by Dr Bob Orther

Created on: December 06, 2006   Last Updated: March 16, 2007

Many people who live in apartments, condos or co-ops deal with noise from the next-door neighbor on a daily basis. Generally these demising or party walls are constructed of 2' X 4' studs and maybe some R-13 fiberglass insulation and then " drywall on both sides of the wall. It is no wonder you can hear your neighbor cough or sneeze on the other side.
Soundproofing a common party wall does not have to be a major project and it does not have to break the bank either. If you were able to add another layer of 5/8" drywall to either side of the party wall and apply a layer of Green Glue between the layers of drywall, you'd have one serious soundproof wall. Green Glue is a visco elastic damping compound that inhibits the drywalls ability to resonate or to transmit the sound through.

Green Glue is applied to a new layer of drywall and then screw in tightly over top of the existing drywall on a common or party wall. There is no rocket science here folks, just good old common sense soundproofing.
Two people can complete a Green Glue and drywall installation in one day depending on the size of the wall in question. Green Glue is superior to Mass loaded vinyl and lead sheeting in that it is able to stop the transmission of low frequency as well as the higher frequency sounds. Mass loaded vinyl and lead are not nearly as effective at stopping low frequencies.
Green Glue is easier to install than MLV or lead and will give you equal if not better soundproofing that these tried and true soundproofing agents. Green Glue is definitely the next generation in soundproofing for the 21st Century.
When applied to walls Green Glue will also stop the flanking of sound that could be transmitted into the ceiling via the untreated walls. By deadening the drywall, Green Glue inhibits the ability of the drywall to flank the sound into the ceiling and ultimately to the people upstairs.
If you have a home theater in a condo or co-op situation, Green Glue is a must on both the walls and the ceilings. If you want to be able to crank up a movie at 2AM and not bother the neighbors upstairs or next-door, then Green Glue is absolutely essential for yours and your neighbor's peace of mind.
There are many other uses for Green Glue besides soundproofing a party wall. Subsequent soundproofing articles discuss the use of Green Glue on both floor and ceiling applications. Green glue is a highly effective sound dampener that is fast taking the industry by storm. There are those who claim that Green Glue is simply too good to be true, I am here to squelch that lie. Green Glue is everything it claims to be and then some. I personally have my choice of any soundproofing product or material known to man, so what do I use when I soundproof a room? What else but Green Glue?
Soundproofing your home is now as easy as adding new wallpaper to your walls, so when you decide that you have had enough of your noisy neighbors, get onboard with Green Glue, it is all you need for your peace of mind. Dr Bob. Out!

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