Frequently asked questions

We’ve compiled answers to common questions, based on our expertise and experience in a wide range of soundproofing projects.

Green Glue

Noiseproofing Compound

No, the Compound should not be used to fill any gaps or cavities, such as inside a wall for insulating purposes.

No, the Compound cannot be used as a glue and requires screw pressure, spaced per building code, to function.

No, you will not get any measurable benefit using the Compound this way. If floor joists, instead consider using our Noiseproofing Joist Tape.

The Compound has been successfully used on some fibre boards but we recommend type X drywall for the best impact. The Compound will not function in direct contact with a layer of MLV. It can be used in addition to other soundproofing layers them by using them on either side (outside) of the two pieces of drywall that the Compound is between.

No, the Compound will not work on popcorn ceilings or textured walls — the surfaces must be flat.

No, the Compound should not be used between one or two soft layers — i.e. between a carpet pad and plywood.

No! Get creative in your application just remember the general recommendation is to apply in a random pattern all over the board, leaving a 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) border around the outside of the panel to allow for handling. The recommended amount is to use two tubes are used per 4 × 8 ft sheet (3 m²).

Yes. In order for the Compound to work to its maximum potential we recommend that all wall and ceiling cavities be filled with flexible insulation such as fiberglass insulation, mineral wool or cellulose materials.

Yes it works! The Compound is a viscoelastic damping compound that converts sound energy into a minute amount of heat when under pressure and at the correct temperatures. Very simply, when used between two rigid layers of material, typically drywall, the compound works to isolate the noise traveling from one room to the other.

Proper measures always should be taken to ensure that the Compound does not get onto your clothing, floors, outer layers of drywall, etc., but sometimes it does happen. 

To remove Compound from hands or tools use soap and water, Goo Gone, or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). To remove compound from drywall if it is still “wet” use a wet, damp cloth to wipe off. If dry, roll off with finger. 

To remove from carpet immediately use soap and water or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

The Compound is used between two dense, flat, rigid, layers of building materials each at least 1/2 in (12.7 mm) thick, and no less than 2 ft (610 mm) in any direction — typically drywall, OSB, MDF, cement board, or plywood. At least one of the layers must be moisture permeable. For more information on installation, visit Noiseproofing Compound.

If unprimed latex paint would not properly wet out on a surface, then the Compound is unlikely to function.

For best results, follow the instructions on the Noiseproofing Compound Installation Guide. Additional resources and video can be found on the Noiseproofing Compound page.

Our Compound may take up to 30 days after installation to become active so results will not be immediate.

A case Compound contains 12 tubes covering about 192 sq. ft. at the recommended 2 tubes per 4 × 8 ft (3 m²) sheet coverage. Each 5-gallon pail of Compound covers approximately 365 sq. ft. (33.9 m²), or approximately 22 tubes worth of product. For more information on installation, visit Noiseproofing Compound.

The compound is around 0.5 mm in thickness when applied at the recommended amount of two tubes per 4 × 8 ft area.

The Compound should flow out of the tube like tomato sauce. If it is clumpy or there is colour separation do not use. Instead, discard and follow up with where you purchased.

Please contact the Green Glue Distributor you purchased the tubes from for assistance, they should be able to help.

Alternately in a pinch, you can sometimes cut off the end of the tubes of Compound where the tip would screw on to and use it as the dispensing end.

Compound is only effective only at room temperature range (approximately 65–85°F / 18–29°C) after installation. If the Noiseproofing Compound is subjected to temperatures outside of this range, including during transport, it will return to regular performance once it has warmed/cooled to the 65–85°F (18–29°C) range. The Compound is freeze and thaw stable.

The Compound is green.

The Compound will not work in direct contact with: 

  1. Sheet materials less than ½ in (12 mm) thick
  2. Wainscoting
  3. Any type of sheet insulation
  4. Fabric
  5. Cork, plastics, copper, bronze, zinc, MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl), flexible or plasticised materials
  6. Flexible, low surface energy, or non-stick materials

If dispensing the Compound from tubes, you will need a standard 32-oz caulking gun (which can be found at many hardware or DIY stores) for application. When using the Compound from a 5-gallon pail, you will typically need to purchase a pail applicator tool from one of our distributors.

The Compound alone will typically not reduce impact noise enough for most people and a decoupling solution, such as our Green Glue Noiseproofing Clips, is recommended for the best results.

Green Glue

Noiseproofing Sealant

No, the Sealant is not intended to be used as a fire blocking material.

No, the Sealant is only intended to be an acoustical seal and is not to be used as a water seal or in exterior applications.

Typically, after Sealant is applied, you will “joint and tape” the final joints as normal. For decoupled walls choose construction materials designed to finish with slight movement, fiberglass mesh tape is often used.

For best results, follow the instructions on the Noiseproofing Sealant Installation Guide. Additional resources and video can be found on the Noiseproofing Sealant page.

We recommend leaving a 3/8 in (0.9 cm) gap around the perimeter of your wall or ceiling drywall to fill with the Sealant. We do not suggest sealing gaps of 5/8 in (1.58 cm) or more with the sealant as 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 Sealant.

We recommend that you allow the Sealant to dry for 48 hours before finishing or painting.

Each tube of our Sealant typically provides 40–80 linear feet (12–24 m) of coverage, depending on the size of the hole cut in the nozzle. In many cases, you will only need a tube or two to complete a project. A good rule of thumb is a 6:1 ratio between Compound and Sealant.

We do not recommend using the Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant on exterior applications, around exterior windows, around pipes, in contact with copper materials, or for joints with significant movement such as floating floors. For more installation information, visit Noiseproofing Sealant.

The Sealant is off-white.

If dispensing the Sealant from tubes, you will need a standard 32-oz caulking gun (which can be found at many hardware or DIY stores) for application.

Sealant is used to fill gaps and joints where the wall meets the floor or ceiling, and where two walls meet. It can also be used around outlet and switch boxes to fill the gap between the boxes and the plasterboard.

Green Glue

Noiseproofing Clips

Clips are excellent for dealing with mid to high frequencies and for impact noise. If you have a complaint about impact noise (such as footstep noise), the Clips may be a good fit. For more information visit, Noiseproofing Clips.

To properly plan your space, consult the Noiseproofing Clips installation guide.

When installed with hat channel the clip assemblies will typically extend around 1-3/4 in (4.5 cm) from the stud or joist. Please note: Clips cannot be installed over existing drywall as doing so will cause a Triple Leaf Effect. Please see our Noiseproofing Clip Installation Guide for specific recommendations on how to install the Clips. You can also view a video guide to installing Clips on our YouTube Channel.

When making any change to the recommended installation please work with a design consultant as we do not provide engineering services. This will ensure the load will be properly distributed.

The Clips work in conjunction with hat channel, which is available at most plasterboard stores. In addition to hat channel, you will need the appropriate screws and a screw gun to secure the clip and channel system to the studs or joists. Please see our Installation Guide and YouTube Channel for further details.

Clips must be directly installed onto a stud or joist and cannot be installed over existing plasterboard.

Green Glue

Noiseproofing Joist Tape

For large and recurring jobs, a joist tape applicator is available for purchase from many of our distributors.

Joist Tape is used on floor joists to eliminate squeaks caused by the friction between the floor joist and subflooring. For more installation information, visit Noiseproofing Joist Tape.

Joist Tape is applied directly to the top of the floor joists with the adhesive side down. For best results, follow the instructions on the Noiseproofing Joist Tape installation guide. Additional resources and video can be found on the Noiseproofing Joist Tape page.

Joist Tape is sold in widths to fit standard joist sizes: 35mm, 45mm, 75mm and 90mm, is 3.2mm thick and 30.5 m in length.

Joist Tape can be applied by hand. For large and/ or recurring jobs, a joist tape applicator is available for purchase from many of our distributors.

Joist Tape is meant to reduce squeaky floors and is not effective at reducing impact noise from footfalls or airborne noise. Instead, consider Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound to reduce noise from the floors above.