How to Soundproof a Room from Noisy Neighbors: A Complete Guide
Why Noise from Neighbors is a Common Problem
In apartments and shared housing, thin walls, hollow doors, and unsealed gaps often allow TV sounds, conversations, and music from adjacent units to leak into your space. Effective soundproofing requires a layered approach that blocks airborne noise, dampens vibrations, and improves internal comfort.
Step 1: Strengthen Shared Walls with SoundBlanket® MLV
The primary source of neighbor noise is shared walls. Using Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) adds dense, flexible mass that blocks airborne sound.
STC Ratings
2.5 mm → STC 29 (light control)
4 mm → STC 32 (typical apartments)
8 mm → STC 36 (high-noise environments)
Size
32 x 4 ft rolls (10 m x 1.2 m) for seamless coverage.
Fire Rating
Tested to ASTM Class A for safety compliance.
Installation
Mount behind drywall or gypsum board. Perfect for retrofits with minimal thickness increase.
Step 2: Add BassBloc® for Low-Frequency Damping
Music bass or heavy thuds require targeted treatment to absorb low-frequency vibrations and prevent structure-borne noise transfer.
Low-Frequency Noise Control
NRC: 0.85 (20 mm) | 0.95 (40 mm)
Use: Install inside walls or ceilings to stop structure-borne transfer.
Benefit: Reduces rumble from subwoofers or footfall impact.
Step 3: Improve Internal Acoustics with Felt or Fabric Panels
Once noise is blocked, surface-level panels reduce residual echo and create a calmer, more private room.
Echsorbix® Felt Panels
NRC 0.90, available in solid colors or grooved designs.
Fabric-Wrapped Panels
NRC 0.90, ideal for bedrooms and living areas.
Coverage Recommendation
20–30% of wall area is sufficient for residential spaces.
Step 4: Seal Doors and Windows (Critical Weak Points)
Noise often leaks through gaps in doors and windows. Addressing these weak points is essential for effective soundproofing.
Door Solutions:
EPDM Perimeter Seals
Close gaps around door frames to prevent sound leakage.
Bottom Door Sweep
Blocks sound and drafts at the base of doors.
Door Soundproofing Tiles
BassBloc® + Echsorbix® felt composite tiles convert hollow-core doors into dense acoustic barriers.
Window Solutions:
Soundproof Curtains (STC 27)
Blocks up to 80% of external noise while providing light control and privacy.
Double-Glazing or Window Seals
Ideal for urban-facing apartments to further reduce noise intrusion.
Step 5: Address Ceilings and Floors (Optional for Multi-Story Units)
Proper treatment of ceilings and floors reduces impact noise and improves overall acoustic comfort.
Ceiling Treatment
Install SoundBlanket® MLV and BassBloc® above false ceilings to control upstairs footfall and airborne sound.
Floor Treatment
Use carpets, rugs, or underlayment with MLV to reduce impact sounds and improve comfort.
Typical Room Acoustic Build-Up
Layer 1: SoundBlanket® MLV (STC 32) for airborne sound.
Layer 2: BassBloc® (NRC 0.85) for vibration damping.
Layer 3: Felt/fabric acoustic panels (NRC 0.90) for internal comfort.
Result: Composite STC 50+, achieving hotel-grade privacy.
Case Study: Apartment Bedroom in Mumbai
Issue:
Shared wall transmitted neighbor TV noise.
Result:
Reduced audible neighbor noise by ~15–18 dB, transforming the room into a quiet retreat.
Solution:
MLV 4 mm (STC 32) behind gypsum board.
BassBloc® 20 mm (NRC 0.85) in wall cavity.
Echsorbix® felt panels (NRC 0.90) as interior finish.
Quick DIY Soundproofing Hacks
Move bookshelves against shared walls (mass helps block noise).
Use thick curtains or tapestries for temporary echo reduction.
Seal electrical outlets and wall penetrations with acoustic putty pads.
FAQs
A: No. Foam absorbs internal echo but does not block sound. Use MLV (STC-rated) for real noise isolation.
A: Yes. MLV and felt panels can be installed without structural changes and removed later.
A: A properly treated wall can reduce neighbor noise by 15–25 dB, meeting residential privacy standards.
Conclusion: Quiet Living in Shared Buildings
With SoundBlanket® MLV, BassBloc®, felt panels, door seals, and soundproof curtains, noisy neighbors can become a non-issue. These ASTM-certified materials offer a hotel-grade acoustic experience, even in high-density apartments.
Contact MMT Acoustix today for customized apartment soundproofing packages designed to block neighbor noise effectively
In apartments and shared housing, thin walls, hollow doors, and unsealed gaps often allow TV sounds, conversations, and music from adjacent units to leak into your space. Effective soundproofing requires a layered approach that blocks airborne noise, dampens vibrations, and improves internal comfort.
Step 1: Strengthen Shared Walls with SoundBlanket® MLV
The primary source of neighbor noise is shared walls. Using Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) adds dense, flexible mass that blocks airborne sound.
STC Ratings
2.5 mm → STC 29 (light control)
4 mm → STC 32 (typical apartments)
8 mm → STC 36 (high-noise environments)
Size
32 x 4 ft rolls (10 m x 1.2 m) for seamless coverage.
Fire Rating
Tested to ASTM Class A for safety compliance.
Installation
Mount behind drywall or gypsum board. Perfect for retrofits with minimal thickness increase.
Step 2: Add BassBloc® for Low-Frequency Damping
Music bass or heavy thuds require targeted treatment to absorb low-frequency vibrations and prevent structure-borne noise transfer.
Low-Frequency Noise Control
NRC: 0.85 (20 mm) | 0.95 (40 mm)
Use: Install inside walls or ceilings to stop structure-borne transfer.
Benefit: Reduces rumble from subwoofers or footfall impact.
Step 3: Improve Internal Acoustics with Felt or Fabric Panels
Once noise is blocked, surface-level panels reduce residual echo and create a calmer, more private room.
Echsorbix® Felt Panels
NRC 0.90, available in solid colors or grooved designs.
Fabric-Wrapped Panels
NRC 0.90, ideal for bedrooms and living areas.
Coverage Recommendation
20–30% of wall area is sufficient for residential spaces.
Step 4: Seal Doors and Windows (Critical Weak Points)
Noise often leaks through gaps in doors and windows. Addressing these weak points is essential for effective soundproofing.
Door Solutions:
EPDM Perimeter Seals
Close gaps around door frames to prevent sound leakage.
Bottom Door Sweep
Blocks sound and drafts at the base of doors.
Door Soundproofing Tiles
BassBloc® + Echsorbix® felt composite tiles convert hollow-core doors into dense acoustic barriers.
Window Solutions:
Soundproof Curtains (STC 27)
Blocks up to 80% of external noise while providing light control and privacy.
Double-Glazing or Window Seals
Ideal for urban-facing apartments to further reduce noise intrusion.
Step 5: Address Ceilings and Floors (Optional for Multi-Story Units)
Proper treatment of ceilings and floors reduces impact noise and improves overall acoustic comfort.
Ceiling Treatment
Install SoundBlanket® MLV and BassBloc® above false ceilings to control upstairs footfall and airborne sound.
Floor Treatment
Use carpets, rugs, or underlayment with MLV to reduce impact sounds and improve comfort.
Typical Room Acoustic Build-Up
Layer 1: SoundBlanket® MLV (STC 32) for airborne sound.
Layer 2: BassBloc® (NRC 0.85) for vibration damping.
Layer 3: Felt/fabric acoustic panels (NRC 0.90) for internal comfort.
Result: Composite STC 50+, achieving hotel-grade privacy.
Case Study: Apartment Bedroom in Mumbai
Issue:
Shared wall transmitted neighbor TV noise.
Result:
Reduced audible neighbor noise by ~15–18 dB, transforming the room into a quiet retreat.
Solution:
MLV 4 mm (STC 32) behind gypsum board.
BassBloc® 20 mm (NRC 0.85) in wall cavity.
Echsorbix® felt panels (NRC 0.90) as interior finish.
Quick DIY Soundproofing Hacks
Move bookshelves against shared walls (mass helps block noise).
Use thick curtains or tapestries for temporary echo reduction.
Seal electrical outlets and wall penetrations with acoustic putty pads.
FAQs
A: No. Foam absorbs internal echo but does not block sound. Use MLV (STC-rated) for real noise isolation.
A: Yes. MLV and felt panels can be installed without structural changes and removed later.
A: A properly treated wall can reduce neighbor noise by 15–25 dB, meeting residential privacy standards.
Conclusion: Quiet Living in Shared Buildings
With SoundBlanket® MLV, BassBloc®, felt panels, door seals, and soundproof curtains, noisy neighbors can become a non-issue. These ASTM-certified materials offer a hotel-grade acoustic experience, even in high-density apartments.
Contact MMT Acoustix today for customized apartment soundproofing packages designed to block neighbor noise effectively