Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant: How to Use Properly, FAQ & Review
Green glue is on everyone’s lips at the moment. It’s one of the most popular soundproofing materials due to its ability to block airborne noise and impact noise to a significant extent and for an affordable price.
But some people are not sure how it actually works. I mean, it’s a “glue” after all. So can it be used as a sealant, how well does it stick, how to use it properly are all valid questions.
Furthermore, there are 4 different Green Glue products available with very distinct features.
In this review article I’ll focus on Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant, which is along with Green Glue Compound the most popular option.
1. What is Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant?
This sealant is a polymer, designed to remain flexible over time and to prevent sound from flanking around acoustical elements.
So it’s basically a damping agent that reduces the amount of transmitted vibrations and therefore reduces structure-borne noise.
2. How do I use Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant?
The manufacturer recommends leaving a 3/8” (0.9cm) gap around the perimeter of your wall or ceiling drywall to fill with Noiseproofing Sealant.
What is NOT suggested is sealing gaps of 5/8” (1.6cm) or more with the Sealant. Because it will not cure properly in large gaps.
Instead, for excessively large gaps deeper than an inch consider using backer rod to fill the gap before applying the Sealant.
You’ll also need a 28-29 oz caulk gun to administer it.
Check out this video for a small tutorial:
3. Can it work as an adhesive?
Despite being called a “glue”, it’s NOT a permanent adhesive. It’s a bit sticky and has a glue-like appearance. That is the main reason for its name.
The sealant is only intended to be used as an acoustical seal. It is not intended to be a water seal or to be used in exterior applications.
4. How long does it take to dry?
You should allow the Green Glue Sealant to dry for 48 hours before finishing or painting.
5. Can it be used around pipes?
Green Glue Sealant should not be used around pipes. It’s not designed for sealing around highly flexible materials or in contact with condensation or temperature changes.
Do not use Green Glue Sealant in contact with copper, since copper can interact with the sealant. It’s better to use alternate sealants around pipes. Or wrap the pipes in a soundproofing material like uxcell noise dampener.
6. What color is the sealant?
The sealant has an off-white color. The Green Glue Compound has a green color.
7. How big of a noise reduction can you expect from using Green Glue Sealant?
This can vary significantly depending on how and where you use the Sealant.
It can also depend on the thickness of the wall and if other soundproofing materials such as mineral wool batts are also used. Plus, the more of the area you are able to soundproof, the better noise reduction you’ll have.
Here is an easy to read test data that shows Green Glue effectiveness on different walls. Note that this chart shows the effectiveness of different Green Glue products, not only the Sealant, so look for the test data for the Sealant if you’re primarily interested in it.
Final Thoughts
Green Glue Sealant (affordable price on Amazon) is the best acoustic sealant on the market and it’s also moderately priced. It’s intended purpose is for blocking impact noise.
If you’ve got air cracks in the wall between two rooms that allow noise to pass through, this sealant can be used to effectively mitigate the problem.