Bricks are always a popular option for interior design due to their timeless aesthetic appeal and ability to align with traditional and contemporary property styles. But, in spite of this, brick walls can cause soundproofing issues - especially when cracks or gaps appear.
Instead of avoiding brick walls, soundproofing solutions let you appreciate the style they add to your property while also enjoying peace and quiet.
In this guide, we’ll explore brick soundproofing solutions for residential and commercial buildings, including what’s available and how to choose the best option for your needs.
Shop brick slipsDo bricks absorb sound?
Bricks are popular because of their sturdy design and soundproofing features. However, they don’t absorb sound, they reflect it.
Empty rooms with brick walls often make more noise than furniture, as the soft furnishings absorb the reflected sound, resulting in a quiet space. Bricks are less reflective than metal and glass, making them a good option for residential and commercial spaces.
While sourcing cheap bricks might seem like a good idea, they often lack the qualities that ensure superior soundproofing
The potential pitfalls
In general, bricks are soundproof, so it will be a surprise to know they can leak noise. If your brick walls leak noise, it’s probably due to one of the following problems:
⦿ Mass Brick walls in commercial buildings or urban areas with heavy traffic might experience more noise because they lack the mass needed to block sound.
⦿ Gaps and cracks Bricks are dense materials and highly effective when laid correctly. However, even minor cracks or gaps can cause noise to leak through the wall.
⦿ Flanking transmission In some cases, the bricks might provide adequate protection, but poor window, ceiling and floor insulation can cause issues, making brick walls ineffective.
⦿ Single-layer walls Brick walls that use single-layer construction are more prone to noise than double layers or insulation.
⦿ Installation errors During installation, errors can impact the soundproofing features of brick walls. This includes failing to seal them and not addressing structural issues.
Blocking it out
There are many ways to soundproof brick walls - some more effective than others. The solution you choose will depend on how much noise you’re experiencing, your budget, and whether you have access to specialists.
Use plasterboard
A cost-effective solution for soundproofing brick walls, plasterboard adds mass to the wall and prevents acoustics from leaking. It also creates a gap, trapping sound waves and stopping them from moving through the wall.
There are two ways to ensure adequate sound insulation with plasterboard. They include:
⦿ Double sheets Installing two layers of plasterboard to the brick wall ensures better soundproofing. Many specialists use a combination of soundproofing compounds and sheetrock.
⦿ Insulation Another popular way to soundproof a brick wall is to install a combination of plasterboard and insulation. The insulation acts as a barrier, enhancing the plasterboard's capabilities.
While plasterboard is a durable material, it can be challenging to install and susceptible to moisture.
Insulation
Insulation is a popular soundproofing method that can be highly effective for brick walls. Installing acoustic insulation and sealant will block out excess noise and prevent the bricks from reflecting it.
There are different ways to install insulation, depending on the materials in your building and whether the bricks are accessible:
⦿ Attic insulation Spaces with bare bricks can insulate the attic space to prevent acoustic leaks.
⦿ Insulation panels Buildings with plasterboard and wood panels can remove the plasterboard and install superior insulation materials, such as cellulose panels.
⦿ Loose insulation Brick walls with loose bricks or minor gaps are easy to insulate because you can remove those bricks and spray insulation into the wall.
Insulation isn’t the most energy-efficient solution, as it can increase the need for artificial heating and air conditioners, but many properties use it due to its superior acoustic-blocking qualities.
Use quality bricks
One of the most significant contributors to excess noise is poor-quality bricks. While sourcing cheap bricks might seem like a good idea, they often lack the qualities that ensure superior soundproofing.
Low-grade bricks are more prone to breakages and can form gaps, but high-quality bricks offer the following benefits:
⦿ Thickness The thickness of your bricks defines their ability to protect the room against noise, as they offer superior mass and block soundwaves from penetrating through them.
⦿ Uniformity High-quality bricks are also manufactured to be uniform, which means fewer gaps when you lay them. They create fewer pathways for sound to travel through, promoting a quiet environment.
⦿ Longevity Installing new or premium bricks can also ensure long-term durability, reducing the risks of breakages and cracks.
⦿ Smooth surfaces Bricks with uneven sources tend to absorb sound waves, while smooth surfaces scatter them, resulting in a muted effect.
Quality bricks don’t have to be expensive, and using our Brick Selection service can help you find materials that align with your budget and style preferences.
We're here for you
When compared to glass and metal, bricks are the better material for soundproofing - and, of course, they also offer more aesthetic appeal.
If you're unsure about which bricks to use, our free Brick Selection service could be just what you need; if you want to use bricks that blend seamlessly with the rest of your home, our Brick Matching service could be right up your street; or if you'd prefer to browse bricks for yourself, we have more than 3,600 products to choose from in our Brick Library!
Our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you figure out how many bricks you need for your project, then source them and find you the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too!
