Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater soundproof wall, is this enough?

can someone please tell me if this amount of insulation is enough for soundproofing in a condo wall?

thanks. it;s in french, sorry!

2 gypses 5/8’’ + colombage de bois 2’’x4’’ + laine acoustique 3 ½’’ + espace d’air 1’’ + laine acoustique 3 ½’’ + colombage de bois 2’’x4’’ + 2 gypses 5/8’’ (STC 67)

ummm
translation please

I don't read French but I think this is what he is using:

Two layers of 5/8" Gypsum board over 2"x4" with a 3 1/2" layer of acoustic insulation with a 1" air space backed by another 3 1/2" layer of acoustic insulation with another two layers of 5/8" gypsum board over 2"x4"'s...

Please correct me if I am wrong.

My .02: Sounds like it should work very well...

Regards,

WhatFurrer

If that is what it traslates to hes gonna have a 2 foot thick 5000 lb wall lol. i think 4 layers of gypsum , two 2x4 walls with two layers of foam oughtta be pretty sound proofed!

I believe this is the proper translation because it is an accurate description of the method of construction. An STC level of 67 is excellent. However I would add that it can be deceptive in that it is only the wall we are talking about. If the floor and ceiling structures are connected sound will pass through their structures as well. To really have this low a level of sound transmission the floor and ceilings would need to stop and start at the air gap also. The sound deadening of the walls can be in creased further with layers of sound deadening board on the studs and resilient channnels applied over that and then attaching the drywall to the resilient channels. Offset the joints of the two layers of drywall. Also electrical boxes should be kept to a minimum and far away from each other on opposite sides of the wall(s). Seal all holes and gaps (plates to floor, corners, wires into boxes, etc.) with accoustic caulk.

Hey Ravi,

Comment ca vas? (my Ontario secondary school French, seldom used). Don't forget about using staggered studs!

Regards,

Yes, but it depends on what your expectations are. We are flying a bit blind here. If the purpose is to quiet down things from one room to an other within an apartment there may be one set of expectations. If it is to be able to play at full volume in your apartment while your neighbor sleeps on the other side of the wall it is another. Keep in mind also that the situation is somewhat analagous to a bucket. It doesn't matter how strong or thick the bucket is if there is a hole in it. The size of the hole will determine how much it leeks. Much of a hole and a machined titanium bucket and its not much better than a paper bucket. Alan's staggered stud advice is another example. As a stud vibrates it will induce vibration in an adjacent stud across the 1" air gap and into the drywall diaphram and into the room air. Better the air vibration induced by the stud is received by the insulating batt that absorbs the energy. In answering a post like this I like to make the post useful in general to other readers as well as specific.

Sorry for the french, I guess I overestimated the french speaking population of this board!

Yes, the translation is correct. the walls and ceilings have 1 and 1/2 feet of concrete between them, so no worries there.

The situation is this: a friend of mine is looking to buy the place. He does recording in his place and once he moves, will also be listening to stuff pretty loud. No, there won't be a live band, just him recording his own stuff, and singing. The main question is will the neighbors be wanting to kill him, or will it be tolerable?

Thansk for all the responses! Bonne annee tout le monde!

Ravi.

p.s. Alan, ca va tres bien, merci!

The classic "room within a room". No staggered studs. No resilient channel. Take a room. Add to it a floating floor that does not touch the side walls. On top of the new inner floor build your walls. On top of the new walls, build a ceiling under the existing ceiling. None of the inner walls or ceiling touch the original room walls or ceiling. Everything is well insulated. Double drywall for stiffness and more of a sound barrier. Excellent procedure!

As to my last post...the room within a room takes the brunt of the sound resonances. Then there is an air space, and a second wall to absorb whatever gets through the interior barriers. A great way of keeping most of the sound "in" the original room...or at least not "out" into adjacent areas.