Does anyone know how to sound proof existing walls with out tearing them down?

Answer 1

There are many products on the market ranging from tiles, mats, wall material. All depend on what type of sound proofing you need and what you can do (that is if you live in an apartment.) Here's a good place to start your search:

http://www.controlnoise.com/

Answer 2

Soundproof Existing Wall

Answer 3

SOUNDPROOFING WALLS & CEILINGS, UK

1 This is one of our biggest home problems. New buildings have strong regulations to make builders make soundproof walls and floors. Builders still cut corners, and leave gaps in their wall brick mortar, that noise whistles through very badly.

2 Do NOT cut holes in your ceiling for recessed lights, because this immediately destroys soundproofing and also fireproofing, and is illegal

3 Get on good terms with neighbours, and agree reasonable behaviour

4 Keep diary of unreasonable noise, go to local authority Environmental Health Inspector who may take unreasonable people to court with your evidence. But what neighbours then?

5 New buildings: check with local Building Control Officer what would a new building require in your existing situation?

6 A general rule is :-
- be airtight (all joints solidly filled)
- are windows letting noise by-pass walls? You must have ventilation, up old chimney instead of window?
- Heavy weight stops noise better than light weight, ie solid concrete block, rather than aerated, light-weight concrete block, need thick plaster also.
- There are tested ways of improving existing walls and floors: See (google) Building Research Establishment Information sheets about Noise.

Answer 4

One easy way to muffle sound is to attach lay-in ceiling tiles to the walls. Available at Home Depot/Lowes etc. You almost can't soundproof a wall as vibrations carry through hollow walls.

Answer 5

What about insulation that gets blown in?

Answer 6

http://www.hytechsales.com/prod150.html?OVRAW=soundproof%20paint&OVKEY=sound%20proof%20insulation&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=3456691522&OVKWID=31222426022