SquareRooms Issue 181 Mid-Year 2020

2 4 ideal homes PRODUCTIVITY Drywall Thickness is the most important factor to consider when soundproofing the sides of your home, and drywall effectively drowns intrusive noise. It’s cheap, common, and effective in layering walls, as well as comes in a few varieties. We recommend the soundproof plasterboard type because it is more resilient and less able to transmit sound waves. Damping compounds A damping compound is a thick fluid that is applied between layers of hard materials, such as drywall. We recommend to buy them only from trusted brands like Green Glue and QuietGlue Pro. Damping compounds are one of the few materials to block out low-frequency noise and are commonly used in music studios and construction sites. Mass-loaded vinyl This highly versatile sound-blocking material is typically sold in sheets. Mass- loaded vinyl is quite costly but is mighty effective when covering pipes and other awkward shapes due to its pliable nature. One of the most trusted manufacturers of mass-loaded vinyl is Trademark Soundproofing. Fibreglass Compared to its solid counterparts, fibreglass is the most malleable. It is often used as a filler for spaces that allow sound to travel. However, a significant drawback of fibreglass is that it can trigger allergic reactions, so opt for the eco-friendly (yet pricey) alternative instead: mineral wool. 14 14 Soundproof your workspace Four noise-muffling materials that let you enjoy a little peace and quiet while you work at home