Acoustic caulk is a substance used to seal off any unwanted spaces between cracks or joints in walls and ceilings.
It’s one of the cheapest soundproofing materials/sound deadening materials you can get on the market today.
This material helps prevent noise transmission from one room to another, which could be used as an effective solution for partitions within schools and offices.
It can also be used in areas where soundproofing is needed, such as theaters or recording studios where large amounts of equipment are being used.
It’s not only useful for interior rooms; acoustic caulk can also be utilized on exteriors like gaps under patio doors or windows.
This caulk works so well because it contains “acoustic fillers” to help block sounds from passing through.
Acoustic sealant material is used in various situations where it’s important to eliminate noise coming from one area to another.
Does Acoustic Caulk Work?
Of course, it does.
Does acoustic caulk work? There is only one correct answer to that question: YES.
Acoustic caulk is an excellent alternative to standard noise-reducing caulk because it can be applied over existing caulking.
There is no need to remove the old caulk and risk damage to your drywall or paint surface.
Just apply acoustic caulk using the same application method as you would usually use for regular silicone caulk.
What’s The Difference Between Regular Silicone Caulk and Acoustic Caulk?
The most notable difference is color.
Regular silicone caulks come in two different colors, and white (off-white), while acoustic caulks are always white, off-white, or gray due to their filler content which is included to increase sound absorption levels pliable materials (silicone).
Acoustic caulk also has slightly different adhesion properties as it is formulated to bond well to metal, glass, and other pliable materials.
This makes acoustic caulk ideal for applications like window and door installations that are subject to vibrational forces.
What’s The Difference Between Regular Silicone Caulking Guns Vs. Acoustic Caulk Guns?
Acoustic caulk requires a particular gun explicitly designed for the material.
Acoustical Caulk Guns have an internal piston that provides a slow release of adhesive, allowing you to apply pressure consistently throughout the application.
These guns can be used with existing standard 2-part caulk applicators, but they will work better with purpose-made acoustic caulking tools such as:
The General Tools 90064 Acoustic Caulk Gun is an excellent choice for most DIYers.
The low price, ease of operation, and broad application make this gun worth considering before you buy.
How Much Acoustic Caulk Do I Need to Apply?
Acoustical caulking comes in many sizes and kits that will provide enough materials to complete two or more applications depending on the size of your project.
Most kits include a caulking gun except those sold by General Tools, which are sold separately.
For reference, a standard-sized 5-gallon kit should be sufficient for up to 10 typical windows or doors.
Top 5 Best Acoustic Caulks on the Market Today
Below are five of my most recommended acoustic caulking products on the market today. They include:
1. Green Glue Sealant
Green Glue is a non-toxic, water-based compound that contains an active ingredient known for its acoustical performance when applied to building materials and can easily be sanded or painted over.
It’s a very effective soundproofing compound similar to traditional soundproofing products like mass-loaded vinyl, fiberglass, and mineral wool.
Also Read: Top 5 Green Glue Alternatives That Work!
It’s unique because it takes advantage of the structure of adhesives used in commercial construction to provide superior acoustic benefits when combined with drywall or any other partition material.
Compared to these materials, Green Glue is inherently more stable and performs flawlessly over a wide temperature range and humidity conditions.
This means no cracking or deteriorating over time – even under extreme temperatures and humid environments.
Green Glue provides especially effective results when installed on walls with minimal air space between two opposing walls (i.e., apartment/condominium walls) where typical insulation can’t be used.
2. Auralex Acoustics STOPGAP Acoustical Sealant
Auralex Acoustics STOPGAP Acoustical Sealant is a 100% post-consumer high molecular weight polyethylene foam made here in the USA.
STOPGAP Acoustical Sealant is perfect for acoustic projects requiring both superior sound control as well as high strength and durability!
Here’s why you need Auralex Acoustics STOPGAP™:
SUPERIOR SOUND CONTROL – STOPGAP provides 15dB of sound absorption across most audible frequencies with an NRC rating of 0.90 – higher than any competing product.
The density makes it ideal for sealing up construction joints, nail holes, electrical boxes, and virtually every other space where unwanted noise must be eliminated.
3. Tremco Acoustical Sealant
Tremco Acoustical Sealant is a multi-purpose sealant that can be used for most acoustical and insulation projects.
It seals out air leaks, insulates against sound and heat transfer, protects surface areas from water penetration and molds/fungi growth, and inhibits condensation on cold surfaces by providing an air barrier seal.
The product dries within 3 hours to a tough elastomeric coating with exceptional adhesion to many substrates.
Tremco Acoustical Sealant will ensure an effective airtight seal for years to come without requiring maintenance or reapplication.
4. LIQUID NAILS AS-825 Acoustical Sound Sealant
AS-825 Liquid Nails® is a two-part polyurethane acoustical sealant and adhesive.
It uses the same expanding foam technology as our other sound control products but with a fast cure time to accommodate on-site construction and repair jobs.
Why Use AS-825?
Because it’s fast-curing! AS-825 forms an almost solid bond with all its unique properties in just 5 minutes after mixing, yet it will not cure unless exposed to air.
Unlike conventional adhesives with limited potency due to ambient moisture, this product sets up only when there is adequate humidity in the air.
It can also be used to fill holes and cracks for excellent soundproofing or noise.
5. OSI SC175 Draft and Acoustical Sealant
OSI SC175 Draft and Acoustical Sealant is a two-component room temperature curing, sound damping, and air infiltration reducer for interior walls, ceilings, or where airflow reduction is required.
The material can be used to seal air leaks in buildings of all types, including commercial offices, residential units, and hotels.
In addition to its sealing capabilities, the product provides an acoustical benefit by absorbing airborne sounds that may otherwise be heard in adjacent rooms.
It has been developed for those situations where isolation from unwanted noise is desired without heat gain or loss through the wall or ceiling.
OSI SC175 Draft and Acoustical Sealant washes easily with water-based detergents and cleansers, and most other everyday cleaning.
Final Thoughts on Acoustic Caulk
In conclusion, Acoustic caulk is the best way to help stop a leak in your home.
The reasoning is that once it’s been applied, you won’t have to worry about hearing all the noise from around you while trying to use an object such as a hammer or drill and still maintain privacy by having the sounds kept out of deafening nerve intensity from other rooms.
Also, another reason being that this product can be used anywhere in your house without damaging anything else due to its flexibility.
Using acoustic caulk, logic would tell you that any part of your house could potentially experience a sound problem and require this type of solution for complete satisfaction.