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If you’ve undertaken DIY soundproofing projects previously, you are aware of what green glue is or probably read about it somewhere. Its one of the popular sound insulation tools on the market. This article discusses in detail about this sealant compound, review some of the best products, green glue alternatives. It also answers a popular question soundproofing enthusiasts often ask- does green glue really work?
I wasn’t aware of green glue sealant until I became a soundproofing enthusiast. My son joined a music group at school, and music became his hobby almost immediately. He needed to practice, and that place was no other than his room. It became a nightmare that being work at home dad simply because I couldn’t concentrate on my projects.
I had to look for ways to deal with the noise problem- and alas, the ideal of sound insulating every room in my house including the garage was born. Fast forward, I was able to noise proof all the rooms in my house with the help of my son. One of the products I found quite useful was green glue. Stay tuned as I inform you more about this sealant.
What is green glue, and how does it work?
In my own definition, green glue is the true lifesaver in soundproofing. But according to the manufacturer, it is a viscoelastic damping compound. It converts sound energy into a negligible amount of heat. It is often used between two solid layers of material to isolate sound traveling from one layer to the next. It doesn’t dry and hence can’t be used as a permanent adhesive like other common glues. It is designed to remain flexible over the years, and this characteristic is what makes it effective.
To be clear, green glue isn’t a sound diffuser or a sound absorber. It only stops sound and vibrations from traveling between two solid materials such as between walls and drywall. Some of green glue products you will find on the market include Green Glue sealant, Joist Tape, and Sealant Clip. In most cases, this glue is placed between two solid pieces of drywall. This product is environmentally friendly and non-hazardous. The only downside is the smell, but you can mask the smell with ease.
Does Green Glue really work?
One of the obvious questions I’m often asked by soundproofing enthusiasts in forums and meetups is, does green glue really work?
Well, if green glue didn’t work, I wouldn’t have written this article to tell you about it. I added a layer of drywall in my son’s practice room, sandwiched glue, and worked magic. I was able to reduce the noise problem drastically thanks to the help of the drywall and green glue.
We used to hear everything coming out of his drum rooms even the slightest conversation he’d have with his friends who came over for practice. Even though we can still hear some noises, it’s something we can deal with, something that won’t interrupt your conversation in the living room. However there is a catch, you will need to wait like 90 days to get the real results, but you will see some improvements within 30 days.
Green glue reviews: which products should you use?
As earlier mentioned, there are different green glue products you will get on the market today. There are four green glue products. Let’s look in detail for each product.
Noiseproofing compound
The is sold in bucket and tube sizes. If you’re undertaking some big projects, for example Noiseproofing compound, a 400 square feet project would need the bucket size. It is ideal for renovation projects and new construction projects. Buying the bucket sizes will probably save you some cash than when buying tube sizes. The only downside is that your project might run slower than expected. This is because you will have a refill and clean the application gun, which can time consuming.
If you’re doing a simple renovation project, you will not need to use the bucket option instead consider the tubes. You will not need the applicator gun, and so you won’t need to buy one which could cost you $30. Noiseproofing compound is not only eco-friendly but also has low odor. It is a cost-effective solution that allows you to work and live in peace.
Noiseproofing sealant
Unlike Noiseproofing compound, this is a sealant used to fill joints and gaps where the wall meets the ceiling or the floor or where to walls meet. The product can also be used around switch boxes. It can be painted once it dries completely after 48 hours. It gives the finishing touches needed after installing the Noiseproofing compound.
Noiseproofing clips
These clips are designed to mechanically separate two sides of the wall so that when sounds energy hits the wall, it is not transmitted to the other side. They work better than traditional decoupling methods thanks to their fortified design. They work perfectly unlike other mechanical decoupling products such as resilient channels that are likely to malfunction, allowing noise to pass through.
The installation process is simple, you only need a measure and screw the clips, and this shouldn’t take much of your time for an average sized room. The clips are perfect, especially if you’re dealing with impact and high-frequency noise. You cannot use these clips on existing ceilings or walls, because they must be screwed directly to the framing.
Noiseproofing joist tape
Squeaky floors and footsteps is one of the common noise complaints. Floor squeaking often occurs when floors settle, and joists rub against the subflooring. To get rid of the squeaking floor, you will need to install a joist tape. A Noiseproofing joist tape creates a seal that removes void spaces which are created as subfloors and joists dry and shrink. The installation process is simple; you will only need to roll the take on the floor joists and then install the subflooring on top.
How to install green glue on layers of drywall
The installation process is simple and straightforward. First, you will need to apply it to the surface and let it dry for about 10-15 minutes. If this is your first time, you can request someone for help.
Application process and drying process
If you bought the bucket option, you would need an applicator gun to spread this compound all over the surface. You should note that green glue won’t fill the space between the drywall. So you will have to get the two sheets of drywall close to each other by tightening the screws. For the tubes options, you don’t need an application gun to apply, but instead but the application method is the same.
After application, you should tighten the bolts within 15 minutes. While it doesn’t dry out completely, you should expect to see some positive results within the first week after application. You can use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to clean Green Glue.
5 Green Glue Alternatives for soundproofing
Green glue is a widely used material when it comes to soundproofing; however if you cannot find it in the shops near your area or it seems too costly, you can opt to use other alternatives. There are other several products which are cheaper and available in the market you can use which include;
- Sealant silicone2.7 oz Red
- Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing Acoustic Barrier Sheet
- Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound
- Rust-Oleum 302736 Triple Thick Polyurethane
- Quiet Rock 1/2” x 8” x 4” Soundproof Drywall
1. Silicone sealant
Silicone sealant, also known as Red glue, is a sound dampening product that can be used to substitute green glue and is good for renovating and constructing. The product’s characteristics enable it to work effectively as a sound dampening material absorbing the vibrations brought by the sound waves passing through the ceiling and the walls.
To apply the red glue will on the construction materials or the plasterboards take just a few minutes. To soundproof your room, you will need a day or less, depending on your speed and accuracy. After application, you will begin seeing the results after about a week, and the product will work best after thirty days.
This silicone sealant is designed in such a way that it can be used with a glue gun, and it adheres together materials easily. However, you should not let the glue dry up because once it dries, it doesn’t stick to the material.
Each unit of the glue contains 25 pieces and can produce an approximate of 75 seals when used as per the instructions.
2. Quiet Rock
This is a good alternative for green glue and functions effectively. The product is packed in a number of panels of varying thicknesses from 1/2” to 1-3/8“making it easier to place on existing drywall.
Quiet rock 500 is the most common because it is the easiest to install and you don’t have to use ant tool during the installation as compared to the others. This type of quiet rock is thin and easy to hold and works effectively like any other gypsum panels. Additionally, it performs better than some traditional two-layered gypsum panels systems.
Mostly the quiet rock panels are used on the walls and are not suitable for the ceiling, and although they are mostly used during the construction of a new house, it can also be used when restructuring an already existing house. The product saves you money that could be used to pay a professional for the installation since anyone can easily install it provided that they follow the instructions given.
Quiet Rock can soundproof even after installing a TV on it, so it is best if you are planning to restructure your house and you need a quick and easy way for maximal noise proofing.
3. DYNAFLEX 230
DYNAFLEX 230 is an alternative that gives a “silicone tough” latex formulation giving it the ability to perform even on the on exterior elements. The product can expand and contract without interfering with the seal or even cracking. The sealant is paintable and is able to fill 1- inch width gaps, and it is also durable and mold and mildew resistant.
This product is usually smooth and can be washed with some water and soap, and it is easily removable with a gun. The product can be used on both the interior and exterior sides of your house, and it meets the international standards.
4. Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass Loaded Vinyl is a good material when planning to soundproof your home. It’s easy to apply and works effectively, and it weighs some weight in a considerable thin width. This product is favorable for someone who a peaceful working environment or home without having to compromise the space in the room.
It is available in varying weights and thickness in the market, giving you the chance to choose one that suits your needs. It can be used on the walls, ceilings under the carpet to reduce the noise reaching the room below or even wrapped around pipes.
It does not smell, is not poisonous, and it resists to some oils and alkalis. It is durable and does not contract or rot, meaning that it can serve you for quite an extended period.
Mass Loaded Vinyl is 1/8 thick and is made with a flexible material which is easy to bend into various designs. Another advantage of this product is that its thin width makes it occupy a small space.
5. Polyurethane
Polyurethane is another great substitute for green glue. It’s very tough polish made of a tiny chain of resin molecules which closely come together when it dries up binding firmly to the surface it is applied on. The final result is resistant to water and other solvents and it does not wear out easily. Some brands of the polyurethane product are made with oil giving the wood on which it is applied on amber tone.
If you do not want your wood to lose its original color, you can use the water-based polyurethane.
· Water-based polyurethane
This product is good for anyone who wants to keep the color of their wood and needs to be applied in more layers as compared to the oil-based polyurethane. You can clean with water and soap once it gets dirty. It is low in volatile organic compounds and dries up fast, but there still need good ventilation when applying it.
· Oil based polyurethane
It turns slightly amber and changes the color of the wood a bit. It has high organic compounds, makes a more durable coat and dries slower than the water-based polyurethane. Mineral spirits are the best when it comes to its cleaning.
Conclusion green glue alternatives and reviews
Green glue is a popular noiseproofing option. It’s not only readily available but also quite affordable and easy to use. But if you can’t find one in your local stores or online the above green glue alternatives are good and some work best in different situations. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and you can choose the one that meets your needs because most of them work differently. You can also read how to break glass quietly here.