Individuals who are attempting to soundproof their homes often look for the most cost effective ways of doing so. For some this means bypassing traditional sound proofing materials and attempting to get the job done with more commonly found items.
One of our favorite soundproofing mistakes is the use of foam rubber. By foam rubber we mean the type of stuff manufacturers use to make thin rubber mattresses. The idea, in reality, isn’t all that bad – but when the foam starts to go bad (especially if you use it on a floor) you’ll suddenly realize that foam rubber isn’t as durable (or soundproof) as you thought.
It’s better to use a formal soundproofing material like a mass loaded vinyl product. This type of material is designed for soundproofing, won’t rot with time, and actually costs just as much or less than the foam rubber you were considering!