Understand Acoustic Caulk and How to Utilize it to Prevent Sound Leakage

Acoustic caulk is a high-performance caulk that’s really easy to apply and typically specified by architects in new construction and renovation projects to reduce sound transmission from room to room. While it’s a bit more expensive than most traditional caulks, it’s incredibly popular to use in schools, offices, hospitality, multi-family and other commercial projects where avoiding sound transmission is critical.

This surprisingly high amount of sound leakage from such small holes and cracks can be readily treated and eliminated with the use of acoustical caulk. Latex-based acoustical caulking provides an effective sound barrier because it remains soft and pliable for its lifespan and will not harden and crack. In addition, it does not change or move shape once applied.

Where Can You Use Acoustic Caulk?

One question that we hear a lot from contractors is whether it can be used in between two pieces of drywall that are butted together side by side. This is actually not something we recommend because it can be a bit messy.

Acoustical caulk is most effective when used for windows and doors, electrical boxes, or really any visible crack or gap. Especially in older homes, traditional caulk around doors and windows may be worn out, providing a great opportunity to remove it and apply acoustic caulk as a replacement.

How To Apply Acoustic Caulk?

Although contractors are typically the ones to apply it, it’s great for DIYers too. Acoustic caulk is something that really anyone can use because it’s so straightforward. Here is the typical application process:

1. Clean dirt and debris from the surface you plan to seal, then let it dry. 
2. Cut a ¼ – inch hole at the end of the tube above the threading with scissors or a utility knife, not to exceed ⅜-inch.
3. Attach the prepped caulk tube to a standard, 28 oz caulk gun.
4. Pull the trigger to dispense caulk into joints between drywall and floors or ceilings, windows, doors, trim, etc, or any visible cracks. 
5. Allow the caulk to dry for 48 hours before applying drywall mud or paint.

Noise-Proofing Sealant and Acoustic Caulk from Acoustical Solutions

Acoustical Solutions offer two noise-proofing sealants: Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant and OSI^® SC-175 Acoustical caulk:

Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant

Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant – 28 oz. Tubes

Non-hazardous, odor-free, Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant effectively seals the cracks and gaps in the walls, ceiling, and floors of residential and commercial buildings to reduce noise transmission between rooms or spaces.

Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant offers several advantages:

Straightforward Application: You do not need any training to use Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant. It applies just like standard caulking materials (working temperature between 40℉ and 90℉), then cleans up with just soap and water. Green Glue Noiseproofing sealant comes in 28-ounce tubes that fit into quart-sized caulking guns.

Quick Sealing: You can apply Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant along edges and cracks in just a few minutes. It dries completely in 48 hours, and then you can paint the sealant. 

Practical Solution: Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant surpasses LEED green building requirements. Underwriters Laboratories have independently tested it for fire safety and environmental impact.

OSI^® SC-175 Acoustic Caulk

OSI^® SC-175 Acoustical Caulk

OSI^® SC-175 acoustical latex-based, non-flammable caulk seals seams and gaps to prevent sound (and air) leakage in commercial and residential construction assemblies and achieve a specific STC value of the system design.

OSI^® SC-175 acoustical caulk offers several benefits:

Permanently flexible: The paintable sealant remains flexible after drying.

Excellent Adherence: OSI^® SC-175 acoustical caulk adheres firmly to most building materials, like wood, metal studs, concrete, gypsum board, etc.

Cleans-Up Easily: OSI^® SC-175 acoustical Caulk clean up simply with soup and water.

Simple Application: Wearing gloves, apply the non-staining and non-migrating sealant to clean, dry surface at a temperature above 40°F (4°C), optimally at 70°F (21°C). The sealant space should not exceed 5/8” (15.9 mm) x ½” (12.7 mm). You can paint the sealant after it dries for 24 hours. 

Further Sound Control Options to Achieve the Best Acoustics Possible for Your Unique Space

Utilizing Acoustical Solutions’ acoustic caulk options will help you effectively block sound from escaping and entering your chosen space, but there is more to be done! Here are some further options to help you hone and maximize acoustics.

Acoustic Foam

Acoustical Solutions offers two premium-grade lines of acoustic foam suitable for commercial and residential buildings. In addition, the Class A fire-rated core makes them safe for use in public and private spaces.

• The AlphaSorb^® Acoustic Foam line absorbs sound and lessens reverberation for many applications. Easy-to-install AlphaSorb^® Acoustic Foam has paintable options and comes in various patterns, thicknesses, and sizes. 
• SONEX® soundproof foam reduces noise. Sonex^® provides an extensive selection of materials for ceiling and wall applications. You can choose natural foam colors or HPC coating for easy cleaning and durability.

Acoustic Panels

Acoustical Solutions acoustic panels provide a great solution for spaces where echo and reverberation create excessive ambient noise, diminishing the occupants’ comfort level and making communication difficult. 

Acoustic panels absorb sound and minimize sound reflections, reducing loudness and creating a more comfortable acoustic environment – vital to media rooms, classrooms, meeting halls, and churches. 

Bass Traps

Acoustical Solutions acoustic bass traps absorb more lower-frequency sound than acoustic panels, which enhances bass clarity. They easily install into the horizontal and vertical corners of the room, which is particularly useful for home theaters, music rooms, and media production spaces. 

Ceiling Treatments

Acoustical Solutions offers an extensive range of acoustic ceiling tiles, baffles, acoustic banners, cloud panels, and other acoustical materials for sound absorbing, blocking, and diffusion. Ceiling treatments are vital for controlling sound in classrooms, gymnasiums, auditoriums, and swimming pools.

Door and Window Solutions

Acoustical Solutions offers many products to lessen or block sound for doors and windows. We provide soundproof doors and windows engineered for durability, sound transmission loss (STC), and door and window accessories to seal existing doors and windows.

Floor Treatments

Acoustical Solutions floor treatments and acoustic floor underlayments install below a finished floor to lessen impact noise, footfalls, and the transmission of sound through a flooring system. Acoustic floor underlayments help to structurally isolate the floor’s top layer from the other components. You can install acoustic underlayments under many materials, including hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, LVT (luxury vinyl tile), concrete, tile, and carpet. 

Sound Diffusers

Acoustical Solutions sound diffusers scatter sound waves, thereby lessening standing waves and echoes to improve sound clarity. Recording studios, control rooms, music production, and live music rooms often require sound diffusers. 

Find the Best Acoustic Caulk and More with Acoustic Solutions

Thoroughly reducing noise transmission can be readily achieved utilizing acoustic caulk, like Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant and OSI® SC-175 Acoustical caulk. Applying these noise-proofing sealants and other Acoustical Solution acoustic products, like acoustic panels, bass traps, ceiling treatments, acoustic foam, sound diffusers, floor treatments, and door and window solutions, will help you to successfully soundproof a room or space and give you full control of your sound.