Lead

Post Reply | Watch this Post

I never thought of sheet lead as a sound deadening material, but that website claims it is.
I installed lead over a wall in a small X-ray room some years ago, but I can't remember how I did it. I do remember that is is frustrating to handle because it is so soft (limp).
You would have to cover it with something if only because it is so soft. Drywall should work. I am just completing a commercial remodeling job where one room was an X-ray room (about 12x12) and was surprised to find lead behind the drywall and also in the core of the two doors. Talk about heavy doors!
But if you are going to hang another layer of drywall, you could more easily make that a sheet of 5/8", with no lead, and do fairly well on sound deadening. Be a lot cheaper!
Lead is toxic, but only if you eat it. It sure doesn't get airborne easily, unless in the form of paint that is being sanded. And even as an airborne metal, you still have to eat it to be in danger. It will mark things easily so you wouldn't want to brush up against it with white clothing! That would be another reason to cover it.