If your goal is to have peace and quiet in your home, then soundproofing is the ideal way to go. However, soundproofing your home can be very costly, as buying materials and hiring a professional to get the job done isn’t cheap.
To help you out, I’ve put together a list of new products that require less work and are also cost-effective. Green glue is one of the most popular soundproofing materials, but if you consider it too pricey or don’t want to use it for some other reason, let’s take a look at the alternatives.
Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound
When it comes to reducing unwanted noise, Green Glue is very effective. It’s a product that’s been designed to stop sound and vibration from traveling between rooms, and to convert one type of energy to another (sound energy to heat).
The Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is usually placed in between two drywall layers. When Green Glue is applied between two materials, it builds up a damping system that absorbs soundwaves and reduces their penetration into your room.
The Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is considered the most popular soundproofing product that won’t cost you too much. If you’re planning some renovation or construction projects, it should work extremely well. Any homeowner can easily apply it by using a caulking gun. It can be applied to flooring and walls without any major eradication.
This versatile product can be used in apartment buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, hospitals and many other places. You can expect green glue to work its magic, no matter what type of project you’re working on.
It is also important to mention that Green Glue is eco-friendly and non-hazardous. The only downside is that it smells kind of unpleasant, but that can also be prevented.
Green Glue Alternatives That Can Work Magic
1. Polyurethane
Polyurethane is one of the best alternatives to Green Glue, as it’s considered one of the toughest types of clear coating. It’s also a durable varnish that’s formulated so its molecules bond tightly together as they dry. This results in a finish that’s highly resistant to water, solvents, scratches and other damage.
When purchasing polyurethane, you’ll have to choose between water and oil-based varieties. Oils tend to give the wood a warm amber tone, while water-based polyurethane makes the wood retain its light color.
Types of Polyurethane
Water-based Polyurethane: When it comes to homes, I believe water-based polyurethane is the best choice, because it’s very easy to clean up, and the application and drying periods won’t be long. With oil-based polyurethane, you’ll normally have to wait 24 to 48 hours to apply a second coat, while with the water-based variety, you’ll normally be able to apply it within just two hours.
Another thing I like about water-based polyurethane is that it doesn’t produce an odor, and the brushes can be easily cleaned with water after use. It also preserves the natural color of the wood, so you won’t have to worry about its appearance changing.
Oil-based Polyurethane: This type turns a subtle amber color and warms up the color of the wood. The only disadvantage is that it takes a long time to dry and can be quite toxic, as it contains VOCs. It also tends to show brush marks and nicks more clearly, especially over time.
2. Mass-Loaded Vinyl
MLV is a unique type of soundproofing material that has both high density and good flexibility. It’s one of the most popular materials on the market when it comes to soundproofing the home.
Mass-loaded vinyl is usually sandwiched between other materials. You can actually install it anywhere, including on the ceiling, walls and floors. It’s even used to decrease unwanted sounds in cars, as well as enhancing desired sounds.
We believe this is the ideal choice for people who want a quieter work environment or home. There are several different weights and thicknesses available.
This material is practically odorless and non-toxic, and it’s resistant to multiple environmental factors including oils, weak acid and alkalis.
If you’re looking for one of the best alternatives to green glue, then you should check this one out online. It’s a 0.125-inch thick flexible material that can be easily bent and flexed into different shapes, which makes it a very versatile solution.
3. Dynaflex 230 Sealant
Another excellent alternative is Dynaflex 230, which produces a latex formulation that is “silicone tough,” making it magnificent to use on exterior components.
It provides a long-lasting, durable seal that’s waterproof and weatherproof. It’s ideal for sealing air leaks around doors, windows, trim, siding and baseboards to improve the energy efficiency of a home and help reduce utility costs.
The effective, paintable sealant can fill gaps up to an inch wide, and the cured sealant is mildew and mold-resistant. It is easy to use and can be cleaned up with water and soap. It can be used for both interior and exterior projects (check out the current price online).
4. Imperial Sealant Silicone
This silicone sealant is a great alternative to Green Glue when you’re undertaking new construction and renovation projects. It’s a cheaper option, but it’s just as efficient at soaking up vibrations caused by soundwaves traveling through ceilings, walls and floors.
It’s pretty easy to apply this product to a piece of construction material, and it should only take a few minutes. With this sealant, you can easily soundproof any room in your house in one day (or less) if you have someone to help you. For the best results, the ideal cure time is seven days, and the compound will reach its utmost performance four weeks after use.
This sealant can be used with any high-quality temperature glue gun. The Imperial Silicone Sealant is considered one of the best ways to attach materials together, but one mistake people tend to make is leaving the glue to dry completely. I don’t recommend doing this, because it won’t adhere properly (click here to buy it now).
5. QuietRock Soundproofing Drywall
This drywall is another effective alternative to green glue. It comes in panels of different thicknesses, such as 0.5 inches to 1.375 inches, which can also be placed over any existing drywall.
Base on user reviews, the most popular type is the QuietRock 500, because the installation is quite easy and there is no need for special tools. QuietRock 500 is pretty thin, is easy to handle and is just as effective as gypsum panels of other types.
I don’t recommend using QuietRock for ceilings, but it’s the right material for walls. Even though it’s great for new construction, it’s also highly favored by those who are planning to remodel their existing home.
What I really like about QuietRock is that it has the ability to keep providing noise-proofing, even after fixtures such as TVs have been installed on top of it. If you’re in need of a quick and easy fix, you should check out this high-quality product.
Conclusion
These are the best alternatives to Green Glue on the market today. Each one has its own pros and cons, but they all work well indifferent situations. You can read the reviews carefully and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. You can also check out my other articles on this site if you have the time. if you have any questions, feel free to let us know by leaving a comment down below.
Here is another article you might like, Green Glue Reviews.
image: Olger Fallas