Soundproof a brick wall with a combination of mass and acoustic caulk.
Panels of gypsum wallboard can provide the necessary mass to block sound waves from a brick wall. By adding acoustical caulk between layers of wallboard, you can get even more effective blockage, as the caulk prevents the vibrations that transmit sound through the panels and into the walls. Before placing the gypsum panels, you'll need to install furring strips to leave spaces between the panels and the bricks. This creates additional soundproofing.
Instructions
1. Mark locations along the brick wall for mounting furring strips, which will serve as wall studs to hold the gypsum board in place. Beginning an inch from the edge of the wall with the first mark, make additional chalk marks every 16 inches along the wall base for the strips.
2. Measure the height of the wall and cut a furring strip to the measured height from 1-by-2-inch planks, using the circular saw. Drill mounting holes down the 2-inch sides of the planks, staggering their placement every 8 inches.
3. Place the planks against the wall and use the carpenter's level to make vertically plumb. Use the previously drilled holes in the planks as a guide to drill pilot holes into the walls about 2 inches deep for concrete screws. Remove each plank and use the shop vacuum to remove the dust from the holes in the bricks.
4. Place the planks back against the walls and mount them in place with concrete screws. Drive the screws through the holes in the wood and into the pilot holes into the bricks, using the drill and a screw bit.
5. Cut the sheets of gypsum board to the height of the wall by scoring the rock at the measured height with the utility knife. Snap the sheets along the scored line. Place a bead of acoustic caulk along each of the planks, then set the planks onto the furring strips. Secure into place using drywall screws through the planks and into the strips. Because of the width of the gypsum board, each piece should end in the center of a strip. Space screws every 12 inches down the length of the panels.
6. Butt the next sheet of gypsum board against the side of the first and install using the same process. Continue down the length of the brick wall, cutting the last sheet to cover a partial space at the end of the wall, if needed. Cover the joint between the sheets with a bead of the acoustic caulk.
7. Apply a zigzag pattern of acoustic caulk to the rear of the next layer of gypsum board, then press it over the first layer, sandwiching the caulk between layers. Secure the new layer to the wall with drywall screws. Place a bead of acoustic caulk in the joints between the boards as well as at the joints along the floor and ceiling.
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