What materials should be used for bedroom soundproofing walls?

: Soundproofing walls for bedrooms should use a system consisting of 3 key components: soundproofing boards with high mass and vibration damping technology (Damping), sound-absorbing insulation within the wall cavity, and compatible framing systems without the need for thick masonry walls. Specialized lightweight wall systems, such as Trandar's TSIS system, can provide sound insulation levels of STC 43-53, which is sufficient for typical bedrooms while using a wall thickness of only 95-100 mm, making it ideal for homes or condominiums with limited space.

The bedroom is a space that requires more quietness than any other room in the house, as it is a time when the body needs full rest. Even minor noises can disrupt sleep quality, especially sounds from neighboring rooms in condominiums or street noise outside. This article recommends suitable materials for bedroom soundproofing walls and the sound insulation ratings to consider for various situations.

Why standard bedroom walls have poor soundproofing

Most bedroom partition walls in condominiums or housing estates are standard-thickness gypsum boards, which are primarily designed for space division rather than acoustic performance. Walls of this type have relatively low mass and typically lack decoupled framing or internal sound-absorbing insulation, allowing conversations or general activity noises from adjacent rooms to penetrate much more easily than expected.

Materials suitable for bedroom soundproofing walls

• Sound-insulating boards with vibration-damping technology You should choose panel materials with higher density than standard gypsum and integrated Damping Compound technology that helps dissipate sound vibration energy. This type of board provides better acoustic results than simply increasing the thickness of standard gypsum.
• Sound-absorbing insulation within the wall cavity Such as rockwool, which acts to absorb sound energy traveling through the air gap between the two sides of the wall. In addition to acoustics, high-quality rockwool also provides thermal insulation and fire protection simultaneously, which is an added benefit for bedroom walls adjacent to outdoor areas.
• Framing and joint sealing materials No matter how good the boards and insulation are chosen, if the framing system and joints between boards, joints with the floor, or joints with the ceiling are not completely sealed, sound will still leak through these gaps. Having a good structure and specialized acoustic sealing materials is a step that should not be overlooked.

What STC rating should you choose for a bedroom?

The appropriate STC level for a bedroom varies depending on each home's situation.

• General bedrooms in houses or condos An STC of approximately 45-50 is usually sufficient to make normal conversations from neighboring rooms practically inaudible. This is a balanced level of performance and budget for general residences.
• Bedrooms facing streets or external noise sources May require a slightly higher STC than the general standard, and windows should also be considered, as single-glazed windows are often points where outside noise penetrates much more easily than solid walls, no matter how well the walls insulate sound.
• Bedrooms requiring exceptionally high quietness Such as bedrooms for shift workers who need to sleep during the day, or bedrooms adjacent to children's rooms with frequent noise, you may consider a system that provides an STC of 53 and above for greater assurance.

Additional considerations for installation in occupied homes

Unlike commercial project work, retrofitting soundproofing in a bedroom is usually a home renovation project with people living inside during construction. Therefore, you should consider a system that installs quickly, generates minimal dust, and does not require demolishing all original walls. Lightweight soundproof wall systems that can be retrofitted directly over existing walls are much better suited for this type of work than constructing an entirely new masonry system, which takes longer and causes more disruption to living.

Example of Trandar Sound-Insulation Wall Systems for Bedrooms

Trandar Acoustics offers the TSIS system under Trandar Hitech Wall, covering a range of STC ratings specifically tailored for bedrooms. Options range from TSIS43 d95 (STC 43) for entry-level budgets, up to TSIS53 d95 (STC 53) for bedrooms requiring enhanced quietness. With a total wall thickness of only about 95-100 mm, it is constructed using Trandar Zoundboard, Trandar Heplar Pro framing, and Trandar dBphon insulation, finished with Trandar Sealant to seal all joints. This system is designed for retrofitting over existing walls without demolition, making it ideal for bedroom renovation projects in occupied homes or condos.

If you are looking for sound-insulation wall materials for your bedroom and want to know which STC rating suits your situation, feel free to chat with the Trandar Acoustics team. We are happy to help recommend a system that fits your space and budget.