Many people wonder if soundproofing really works – and whether it’s genuinely worth the investment. The short answer is yes, soundproofing works, but its success depends heavily on how it’s done. Materials, installation quality, the type of noise involved, and the structure of the building all play a role.
Here at Persy Booths, we don't like to boast – but soundproofing is something we know quite a lot about. The soundproof pods that we manufacture are carefully designed to provide the soundproofing that our customers need. But more than that, we have also learned that customers want to keep costs down. So we try to be smart about it and do the right things instead of doing everything. The result is a reasonably priced pod that will deliver years of soundproofing performance for your office. And the other result is that we can explain in detail what soundproofing can realistically achieve, where it works best, where it struggles, and how to avoid common mistakes when trying to reduce unwanted noise. So let's do it!
Key takeaways from this article
- Soundproofing works, but only when the correct materials and methods are used.
- Blocking sound and absorbing echo are two very different acoustic challenges.
- Adding mass, sealing gaps, and using multiple layers delivers the best results.
- Research shows reducing noise improves focus, wellbeing, and speech clarity.
- Peace and quiet is achievable without excessive cost when solutions are chosen carefully.
What Is Soundproofing and How Does It Work?
Soundproofing is about reducing the transmission of sound waves from one space to another. This includes airborne noise such as people talking, music, or traffic noise, as well as impact noise caused by footsteps or objects striking a surface.
Sound travels as vibration. When sound energy reaches a wall, floor, or ceiling, part of it is reflected, part absorbed, and part transmitted through the structure. Effective soundproofing solutions aim to minimise that transmission by combining several physical principles.
Adding mass is one of the most important techniques. Heavier, high-density and dense materials resist vibration more effectively than lightweight ones. Damping materials convert sound energy into small amounts of heat, reducing resonance within walls and floors. Decoupling separates layers, such as in a stud wall, preventing vibrations travelling directly through a structure. Sealing gaps is also essential, as even small air leaks can undermine performance. Finally, absorption using sound absorbing materials inside wall cavities reduces internal resonance and reverberation.
Soundproofing matters in the workplace. According to the Cambridge University Press, open plan office noise levels reduce psychological well-being, while a report from the Czech Republic showed that office noise adversely affected the concentration of 63% of employees.
Soundproofing does not eliminate sound entirely, but when installed correctly it can dramatically improve employee well-being and productivity in offices and meeting rooms.
Soundproofing vs Sound Absorption
A common source of confusion is the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption. While they are often mentioned together, they serve very different purposes.
Soundproofing focuses on blocking sound from entering or leaving a space. It relies on soundproofing materials such as acoustic plasterboard, soundproof drywall, and mass loaded vinyl to increase mass and reduce sound transmission through walls and ceilings.
Sound absorption, by contrast, is about controlling sound within a room. Acoustic panels, acoustic foam, and other sound absorbing materials reduce echo, reverberation, and background noise build-up, but they do little to stop sound passing through walls.
While acoustic panels significantly improve perceived comfort inside a room, they must be combined with proper sound insulation to prevent noise leakage. No system delivers total silence – only varying degrees of reduction – and results depend on the existing structure, materials used, and installation quality.
What Are the Best Ways to Soundproof a Room
There are several proven methods for soundproofing, each addressing a specific aspect of sound transmission. The most effective approaches include:
- Adding mass to walls using soundproof drywall, acoustic plasterboard, or mass loaded vinyl to block airborne noise
- Sealing gaps and cracks to eliminate air leaks around sockets, skirting boards, and door frames
- Installing soundproofing panels that combine absorption with mass for improved performance
- Insulating wall cavities with acoustic insulation to absorb sound energy
- Decoupling structures by constructing a stud wall or secondary lining to isolate vibration
Used together, these techniques can significantly reduce unwanted noise and improve comfort in almost any room.
Common Soundproofing Myths
Several myths continue to cause disappointment when people attempt soundproofing.
“Foam panels make a room silent.” Foam reduces echo but does not block sound transmission.
“One product fixes everything.” The correct soundproofing solution depends on the noise type and structure.
“Soundproof paint works like insulation.” Its impact on noise reduction is minimal.
“Only full rebuilds work.” Many spaces can be upgraded effectively by improving an existing wall.
When Soundproofing Doesn’t Work Well
Soundproofing struggles most in older buildings with thin partitions, shared ventilation systems, or poorly sealed construction. In these cases, sound waves travel easily through gaps, ducting, and lightweight structures.
Common causes of failure include using sound absorbing materials where sound blocking is required, ignoring impact noise from floors and ceilings, failing to seal gaps and junctions, and expecting lightweight systems to block low-frequency noise.
When Soundproofing Works Best
Soundproofing performs best when a solid wall or well-built structure already exists and multiple layers of high mass materials are added. Best results are achieved using mass loaded vinyl or acoustic plasterboard and effectively sealing leaks.
In office environments, this approach is often complemented by modular soundproof phone booth solutions such as the Persy One, which provide a self-contained, effective soundproofing environment for focused work. Larger teams can benefit from the team meeting booth, designed for collaborative sessions, or the two person phone booth for small-group privacy. Individual users might prefer a work booth for quiet concentration.
All of these modular options form part of the soundproof office booth range, which offers a practical, stylish alternative to traditional soundproofing – no construction required.
Is Soundproofing Worth It?
For people dealing with noisy neighbours, traffic noise, or constant background noise, soundproofing can significantly improve quality of life. In workplaces, the benefits are equally clear.
In cost terms, upgrading an existing wall in Europe typically starts at around €450 – €900, depending on materials and size. More comprehensive room treatments often range from €2,200 to €2,800, depending on complexity. However, this will do nothing to reduce noise levels if the source of the noise is within the office! This is why an investment in separate, modular soundproof booths is often preferred.
Final Thoughts
So, does sound proofing really work? Yes – when expectations are realistic and solutions are well chosen. Effective soundproofing reduces noise to manageable levels, creating calmer, more usable spaces. The key is balance – choosing the right soundproofing solution, using different materials of appropriate different densities.
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Passionate, progress-driven venture & business developer with startup and corporate experience. I speak business, while keeping customers in my heart.
