Acoustic Caulk Vs Regular Caulk (Best Soundproofing Sealants)

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If you have stumbled here, I bet you are tired of annoying noises taking away your peace.

To get rid of unwanted sounds, you might have to consider soundproofing your room. As we already know, proper soundproofing can be a tough task. There are small gaps and holes in the walls or doors from where noise might leak in.

Worry not!

Acoustic caulks to the rescue.

They are way more flexible and long-lasting than Regular Caulk.

However, choosing a caulk can be slightly more complicated than you might expect. So let us look at everything we need to know about acoustic sealant and how to choose the best one for you.

What is Acoustical Caulk?

Acoustic sealant, also known as acoustic caulk that can be used to cover all the small gaps and holes to soundproof a room.

Acoustic sealants are very flexible and thus last for a very long time.

‘Flexibility’ here means that the caulk doesn’t harden—and thus does not cause any cracks.

Acoustic Caulk Vs Regular Caulk: Which is Better?

The prime difference between regular caulk and acoustic caulk is flexibility.

Acoustic sealants are much more flexible. They are non-hardening. Regular sealants lead to cracks and shrinkages- which will result in sound coming in, ruining your soundproofing dreams.

Regular caulks are not specially designed for soundproofing, whereas acoustic caulks are. They are made of materials that block vapor. They last longer and are inflammable too. They are made of a rubber-like material that effectively blocks sound.

To recap, here are some differences between regular and acoustic caulk:

  • Acoustic caulk is non-hardening and thus last much longer
  • It’s more of a permanent solution
  • It’s flexible and fits in small gaps and holes
  • Blocks sound as well as other things like vapor
  • Doesn’t shrink or crack

Acoustic sealants won’t disappoint you when it comes to soundproofing.

Best Acoustic Sealant for Soundproofing

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1. Green Glue Damping Compound

You are probably familiar with green glue- which is one of the better-known companies in the acoustic industry. The Green Glue Damping Compound is one of the highest quality soundproofing damping compounds in the market.

It has a coverage of 16 square feet and comes along with a cleanup wipe.

You can use this between 2 layers of drywall or plywood. Its main objective is to seal all the gaps or cracks and efficient enough to soundproof the holes or gaps of the area from further penetration of the noise.

It is a large tube and comes along with a nozzle. In fact, the tube is large enough that it doesn’t fit in some caulk guns.

Pros:

  • Does not develop cracks
  • Dries quickly
  • Blocks noise effectively

Cons:

  • Nozzle may break
  • The tube is too large

2. Sashco Big Stretch

The Big Stretch SashCo Caulk is one of the best acoustic sealants on the market. It is pretty affordable, too.

It is long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about re-applying the sealant again and again. It does not become brittle or cracked over time.

It is also waterproof. Thus, the changing weather will be where it belongs- outside your home! Even though it can tackle water to a certain extent, it is recommended to not use it underwater.

It has a very powerful adhesion and extreme elasticity which makes this caulk stick, twist, bend, compress, and stretch to more than 500% of original size!

You can paint over it like a pro- hiding the fact that there was any sealant applied in the first place.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Long-lasting
  • Can be painted over
  • Dries quickly
  • Stretchable or flexible

Cons:

  • Can attract dirt very quickly
  • Not recommended to use where water is present frequently- or underwater

3. Franklin International 2892

Franklin International 2892 is very well known as a construction adhesive sealant and flooring adhesives.

This product stands out by very effectively eliminating sound transmission and sealing air gaps.

It is helpful to repair the gaps or cracks of the drywall and plaster which is environmentally safe and can be easy to clean using water.

It is both mold- and mildew-resistant, which means that you shouldn’t have to worry about either of these in the near future.

Unlike Sashco Big Stretch, Franklin International 2892 takes a long time to dry and it can also be very difficult to paint over it.

Pros:

  • Mold and mildew resistant
  • Quick and easy to apply
  • Dampens sound significantly

Cons:

  • Takes a long time to dry
  • Cannot be painted over

Where Can You Use an Acoustical Caulk?

Here are some places where you can use acoustic caulk.

  • Spaces in between two connected drywalls.
  • Around the electric switch box frames etc.
  • Joints in the ceiling soundproofing
  • While setting up weatherstripping on the window or door.
  • Joints at the floor construction

Noise travels like air. If you want to soundproof a room, you need to cover all the gaps. After applying it, you can use tape or spackle and apply it over the sealant.

Buying Guide: Things to Look for Before Buying

1. Water-Based Acoustic Sealants

Water-based acoustic sealants are always easier to use. They can be used anywhere and are easy to clean. Moreover, water-based sealants usually have a very little amount of odor.

2. Can It Be Painted Over?

If you want to use the sealant on a part of the wall which is very visible, you might want to check if it is easy to paint over it or not? It can look a little unpleasant if it is viewed in plain sight.

Sashco Big Stretch is a great option that can be painted over.

3. Equipment

Some caulk tubes may be a little tight and you may need the right type of equipment to use that tube. Sometimes, due to the elasticity, it can be difficult to squeeze the sealant out of the tube.

4. Where Do You Want to Apply?

Depending on where you want to use the sealant, choose a specific option.

Some of them might not be good for all types of furniture or materials, so make sure you choose the one that won’t do any damage to your home.

5. Cover Materials

If the sealant cannot be painted over, you can use any cover-up material. Usually, any material works but it is always good to cross-check before buying.

6. Price and Quality

Of course, the higher the price, the better the quality. But if you are looking for covering a larger area, one life hack can be to buy 2 tubes which are comparatively cheaper than one expensive tube.

How To Apply Acoustical Sealant

Step 1: Wipe Off Surfaces That Would be Sealed

Wherever you are planning to apply the sealant, make sure you have properly cleaned those surfaces. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area. Many sealants do not have a smell but the ones which do, you do not want that smell to linger.

To clean the surfaces, use basic cleaning equipment.

Step 2: Create an Appropriately Sized Gap

In order to start the sealing, decide which part you want to cover. Using a utility knife or any regular pair of scissors, cut the sealant to cover the type of gap. If the gap is big, cut a bigger hole.

Step 3: Apply Acoustical Caulk

Apply a small amount (usually about a quarter or half an inch drop) and smear it on the crack to seal it.

You can apply it in various ways:

  • A single layer on both sides
  • A single layer on both sides along with a bead under the sealant with the aim of sealing better
  • Multiple layers of sealant with beads under each layer and a heavy bead under the plate (use this method for ensuring an excellent seal)

When we talk about “both sides”- this means if you are wanting to soundproof a door or window. If you want to use it on a crack on the wall, just smear a little on the crack.

Step 4: Let it Dry

It takes up to 2 days usually for the sealant to dry.

You have to make sure to keep the area undisturbed. Do not cover the part with anything until it is completely dry.

Step 5: Apply Finishing Products

After the caulk is dry, you can apply any finishing products you had in mind.

You can do so directly on the caulk, with no other middle agent.

Clean up everything while it’s still wet and you are good to go.

The Final Note

Now that you know everything about acoustic sealants, you should have a better idea of how you can use it to soundproof your room. It will fill all small gaps and make the room noiseless.

According to your area of usage, choose a sealant that fits your budget and absorbs sound well too.

There is a wide variety of Acoustic Cauks to choose from. I have mentioned 3 great options that cater to different needs. For example, Sashco Big Stretch is budget-friendly.

Also, note that water-based sealants are always a bonus, as they can be used almost everywhere and are odorless too.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about your soundproofing project.

Always happy to help!

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