There are many types of caulk. Caulk can come in different colors; it can be sanded or unsanded; it can dry at different speeds. These different properties derive from the components used in the caulk’s formula. The base can be latex, silicone, foam, or butyl rubber - just to name some common ones – which also affects what the caulk should be used for. Each type of caulk is effective for its own specific purpose.

To make things more confusing – caulk and sealant, which people often use interchangeably, actually are used for different purposes. The key difference between the two from a soundproofing perspective is the elasticity. Sealant is much more elastic, and is the far superior option for soundproofing. With that in mind, from now on we’re going to refer to it as acoustical sealant or acoustic sealant caulk.

Acoustic sealant caulk is:

1. 1. Made of a latex-based acrylic polymer
   2. Permanently flexible (will expand/contract)
   3. Used to seal air gaps, cracks, and seams in any soundproofing project

Perhaps the most crucial part of every soundproofing project is creating an airtight seal. No matter how dense a wall is, if there are gaps in it (typically at the perimeter or around penetrations), sound will leak through. That’s where the acoustic sealant caulk comes in — think of it like the putty used to stop a leak in a swimming pool. Sound waves travel in a manner similar to water. Even the smallest leak in the side of a swimming pool can compromise its structural integrity, and the same is true for soundproofing in a room. Using acoustic sealant caulk plugs that sound leak.

Using acoustical sealant to ensure a barrier is completely airtight will increase its STC rating. As an extreme example, your typical well-sealed residential wall has an STC rating between 37 and 39. A wall that is not well sealed with often be in the 28-32 range.

You may be wondering what is this STC rating I keep blabbing about. You could write an article on it (we did), but the short version is Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings measure how well a material or a structure blocks sound. A higher number means more sound is blocked by the barrier.

Our preferred acoustical sealant is Titebond acoustical sealant caulk. We use it on every soundproofing project.

Titebond Acoustic Sealant:

• Available in 28-ounce tubes
• White application color
• Application temperature range of 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit (room temperature is perfect)
• 2-year shelf life while unsealed

• • Acoustic sealant is latex based. The rubbery, flexible properties of latex-based sealant caulk make it ideal for long-lasting air seals. Not only will an acoustic sealant block sound from entering a room, its elasticity allows it to properly decouple two hard surfaces to prevent the transmission of structural sound between them.
  • Other options to avoid: You want to avoid a silicone caulk, a hybrid caulk that mixes silicone and latex, all sorts of spray foam caulk, and butyl rubber caulk. These should not be used for soundproofing.

Whether you are building a soundproof home office, recording studio, media room, or commercial space, acoustic sealant caulk is an absolute must have. While you can take steps to soundproof a room without it, forgetting to seal up the room will lead to frustrating noise leaks that will reduce the total soundproofing effectiveness. We recommend the use of acoustical sealant on every soundproofing project. Whether you’re hanging drywall or undertaking a full renovation, applying sealant in those gaps will make all the difference.

If you’re ready to begin your soundproofing project but need some direction on where to start, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to work with you on a custom soundproofing solution for your home or work space.