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Soundproofing Existing Interior Walls (Best Ways 2024)

how soundproofing existing wall

External noise inside your home can cause a wide range of physical and psychological side effects. These include sleep impairment, inability to focus, and all the physical consequences that come with mental distress.

One of the best solutions to decrease noise levels within any structure is soundproofing a wall that’s already been built. In this article, we’ll focus on the best ways how to soundproof existing interior walls without removing drywall. Let’s have a look!

In a hurry? We got you. The very best way to soundproof existing interior walls in 2024 is to use MLV. Use the highly rated Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl.

How to soundproof a wall already built without removing drywall

BEST SOLUTION Mass loaded vinyl
  • The best blocker of airborne & impact sound
  • Affordable
  • Quite easy to install
  • Strong and durable material
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RUNNER UP Acoustic foam panels
  • Good airborne and impact noise reduction
  • Cheaper than MLV
  • Easy installation
  • Lightweight and durable
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CHEAPEST OPTION Foam mats
  • Mostly reduces airborne noise
  • Cheaper than foam panels
  • Easiest installation
  • Moderate durability
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Soundproofing existing walls: best ways in 2024

When it comes to the best ways to soundproof your existing walls, we have compiled a list so you can adequately judge all their pros & cons. That way, you can use the solutions you think are a better fit for your current issue.

Many of these soundproof installations are actually quite easy to follow through and don’t require removing drywall. They’re also a great DIY project for you, your friends, and your family to work together to achieve a helpful goal. Let’s have a look below to find out what you can do.

1) Use mass loaded vinyl

Mass loaded vinyl is one of the best soundproofing materials around.

It boasts a superb price-quality relationship, and excellent airborne & impact sound canceling.

It’s easy to install, especially if you have an extra pair of hands to help you out. For most, MLV is the first material that comes to mind, and for a good reason.

Paired with other wall soundproofing materials, MLV can be the backbone of any quality soundproofing project. 

We recommend the highly rated Noise Grabber Mass Loaded Vinyl. It has an outstanding price for the level of quality in the offer, making its MLV from pure extruded vinyl and other materials. Read also: mass loaded vinyl reviews

2) Acoustic foam panels 

Installing some acoustic foam panels is another great solution that can be done without removing drywall.

The foam panels are specially shaped with grooves and ridges that help with sound vibrations, as well as being easy to cut and install. 

These acoustic panels are excellent noise absorbents, and they can help dissipate incoming and vibrating impact sound as well.

Its lightweight and customizable features make it one of the most resourceful materials to soundproof an existing wall.

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3) Foam mats

Foams mats take a high place because they are essentially acoustic foam panels without the special grooves and shapes.

This reduces their impact noise resistance by a bit, but there isn’t too much of a difference.

They’re very lightweight, easy to cut, and super affordable!

You can cover an entire wall easily with a few rolls of foam mats. 

Their installation is also super easy, and many of them come with a special adhesive to make installation almost seamless.

Uxcell has been selling some great quality foam mats for very reasonable prices. They come in a roll and are easy to customize.

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4) Install a drywall

Drywall installation might be one of the hardest ways to soundproof an already built interior wall, but it makes up for it in overall effectiveness. A drywall is an extra layer of wall applied to any pre-existing interior or external walls.

It is one of the most effective ways to completely soundproof a room, and it can be combined with other materials easily.

The combination of MLV, green glue, and drywall installed in an existing wall will guarantee that all noise never even gets a chance to pass through.

5) Install acoustic panels

An alternative to installing drywall on an interior wall is placing some acoustic panels.

They’re more lightweight than drywalls and come with instructions and tools to easily fix them in place.

They’re also made to absorb sound and noise vibrations with ease, making them one of the best ways to soundproof a wall that’s already been built.

ATS acoustics is the seller and manufacturer of one of the highest-rated acoustic panels on the market.

Their panels come with a wooden frame to allow for a beginner-friendly installation.

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6) Green glue for soundproofing interior walls

Using a soundproof sealant material like green glue can be the cherry you where looking for in the soundproofing pie.

Green glue is a soundproof damping compound that is perfect for filling up cracks, gaps, and holes, in your existing walls.

It perfectly complements drywall, acoustic, and foam panel installation by being the main filler substance that also adequately holds them in place.

Green glue is widely available and sold by its producer Green Glue Company.

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7) Try Acoustic blankets on interior walls

Although not a very esthetical choice, acoustic blankets are a great material for soundproofing existing walls.

They’re essentially heavy blankets that are filled with a certain material that helps them dissipate and absorb sound.

They work great in complement with other soundproofing materials like soundproof paint or curtains, and they’re easy to mount and unmount.

We’ve found a top-rated grommeted industrial blanket that is made specifically to soundproof all forms of sound.

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8) Soundproof curtains

Contrary to popular belief curtains can also be placed as an esthetic choice in any room or wall.

This makes soundproof curtains a great complement for soundproofing a wall.

If you have put up some foam mats and you still don’t reach the desired noise reduction, you can place a soundproof curtain to cover the wall.

That way you can achieve even more efficient sound deadening within your home. 

They’re also very easy to install and come in many different colors and sizes. We recommend these great Warm Home Designs room divider curtains.

They are made with a high-quality sound deadening material that looks and feels like other fabrics.

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9) Soundproof paint for your walls

Soundproof paints are usually heavy-bodied and filled with sound-absorbent materials.

It’s very easy to apply to the existing interior and exterior walls, and it can have some great results.

It’s also perfect as a before or after material, meaning that you can apply a coat of soundproof paint to an already built wall before placing some MLV in it.

Or you can use it to paint your drywall or acoustic panels after installation. This soundproof paint by Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions is very reliable and effective. 

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interior wall built drywall
...or just cover your ears

Conclusion

We looked at some of the best ways in 2024  to start soundproofing existing interior and exterior walls.

We also compiled a list of great products that can fit into any home and are readily available and highly rated. 

If you are looking for the best overall way to soundproof a wall that’s already been built without removing drywall, Noise Grabber MLV is your best option.

If you want something a little more lightweight but still effective, you can use acoustic foam panels for that. If you’re on a tight budget then foam mats have got you covered.

So there you have it. Let us know if you have any additional questions about soundproofing your existing interior wall.