Everything You Need to Know About Soundproofing
By Léa Plourde-Archer
Updated on November 7, 2023

There are few things more annoying than hearing your neighbours and their private conversations due to bad soundproofing. Here is what you need to know about this subject, to be able to benefit from the tranquillity of your own home.
Noise inside the home: what to know
First, you must know that there are two main categories of ambient sounds: impact noises, like footsteps, and aerial noises, which include everything related to voices and sounds emanating from sound systems and TVs, for example.

Photo: Pexels
The Sound Transmission Class rating (STC)
Several factors can inform us about the soundproofing properties of a product, depending on the type of noise.
In terms of aerial noises, you have to check the sound transmission class rating (STC). This rating determines the sound attenuation level between two rooms. According to the 2005 building code, the minimum STC level should be 50. The value of the rating is proportional to the decibel reduction level that is provided by the material. This means that with a level of 50, decibel propagation is reduced by 50.
50. This means that if two individuals are having a conversation in a room and a person is on the other side of the wall, the person could hear a very slight and low-pitched version of what is being said. However, if the individuals start yelling at each other, the whole exchange would then be audible. At this level, certain musical frequencies can also be heard, especially if the neighbour plays his music very loudly.
55. We can hear low frequencies, but conversations are now inaudible. As a whole, the soundproofing level is very good.
60. Unless the neighbour plays their music extremely loudly, we should not hear much of what is happening on the other side of the wall, except perhaps low frequencies, but at a lower volume.
Here is an interesting fact: there is also a rating for the second type of noise: the impact insulation class (IIC). However, there are no specific norms for this rating in the Building code.
Of course, the higher the rating, the better the soundproofing qualities of the walls. Besides the fact that it reduces ambient noises, proper soundproofing will also help diminish air currents, which can prove to be very practical, both during the summer and the winter.

Photo: Pexels
Materials used for soundproofing
The most commonly used soundproofing materials are insulation wool (also known as acoustic mineral wool), resilient channels and acoustic sealants, among others. Cellulosic fibre is also used for this type of purpose. This product works both for soundproofing and insulating. It consists of wood fibres that are recycled and fireproof, which makes it an environmentally-friendly choice. However, it doesn’t completely reduce impact noises.
The soundproofing methods that need to be prioritized are associated with the ceiling, walls and floors. For soundproofing projects that work on the ceiling, there are two main options which are acoustic insulation with ceiling removal or without removal. For the second option, you will add a second layer of gypsum boards under the current ceiling.
Would you like to find out more about soundproofing techniques and installation methods? Check out our article "10 best soundproofing materials" to learn more specific information.
Working with a soundproofing specialist
To know which option you should choose, contact a specialist. For approximately $500, they will be able to find the best solution for your soundproofing problems, according to the building’s architecture and its elements.
Since soundproofing renovations can entail significant amounts of money, because in many cases, the walls will have to be opened, it is very important to have the right tools and to be well informed before any specific project is started.
Are you looking for more advice about reducing the amount of noise that is circulating in your home? Check out our article "10 ways to soundproof your home" to get tips and information about potential renovation projects.
Get 3 renovation quotes for your soundproofing project
RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your soundproofing project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

Editorial Team
•16 Sep 2024
Are you hoping to build a bigenerational home to take care of your elderly parents? Albeit it’s only logical to believe that one will be able to benefit from this cohabitating situation, it’s, nonetheless, a rather large-scale project.

Christine Simard
•07 Nov 2023
Have you decided to change your floor covering and your choice fell on ceramic? Regardless of the specific tile pattern that caught your attention, you will need to purchase grout.

Amanda Harvey
•07 Nov 2023
After living in your home for some time, it’s normal to long for a change. If you’re not looking to make a huge move or take on something complicated, then you should consider smaller renovation projects. There are rooms you spend a lot of time in, and the kitchen is one of them. Specifically, many homeowners grow tired of their kitchen cabinets; the colour, the finish, or both. Luckily, through a process called “refacing,” you can offer your cabinets a second chance without investing in a whole new set.

Editorial Team
•07 Nov 2023
Planning out the layout, decor and surfaces of your home for your family's needs and wants can be tricky. Especially in busier rooms of the house, like the kitchen or the bathroom, it can be a challenge to keep things neat, tidy and practical while allowing things to look good.
Léa Plourde-Archer
•20 Dec 2024
Purely aesthetic or essential, done on a whim or carefully thought out, interior home renovations meet a variety of needs and wants. Where should you start an interior home improvement project? What types of projects balance style and functionality the best? How can you find ideas customized to your space?