Soundproofing Your Garage: Step-by-Step Instructions

No matter the main purpose of your garage — whether it’s a handy home office spot, a remodeled nook to unwind after a long day, or a place where you roll your sleeves up around your vehicle — having it soundproofed makes a big difference.

For most building layouts, the noise-canceling qualities of an area initially intended as storage are often overlooked. Yet, if soundproofing your garage is non-negotiable for making it fit a different goal, where do you start? In this article, you’ll find an informative guide on how to soundproof a garage from floor to ceiling and everything in between.

Assessing Your Garage’s Soundproofing Needs

Before commencing your home remodeling project, consider what type of noise affects your space the most. This way, it’ll be much easier to navigate the scope of the work needed and the garage soundproofing materials to opt for. Below are the most common types of noise your space is likely to experience.

• Airborne noise: It’s the most common type of noise that occurs when sound waves pass through the air. It often comes from people chatting, loud music, the sound of TV and radio, dogs barking, and the engine firing up, among other things. The sound amplifies and echoes as it hits hard surfaces. That’s exactly why it can be tricky to manage.
• Structure-borne noise: Unlike airborne noise, this type of noise comes from the physical impact on the structural elements of the building — walls, floors, and ceiling. Heavy footsteps you hear from an upstairs room or the sharp slam of a door against its frame are a few examples of structure-borne noise.

The level of soundproofing needed for your space will depend on the type of noise your garage experiences. With airborne noises, opt for moderate noise-canceling options. For example, acoustic panels and heavy curtains could insulate your space well if loud neighbors are your utmost concern. In parallel, a higher level of insulation will be required to offset structure-borne noise. In this case, double-pane windows and noise-canceling tiles are two examples of what would work well.

Soundproofing Garage Doors

An easy way to enhance the noise-canceling qualities of your existing garage door is by adding acoustic foam panels or acoustic blankets. These are typically made of fiberglass — a composite material renowned for being exceptionally sound-absorbing. If your child uses the garage as a space to practice drums once in a while, installing these moving blankets is a perfect option.

For a more permanent solution, consider replacing the entire garage door setup. Opt for well-insulated materials like fiberglass with an insulated core to keep the noise from getting to and out of your garage. The layout of the door panel also makes a difference. To maximize the noise-canceling quality of your upgrade, choose a solid core door.

Insulating Garage Walls

When choosing the garage soundproofing materials for the walls, remember that you’re working with the largest surface area of your space. Even with high-quality insulated doors and double-pane windows, thin drywall lets sounds pass through. That’s why reinforcing your walls is key to achieving optimal noise reduction.

Go for double walls to add a structurally cohesive layer of protection against unwanted sounds. Install fiberglass insulation to serve as a sound barrier and cover it with lightweight drywall. As a simpler alternative, use acoustic blankets to cover the wall surface.

Soundproofing Garage Windows

Noise can easily escape through poorly insulated windows. Installing a fresh pair of double-pane windows is a proven way to make your garage more efficient in dealing with internal and external noise. Yet, the expensive material and considerable installation costs make this option less affordable.

For a more budget-friendly approach, consider combining a few simple strategies. First, cover all gaps around the window frame with weatherstripping tape. This step is valuable for blocking airborne noises from entering your space from the outside. Second, hang acoustic curtains made of thick fabric that helps absorb sound waves. An alternative could be cellular shades, which, apart from noise reduction, are useful for controlling light exposure and improving insulation.

Treating the Garage Ceiling

Soundproofing garage ceilings is less common, but it can mean a lot for noise reduction. Achieving a well-insulated ceiling surface is also slightly different from working with other dimensions. Opt for noise-canceling tiles to ensure sound waves don’t bounce off smooth surfaces. This way, you’ll get a quieter and more echo-resistant space.

Flooring Considerations for Soundproofing

For many homeowners, soundproofing garage floors might seem as straightforward as laying down thick mats or carpets. However, these materials alone might not deliver sufficient noise reduction, especially if your flooring isn’t built for optimal insulation. Consider upgrading your flooring with polyurea coatings—available through Renuity—which offer exceptional durability and improved noise-dampening properties. This durable flooring solution helps reduce structural noise and creates a more comfortable, quieter garage environment.

If you’re considering a flooring upgrade or a comprehensive garage remodel, contact Renuity for professional guidance and hassle-free installation!

Conclusion

A garage can serve many purposes beyond simple storage, but since it’s not typically designed with soundproofing in mind, unwanted noise can be a major issue. Whether you’re transforming your garage into a home office, gym, or workshop, reducing noise should be a top priority. Upgrading insulation, adding acoustic panels, and reinforcing doors and walls are all effective ways to create a quieter, more functional space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely soundproof a garage?

Yes, you can soundproof the garage entirely. Start with optimizing your current door and window setup for noise reduction. Add a few acoustic foam panels to the door and weatherstrip the window frames. Use a similar approach for the walls — install moving blankets of fiberglass across the surface. Go even further and insulate the flooring and ceiling for maximum results.

What is the best insulation for soundproofing a garage?

Fiberglass is the top choice for many applications in home remodeling, especially for soundproofing living spaces. It’s a composite material that absorbs noise efficiently and is commonly used for garage spaces.

How expensive is it to soundproof a garage?

If you select affordable garage soundproofing materials, you can get your space optimized for noise reduction for under $500. Long-lasting, premium-finish materials naturally drive up the final price tag.