Does soundproofing wallpaper really work?

With rising noise pollution and shrinking living spaces, soundproofing has become an important consideration for many homeowners and renters. An easy and affordable way to reduce noise is by installing soundproofing wallpaper. But does it really work?

What is soundproofing wallpaper?

Soundproofing wallpaper, also known as acoustic wallpaper, is designed to absorb and block sound. It’s made of materials that dampen noise by preventing sound waves from transmitting through walls or reflecting off surfaces. Here’s how it works:

• The wallpaper contains mass loaded vinyl or MLV, which is a thin, flexible vinyl sheet loaded with barium sulfate or calcium carbonate. This makes the wallpaper dense and improves transmission loss, allowing less sound to pass through.
• Some wallpapers also have a viscoelastic polymer layer that transforms acoustic energy into thermal energy. This viscoelastic damping converts noise into small amounts of heat.
• Foam or fabric backing provides further absorption by scattering sound waves and reducing echo.

When installed on walls, soundproofing wallpaper creates a more effective sound barrier to reduce noise transfer between rooms. It’s available in various styles and can be painted over once applied.

How well does it work?

Tests show that soundproofing wallpaper is effective at reducing noise transmission through walls, but the amount of reduction depends on:

• Weight – Heavier wallpaper with more MLV blocks more sound. Mass is the most important factor.
• Installation – Proper installation without gaps or air bubbles improves acoustic performance.
• Thickness – Thicker wallpaper (1/8″ or more) performs better than thinner paper.
• Backing – Wallpaper with fabric or foil backing provides more sound absorption.
• Adhesive – Special acoustic sealant adhesives further reduce sound leaks.

Based on laboratory tests by independent organizations like Quiet Solution, here are the typical Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings and decibel reduction levels for soundproofing wallpaper:

Wallpaper Type	Thickness	STC Rating	Noise Reduction
Basic MLV wallpaper	1/8″ (3mm)	26-28	20-25 decibels
MLV wallpaper with foam backing	1/4″ (6mm)	28-32	25-30 decibels
Heavy MLV wallpaper with fabric	1/2″ (12mm)	32-39	30-35 decibels

As the table shows, using a thicker wallpaper with extra sound absorbing materials improves acoustic performance. Most standard wallpaper provides 20-30 decibel (dB) noise reduction, cutting the loudness of common noises like voices in half or more.

Does it work on all walls?

Soundproofing wallpaper works best when installed on interior walls separating rooms. Its effectiveness depends on the type of wall:

• Drywall – Most effective wall for soundproofing wallpaper, can achieve maximum noise reduction.
• Brick or concrete – Provides noise reduction up to 30 dB but less than drywall.
• Wooden walls – Typically provide 15-25 dB of noise reduction.
• Glass – Not very effective, only cuts high frequency noises.

For solid walls like brick or concrete, acoustic caulking around the edges is recommended to reduce sound leaks. Wallpaper has minimal effect on windows, so additional soundproofing is needed there.

Does it work on ceilings and floors?

Soundproofing wallpaper is not designed for floors and ceilings. Special acoustical materials, like mass loaded vinyl mats, are better suited for flooring. On ceilings, heavy MLV sheets or noise damping drywall work better than commercial wallpaper.

Pros of soundproofing wallpaper

Here are some of the main benefits of using soundproofing wallpaper:

• Cost-effective – Typically costs $1-5 per square foot installed, cheaper than other options.
• Easy installation – Can be installed by homeowners using wallpaper adhesive.
• Aesthetic options – Available in dozens of colors and patterns to match any décor.
• Paintable – Can be painted over to match your walls.
• Non-invasive – Installs directly over existing walls with no construction.
• Portable – Wallpaper can be removed and reused elsewhere.

In summary, wallpaper provides affordable, simple soundproofing that looks attractive and installs quickly in rooms.

Cons of soundproofing wallpaper

Some potential downsides to keep in mind with acoustic wallpaper include:

• Less effective on some walls – Doesn’t work as well on exterior, concrete, brick or glass walls.
• Temporary solution – Wallpaper may eventually peel, tear or fade over time.
• Could trap moisture – Vinyl layers may cause moisture buildup inside walls long-term.
• Difficult corners – Corners can be tricky and require special parts.
• Takes professional skill – Achieving maximum noise reduction requires expert installation.
• Not for floors/ceilings – Only suitable for interior walls, not overhead or underfoot.

Proper installation and maintenance are needed to achieve lasting noise control with soundproof wallpaper. It provides a short-term acoustic upgrade but may not match more extensive room soundproofing solutions long-term.

How to choose the best soundproofing wallpaper

Follow these tips when selecting acoustic wallpaper for your room:

• Look for vinyl wallpaper with the highest MLV mass loading possible. Mass of 0.5 lbs/square feet or more is ideal.
• Choose thicker wallpaper, around 1/4″ to 1/2″ thickness if possible.
• Consider vinyl/MLV paper with additional noise absorbing foam or fabric backing.
• Make sure the wallpaper is rated for STC (Sound Transmission Class) and has been laboratory tested.
• Select a reputable brand known for quality acoustic products.
• Get the largest total coverage roll size to minimize seams.
• Use an acoustic adhesive like Green Glue when installing for better soundproofing.

Doing research to find the right high quality, properly tested product for your needs is advised. Cheaper vinyl wallpaper may not provide the expected noise reduction.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence, soundproofing wallpaper can be an effective DIY method to reduce noise transmission through interior walls. With the proper thickness, mass, and installation, acoustic wallpaper can block 20-30 decibels of common sounds like voices, TVs, or music. This significantly cuts down on noise pollution between rooms. Soundproofing wallpaper provides a fast, affordable and aesthetic upgrade over existing drywall. Just keep realistic expectations on performance, and remember it works optimally on interior walls specifically. With the right product and application, noise reducing wallpaper can be a simple solution to make your rooms more peaceful and private.