What materials should be used for bedroom soundproofing walls?

What materials should be used for a bedroom soundproof wall?

: A soundproof wall for a bedroom should use a system consisting of 3 combined components: soundproofing boards with mass and vibration damping technology, sound-absorbing insulation within the wall cavity, and compatible framing. Thick masonry walls are not always necessary. Specialized lightweight wall systems, such as the TSIS system from Trandar, can provide sound insulation levels of STC 43-53, which is sufficient for general bedrooms while using a wall thickness of only 95-100 mm., making it ideal for installation in homes or condos with limited space.

Bedrooms require more quiet than any other room in the house because this is when the body needs complete rest. Even minor noises can disrupt sleep quality, especially sounds from neighboring rooms in condos or outside traffic. This article recommends materials suitable for bedroom soundproof walls and the insulation ratings to consider for various situations.

Why do typical bedroom walls have poor sound insulation?

Most bedroom partitioning walls in condos or housing estates are standard-thickness gypsum boards designed primarily for space division rather than soundproofing from the start. Walls of this type have relatively low mass and typically lack structural decoupling or internal sound-absorbing insulation, making it easier than expected for conversations or general activity sounds from neighboring rooms to penetrate.

Materials suitable for bedroom soundproof walls

• Soundproofing boards with vibration damping technology: You should choose panel materials with higher density than standard gypsum and featuring Damping Compound technology within the core, which helps dissipate sound vibration energy. This type of board delivers better soundproofing results than simply increasing the thickness of standard gypsum.
• Sound-absorbing insulation within the wall cavity: Such as rock wool, which absorbs sound energy traveling through the air gap between the two wall panels. Besides sound control, high-quality rock wool also provides thermal and fire insulation, offering additional benefits for bedroom walls adjacent to exterior building areas.
• Framing and joint sealing materials: No matter how good the boards and insulation are, if the framing system and joints between panels, floors, or ceilings are not completely sealed, sound will still leak through these gaps. Having a proper structure and specialized soundproofing sealants is a step that should not be overlooked.

What STC rating should be chosen for a bedroom?

The appropriate STC rating for a bedroom varies according to each home's situation.

• General bedrooms in homes or condos: An STC rating of about 45-50 is usually sufficient to make normal conversations from neighboring rooms virtually inaudible, providing a balanced level of performance and budget for typical residential living.
• Bedrooms facing streets or external noise sources: May require an STC rating slightly higher than the general standard, and windows should also be considered, as single-pane glass windows are often points where outside noise penetrates much more easily than solid walls, no matter how well-insulated the wall is.
• Bedrooms requiring exceptionally high quietness: Such as bedrooms for shift workers who must sleep during the day, or bedrooms adjacent to children's rooms with frequent loud noise, a system providing an STC of 53 and above should be considered for greater peace of mind.

Additional considerations for installations in inhabited homes

Unlike commercial project work, adding soundproof walls in a bedroom is typically a home renovation project with occupants living inside during construction. Therefore, systems that are fast to install, generate low dust, and do not require demolishing the entire existing wall should be prioritized. Lightweight soundproof wall systems that can be retrofitted directly over existing walls are much better suited for this type of work than building entirely new masonry walls, which take longer and cause more disruption to daily living.

Examples of Trandar soundproof wall systems for bedrooms

Trandar Acoustics offers the TSIS system under Trandar Hitech Wall, covering STC ranges specifically tailored for bedrooms, ranging from TSIS43 d95 (STC 43) for starter budgets, up to TSIS53 d95 (STC 53) for bedrooms requiring enhanced quietness. Utilizing a wall thickness of only about 95-100 mm., the system is built with Trandar Zoundboard, Trandar Heplar Pro framing, and Trandar dBphon insulation, finished with Trandar Sealant to seal all joints. This system is designed for retrofit installation over existing walls without requiring demolition, making it ideal for bedroom renovations in homes or condos where people are already residing.

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