How to Soundproof a Wall with Foam

What is soundproofing and how does it work?

Soundproofing is the prevention of noise from entering or leaving a particular space, such as the home. It usually involves foam blocks or wall panels to prevent sound travelling between spaces, although it cannot completely eliminate sound transfer. In the home, it might be used to keep out traffic noise, or between the adjoining walls of two semi-detached homes. Any form of soundproofing prevents the travel of noise by absorbing sound waves, with foam panels physically blocking them like a barrier. Soundproofing foam is a specialist foam created for this purpose.

When you need to soundproof your wall

Soundproofing is a valuable investment if you find yourself disturbed by noise from loud neighbours. As most homes in the UK are terraced or semi-detached, soundproofing your adjoining walls is usually a worthwhile exercise. You may also be disturbed by noise elsewhere in your home: for those with home offices, soundproofing reduces disturbance from footsteps, talking or slamming doors, and can be as simple as a few foam panels on the wall, or more advanced if audio recordings and telephone conversations take place regularly.

Two ways to soundproof a wall

Before soundproofing, determine whether the wall is internal or external. For internal walls, consider foam panels or a drywall soundproofing solution to prevent the transfer of noise such as talking. For external walls, options include acoustic wool cavity insulation, foam acoustic membranes, and others such as fibreglass and specialist floor underlays to reduce noise from the ground outdoors. Your chosen solution should account for sound escape, travel and reverberation within a space, and a specialist can best advise on the most suitable option.

How to use soundproofing foam for walls

Pre-cut soundproofing foam panels are very easy to install. Begin by cleaning your wall area with sugar soap or mild rubbing alcohol so nothing interferes with the adhesive. Measure your required area and check the panel is the right size; if you haven't ordered it custom cut to size, a large craft knife or electric carving knife can resize it.

Draw an outline of the panel(s) on the wall space and make sure the area is totally level. Apply a simple spray adhesive to the back of the panel, covering most of the surface area but leaving the edges free in case you need to cut the panel again later.

You can place the panel straight on the wall with an adhesive spray glue. However, if you'd like to reuse the panel later, or you're concerned about damage to the wall, mount it on cardboard first and fix that to the wall with command strips rather than spray adhesive. For more, see our guides to soundproofing windows and reducing noise in the workplace.