How to Soundproof a Garden Shed Cost-Effectively?
Soundproof a garden shed isn't a tough task and you can do it easily if you know the steps.
Another important aspect of it is the quality over the quantity. Using some specific products can reduce the sound dampening cost drastically. However, if you want to soundproof your garden shed similar to a level of home office or home audio studio then you have to spend some extra bucks.
[Also Read]: Best Quiet Propane Generators
In this article, we will discuss the steps that we recommend to our clients. Working as a soundproof consultant I have documented these steps to make things faster and easier.
Soundproof a shed will involve the following steps:
- Soundproofing the Walls
- Soundproofing the Windows
- Soundproofing the Roofs
- Soundproofing the Floors
- Soundproofing the Doors
I prefer to perform one task at a time. For example, if we start with soundproofing the walls then we will complete the task in the assigned time and then cross-check the output. If we achieved the required output then we will move to the next step.
By dividing the entire project into categories and sub-categories help us to achieve the goal faster, and at the same time, we are able to check the output for each subcategory.
Before I start, let me assure you that all the methods that we will discuss in this post are highly effective and budget-friendly. If you are planning to go the do-it-yourself way then it is highly recommended to brush up your soundproofing basics. However, if you have a busy routine then it's better to hire a soundproof consultant and wait for the magic to happen.
I would like to highlight the three things where most of the soundproof enthusiasts go wrong.
- Selecting a wrong product for soundproofing
- Not installing the product correctly
- Escaping the steps in the process
Well, I ONLY recommend the products that have been verified by our team. Sometimes we do consider some products that have received mind-boggling feedback from our clients.
For me, the best thing as a soundproof consultant is to provide an effective and affordable solution to my clients. Trust me, this is the formula for my success.
Before I start the discussion, allow me to share some basic information related to soundproofing. It will definitely help you in some of the ways.
It is always important to figure out the source of noise that you want to target. For example, you should be well aware of the noise that is creating trouble. It may be external or internal noise. For external noise, we emphasize more on the sound blocking products and for the internal noise, we recommend the products that are good at negating echoes, reverbs and vibrations.
But what I have found is that most of my clients want the solution for both the internal and external noise, and for that, we prefer to follow a customized solution which includes the products that will target external as well as airborne noise.
For external noise, windows, and the doors are the two key areas that need maximum attention. However, if the wall of your shed is thin then they are also equally important.
For internal noise, the walls of the shed and the corners are the two keys areas that need to be handled properly.
So, without wasting any time let's begin.
Step by step method to soundproof a garden shed
1. Soundproofing the Walls
If you are the one who is considering egg carton or styrofoam as a feasible option then let me tell you that they may help against airborne noise and echo but their credibility for noise blocking is a question mark.
Instead of filling the entire garden shed with egg cartons there are better options that don't cost a ton. Stay tuned to know more.
1.1 Acoustic Panels
The acoustic panels are a good choice for soundproofing wall, and if you remember, I have been betting on this product for so long. It really works, and also doesn't a make a dig on your pocket.
The unique shape of this panel completely negates the bouncing capabilities of the soundwaves. Here, I would like to mention that the flat surfaces support the bouncing.
Another important thing about this sponge-like foam is that it collects the dust quite easily so, you need to vacuum them on a regular basis.
After all, it prevents you from breathing in dust :)
I said you to put them on walls but from any point, it doesn't mean that you can put them on the roof or the windows. Yes, you can use them wherever you want.
You can definitely try it for windows but only if you love to be in dark.
A good adhesive is important to keep them aligned on the walls. There are many good adhesives available on the market. However, I prefer Green Glue as it possesses soundproofing properties and works best against the low-frequencies.
If you are assuming that by simply placing these acoustic panels on the walls, you will get a deaf room, then it's important to face the reality. Trust me, nothing as such will happen.
These panels work great if the walls of your shed are made of thick materials like bricks, marbles etc rather than hollow or thinner ones.
However, you can see the tangible difference after placing these panels.
Some of my clients have applied these panels in their garden sheds, and they are satisfied with the performance.
2. Soundproofing the Windows
Trust me, most of my clients don't take soundproofing windows seriously. However, you should be aware of the fact that windows are the passage to the outer environment, and needless to say, that the traffic and street noise enter our room through either doors or the windows.
Here, is a trick. To getter the best result from soundproofing a window, you need to close all the gaps and cracks in and around the windows.
Another thing that can be troublesome while soundproofing a window is the thinness of the glasses. Since the glass used in the window is mostly thin so the sound can easily enter the garden shed without much opposition from them.
If your garden shed is getting loads and loads of external noise then I will recommend you to replace the thin glass with the laminated ones. It may cost you a few bucks but nothing can work better than it. Trust me, I am just sharing my experience with you.
Don't worry if you are tight on the budget then we have some other budget-friendly solutions for you.
2.1 Soundproof Blankets and Curtains
Well, these are perhaps the cheapest products that you can use against the noise.
They work on the same principle. They have a layer of soundproof materials that absorb sound in its threads and prevent it from entering or exiting the garden shed.
The good news is that they perform extremely well against the echoes.
You simply need to buy them and hang them on the windows. It gives you instant relief from the unwanted noise.
Bonus Tip: Buy a soundproof curtain that has grommets installed in it.
The density and thickness of the soundproof curtains and soundproof blankets are directly proportional to their sound dampening capabilities.
2.2 Window plug
You can either place plastic or glass window plugs whichever suits you. I prefer glass plugs.
2.3 Weatherstrip
This is a fantastic product that you can use to seal the smallest of the gaps. It sticks firmly and gives the window the long-lasting protection.
There are many good brands offering weatherstrip. However, I prefer this product. It serves my purpose and, at the same time, costs me just a few bucks.
3. Soundproofing the Roof
Even though you are tight on budget, I will recommend you NOT to overlook soundproofing a shed.
Soundproofing a roof is as important as soundproofing floors, doors etc.
If you have soundproof the wall of the shed correctly, then it will be a cake walk for you. Simply replicate the process.
However, I would also be talking about the plywood layer that I will include in this section. For great results, I prefer adding an additional plywood layer to the roof.
3.1 Acoustic Foam Panels
As discussed in the aforementioned section, you can stick acoustic foams using Green Glue as an adhesive.
The reason I mentioned the name of Green Glue is that it is specifically made for the soundproofing purpose. When it comes to adhesive I prefer Green Glue over others.
Remember, to vacuum the foams on a regular basis to prevent dust from getting deep into the panels.
3.2 Additional Plywood Layer
I will recommend you to try additional plywood layer ONLY if you aren't satisfied with the aforementioned method outcome.
As the name suggests, you need to add an additional layer of plywood to the roof. In case, you want to further enhance the output cover the plywood with the acoustic foam panels.
If your garden shed is near a high traffic zone, railway station or airport, then it is highly advisable to add an additional plywood layer.
4. Soundproofing the Floor
Needless to say, soundproofing the floor is also important. Soundproofing the floor can completely negate the unwanted noise of something falling on the floor and also, the sound of footsteps.
Soundproofing the floor also reduces the unwanted vibration coming from the floor. The vibration can make unwanted noise if NOT stopped at the correct time.
4.1 Carpet
The first and foremost thing that you need to do is to place a thick carpet on the floor. However, you should keep in mind that the carpet should be vacuum regularly to clean the dust.
Bonus Tip: The thicker the carpet the better it acts against the vibration.
4.2 Soundproofing Mat
If you are ready to spend a few more bucks then I will recommend this soundproofing mat. I have recommended the soundproofing mats to my clients, and the feedback is enticing and positive.
These mats are in great demand when it comes to soundproofing a car. However, they are equally good for soundproofing garden shed floor.
Bonus Tip: For optimum result, use the mat with the carpet.
Place the mat first and then place the carpet over it. The other way round may not be as effective as the previous one.
4.3 False Floor
As the name suggests, a false floor can be considered as placing a layer of plywood over the floor.
The plywood should cover the entire floor, and the gaps and cracks if present in the plywood or between the layers must be filled with the soundproofing adhesive such as Green Glue.
4.4 Combination
In most of the cases, a single step may not be sufficient enough to get the optimum result.
So, applying two or more steps together is advisable.
For example, Place the mat over the naked floor, then add a layer of plywood. Finally, cover it with the carpet. Trust me, it will work extraordinarily well.
5. Soundproofing the Door
The discussion would be incomplete I am skipping the steps for soundproofing door. Well, like a window, it is also a crucial portion of the garden shed that should be properly soundproof.
5.1 Weatherstrip
Similar to the windows, doors can also have holes and cracks. You can apply silicone or plastic weatherstrip to seal the gaps.
Some other benefits of using weatherstrip are water protection, heat loss, and keeping the bugs out.
5.2 Soundproof Blanket
Moving blankets can be used for soundproofing the door. These blankets are very dense and heavy. The installation is very easy. You need to hang the blanket on the door.
You can treat it as a temporary solution and remove it after once you are done.
5.3 Acoustic Foam Panel
One of the favorable product for soundproofing the door. You can use adhesive to stick it properly against the doors. However, for better performance, you need to clean it on a regular basis.
6. Source of Noise
Once you have implemented all the aforementioned step, you need to test the performance of the modified garden shed.
Now, you can experience the tangible difference. However, you may find some absurd noise still coming from somewhere.
Don't worry, you are already done with the major part, just you need to find the source of the noise, and then insulate that part of the garden shed a little more.
[Related]: How much does it cost to soundproof a room?
Soundproof Garden Shed: Wrapping UP
I was a bit skeptical about my performance when I begged a project related to the garden shed.
However, I decided to go forward with the project after my initial preparation.
I strictly followed the process that I have explained in this post. However, after completing the process I wasn't fully satisfied. The reason was quite simple.
During the testing process, I found some unwanted noise still coming from some part of the garden shed. However, I was happy because the sound was of reduced amplitude.
Soon I found the leakage area and then added an additional layer to completely dampen the noise.
I hope these steps will be useful to you as it was for me.
Feel free to share your ways of soundproofing a garden shed.
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