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Re: Quiet!

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Other/Misc
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 09 Mar 2001
Time: 07:26 AM

Comments

Sound abatement is a huge issue for many multi-family dwellings. Unfortunately, this isn't something that's usually easy to fix. Rather, a structure must be designed from the outset using sound reduction practices.

Typically, there are four techniques used to reduce noise. These include: absorption, blocking, breaking and isolating.

For example, sound batt insulation helps with absoption. Acoustic caulking helps to block noise. Resilient sound channels or acoustically isolated wall, floor and ceiling partitions help to break up the sound waves, minimizing transmission through the wood structure. Isolation involves acoustic matting.

Other techniques include adding more mass, such as a double layer of drywall. However, none of these work particularly well unless they are done in combination with each other. With proper design, it is possible to reduce noise by over 80% or more.

If most of the noise is coming through the walls, floors and studs, you have little choice but to tear into the walls and ceilings, add insulation as well as resilient sound channels to provide acoustic isolation...then cover up with two layers of drywall on each side. This is obviously a potentially expensive proposition.

Builders Websource is in the process of developing a tech note on insulation and noise reduction, which we expect to be available later this month. We'll update this posting with the URL when it's ready.

You might consult an acoustics engineer to see if there are some other less expensive alternatives for your particular structure.

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