccupied to finally "fix" the issue.

I went with Roxul Safe n Sound insulation, 2 layers of quiet rock (supposedly like 8 pieces of normal drywall compressed) held together with green glue. Additionally I mounted the quiet rock on clips so that it wasn't directly touching the floor above and ran some resilient channels.

I probably went overkill, but I just never wanted to deal with it again so I figured I mine as well do it right the first time.

Is it perfect, no, but it's 90%+ better. You can't hear people talking but you still do get a little impact noise from people walking loudly. Impact noise is the hardest to get rid of, but it's at a point where tenants are no longer complaining.

If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to send me a DM.