Does green glue really work? This is one of the most popular questions that most DIY soundproofing beginners often ask.
And YES, green glue does work.
As you’ve seen in my previous posts, green glue is an effective dampening compound that can be used to soundproof the basement ceiling, when soundproofing a dorm room, and also sealing cracks and gaps on walls before hanging acoustic soundproofing panels.
This guide shall discuss how green glue works and whether it’s an effective soundproofing compound.
Types of Green Glue Products
There are several green glue products ideal for most of your soundproofing needs.
They include: (Source)
- Green Glue Sealant
- Green Glue Soundproofing Clips
- Joist Tape
Green Glue Soundproofing Clips
The clips are components that are designed for use with the hat channel.
They are used for decoupling one side of the wall of your room from the other. This helps reduce the amount of noise that travels through as the decoupled walls vibrate independently.
Green Glue Joist Tape comes with an adhesive side and a permanent backing that allows for proper positioning of the tape over the flooring and subflooring.
How Does Green Glue Sealant Work?
The green glue working concept is really simple- it converts sound energy into small amounts of heat energy.
The product is viscoelastic, and when sandwiched between solid layers, for example, drywall, it works to isolate sound travelling from one layer to the next.
This hence helps prevent sound transmission between rooms.
If you have annoying upstairs neighbours, all you have to do is add a drywall layer and green glue to help with soundproofing.
Green Glue sealant will remain flexible over time hence helping prevent noise from flanking around acoustical elements.
The sealant is paintable, and this helps it remain hidden after your project is over.
Green Glue Product Uses and How they Work?
Green glue noise proofing compound is recommended for use when sandwiched between layers of building materials.
Ideal materials include drywall, medium-density fiberboard, plywood, OSB, or cement board.
However, the two materials should be rigid, flat, and easy to stick to.
This noise proofing compound isn’t recommended for use between one or two soft layers- for instance, between plywood and a carpet pad.
Additionally, you shouldn’t use it to fill any cavities- for example to inside a wall for insulation purposes.
It’s important to note that this product isn’t adhesive.
If the surface you intend to apply green glue noise proofing compound would later require a primer or other treatment, this product won’t function properly.
The manufacturer warns against using this product outdoors as it’s only effective in temperature ranges of 65-85°F / 18-29°C and outdoor temperatures tend to fluctuate often, which would otherwise affect its effectiveness.
Noiseproofing Clips
Noiseproofing clips are perfect for dealing with impact noise/structure-borne noise and mid to high frequencies.
If your upstairs neighbours are often stomping, then these noise proofing clips are a perfect fit for you.
However, the clips must be installed onto a joist or stud.
Adding the clips and hat channels to the ceiling will significantly reduce impact noise (vibrations).
Noiseproofing Sealant
Green glue noise proofing sealant is a product used to fill joints and gaps where a wall meets the ceiling or floor and in instances where two walls meet.
This product is also used around switch and outlet boxes.
Let’s use an example of a fish tank- if there’s a gap in the fish tank, all the water would leak out.
The same principle applies when it comes to sounds- if there’s a crack on the wall, the noise will leak to other rooms in the house- or your home won’t be soundproofed against yard noise.
However, I would highly discourage you from using green glue sealant for exterior applications, piping, or joint with big movements, i.e., floating floors.
You should also avoid using this sealant alongside materials such as copper, plastics, cork, zinc, bronze, and Mass Loaded Vinyl- you can use these mass loaded vinyl alternatives available on the market today.
Joist Tape
Green Glue Tape is commonly used to quiet a squeaky stair, floor caused by friction.
However, it’s important to note that joist tape isn’t effective in dealing with impact noise or airborne noise.
It just helps eliminate squeaks.
Alternatives to Green Glue
If green glue noise proofing sealant isn’t available in your country, you can use some other alternative products.
They include quiet glue, acoustic foam panels, Quiet Seal Pro etc.
Luckily enough, I’ve a fully detailed guide to help you pick the best alternative- click here to read on some of the best green glue alternatives.
They are all effective and affordable soundproofing materials affordable even for anyone on a budget.
Green Glue Basics
Green glue sealant takes about 30 days to properly function- the product never dries, which helps it in soundproofing.
However, this number depends on the region’s climate- if you live in humid regions, it could take up to 90 days for the sealant to set.
According to the manufacture, this product expires 1 year after the date of manufacturer.
However, it could last for more than a year when properly stored at room temperature.
To test if the product is good or bad, you simply need to open the tube.
If it dispenses like ketchup, it’s fine, but if it feels solid and shows some signs of curing, it’s expired.
Does Green Glue Really Work- Final thoughts
The answer is simple- green glue does work.
Most people are only aware of green glue sealant.
Luckily, other great green glue products can really give a boost to your soundproofing project.
The sealant itself is pretty common in the DIY soundproofing world as it’s simple to use and yet effective in dealing with airborne and impact noise.
If you’ve decided to purchase green glue, don’t forget to get Dispensing Gun for Noiseproofing Compound Pails to help you with the whole application process.