Quiet Your Metal Building: Soundproofing Tips

Wanting a perfect outdoor shed, a workshop, or a garage on your property? They look great at first, but suddenly, you have rain, and the sound over the roof feels like a drum solo. It's even more noticeable in a metal prefab building due to the echo. Metal structures are strong and get installed quickly, but are very noisy. Even a tiny amount of sound seems much louder inside.

But you can easily make your steel building quieter. This guide will show you some simple tips to practically soundproof and turn that noisy space into a peaceful haven. So, let's begin soundproofing your metal 'dream' building, shall we?

1. Why does Your Metal Building need soundproofing?

Soundproofing does not just make things quieter, but also improves how you can use the metal shed or garage in the future. It provides comfort for working and relaxation, and you can focus on office work. If you are using power tools or music, it reduces noise from escaping, too.

1.1. But How Does Sound Move Inside A Steel Prefab Building?

Sound does not travel one way, but  rather sneaks inside from different places, such as – 

• Airborne Sound: voice, music, rain, etc.

• Impact Noise: hitting noise from hail, footsteps, dropped tools, etc.

• Flanking Noise: via pipes, vents, thin walls, etc.

• Echo And Reverberation: sound bouncing back off metal walls, making it louder and hollow-sounding.

1.2. Basics Of How To Block Sound In A Metal Structure 

To fight noise inside, you should first know these four key ideas –

• Mass (Heavy objects block sound, such as thick drywalls or rubber mats.)

• Damping (Stops sound vibrations.)

• Decoupling (Separates material so sound does not jump from one to the other like a double-layer wall.)

• Absorption (Soft materials soak up sound so it does not bounce around, such as carpet, furniture, acoustic panels, etc.)

Let's move on to how to make your steel garage, barn, or office building soundproof.

2. How To Soundproof A Steel Building?

Here, we have compiled the step-by-step process to block noise inside a steel prefab structure.

Step 1: How To Control The Noise Of The Steel Framing And Seal Gaps?

Sound can sneak in from tiny cracks, gaps, or holes. So, you should start by sealing gaps using special soundproof sealant (acoustic caulk) around pipes, electrical outlets, doors, and windows.

Opt for an insulation that offers good soundproofing, such as –

• Fiberglass Batts (affordable,  absorb sound, placed between wall studs and roof beams)

• Mineral Wool (dense, fire-resistant, Figure 1)

• Spray Foam (seals air gaps, blocks sound, open-cell for noise absorption/ closed-cell for temperature control)

Figure 1: A metal garage with soundproofing using rock mineral wool insulation

Choose a correct R-value for the insulator based on your local climate and building use. For example, high-density fiberglass batts for a standard 2" x4" wall have an R-15 rating that effectively keeps heat in or out.

Step 2: How To Block Noise From Metal Wall Panels?

You can use any of the following to block corrugated metal front, end, and side walls and reduce noise –

• Drywall (a thicker one like 5/8" will work better)

• Double-Layer Drywall (add two drywall layers with 'Green Glue' to trap sound vibrations)

• Resilient Channels (to keep the drywall from touching the metal wall directly and stop vibrations from spreading)

• Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) (a thin yet super-heavy material that blocks noise)

You can put MLV between drywalls or directly on wall studs.

Step 3: How To Reduce Noise From The Ceiling And Roof In A Steel Structure?

To reduce overhead noise, you can opt for the following methods –

• Roof Insulation (thick insulation similar to walls)

• Acoustic Ceiling Tiles (for making the workspace cozy and absorbing extra sound)

• Suspended Ceiling (an extra layer of ceiling below the main roof to create an air gap to block noise)

Step 4: How To Stop Noise Leaks From Steel Prefab Building' Doors And Windows?

When soundproofing, doors and windows are often the weakest spots from which sound can escape or enter. But, you can create a noise barrier by –

• Solid Core Doors (regular hollow doors don't block sound well)

• Sealed Edges (weatherstripping and using door sweeps to block gaps)

• Double-Pane Windows (air between the double-glass layer blocks noise; you can also choose acoustic windows to block extra noise)

• Heavy Curtains (thick fabric absorbs sound and reduces echoes)

Step 5: How To Reduce Sound From Walking And Dropping Objects In Metal Garages?

You can use the following to dampen the indoor sound/ noise while working –

• Good Subfloor (plywood or OSB to add weight and reduce sound)

• Acoustic Underlayment (rubber or cork under floor to absorb noise due to impact, Figure 2)

• Carpet And Rugs (thick carpet and rugs to soak up noise and make the indoors quieter)

Figure 2: Soundproofing options for a steel building

3. Benefits Of Soundproofed Metal Prefab Building

Once you make your steel building soundproof, you can enjoy –

• A quieter place that is more comfortable to live in and even relaxing, as there won't be echoing or outdoor traffic noise.

• You get a perfect place where you can focus on work and hobbies.

• You get a place where you can keep activities secluded from outside noise, such as practicing your favorite musical instruments, creating a band, etc., without bothering neighbors.

• By reducing loud noise, you can protect your ears and mental peace.

• A well-designed, noise-proof metal outdoor shed will increase your property value as it can be used as a multi-functional unit.

4. How To Soundproof An Old Steel Shed?

Now, if you have already bought a metal shed or garage, you don't need to buy a new one again to make it soundproof. You can make your old shed noise-proof as well by following some simple tips, such as –

• Seal All Gaps (acoustic caulk around doors, windows, pipes, etc.)

• Add Insulation (even insulation on the roof and walls can make a difference)

• Use Thick Fabrics (hang heavy curtains, rugs, and acoustic panels to absorb echoes)

Find The Best Soundproofing Solution For Your Metal Structure

Soundproofing a metal structure is totally doable, and with little effort, you can turn that noisy steel shed into a quiet, peaceful oasis. No matter whether you are setting up a workshop, home office, or storage space, soundproofing can make a building more relaxing, better to work in, and add value to your property.

So, be confident. Go ahead and start your soundproofing metal prefab building project today! You will love your hard work when you see its results. A quiet metal shed or garage can be a multi-functional space in the long run. So, try it out and share your results with us.