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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Noise Reduction questions. https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1113476714 Message started by rgirling on Apr 14^th, 2005, 12:05pm

Title: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by rgirling on Apr 14^th, 2005, 12:05pm

Hi! - I’ve been asked to help with a project that involves "soundproofing." What I know about that can be written on a pin-head with a lavvy brush, :) so here’s the outline:

Detached, 12 foot wide, 3-car tandem garage – block wall being built 12 feet from the far end, making a 12 feet square room. Flat roof, single block construction. New room intended for 12-year-old (very good!) drummer to practice in. Side entry will be converted to double doors (with seals), one opening out, the other in.

I’ve thought about making a 100mm x 47mm sawn framework, separated from the outside walls (box-within-a-box), then insulate and line with plasterboard.

My questions:

1) Assuming that this is the way to go, would a 25mm air gap from the outside walls be enough?
2) What insulation would you use between the studs – is fibreglass or Rockwool OK?
3) Should I also build false ceiling joists on the box to enclose the top, then line that to prevent the roof from transmitting the noise, or just fix the ceiling to the existing roof joists?
4) How would you deal with the 1200mm x 900mm window in the end wall? – they want to retain the daylight and opening facility (side-hung).
5) What thickness plasterboard would you recommend?
6) Any other hints, tips or advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance (great forum, by the way!),

Ray.

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by supersparky on Apr 14^th, 2005, 5:14pm

well im just a spark but ive seen this done;(i remembered as it caused me problems)

2*2 off wall with fiberglass insulation, followed by 12mm plasterboard, followed by 3*2 celotex and double skinned 12mm plasterboard, done on all walls and ceiling, floor was done with celotex and screeded over it.

(celotex is a solid insulation board about 2 inches wide)

and the door was specialist sound proofed, the only thing that cost a bomb was the door....

caused me a headache because all cables have to be bigger because of the insulation preventing them from disapating heat- this would be my only concern if you have any to enclose in the lining...

ss

p.s. welcome to the forum ;D

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by Robbo on Apr 14^th, 2005, 8:37pm

I turned a garage at a youth club into a music studio in this manner a few years ago this was done to architects spec and was very similair to your proposal Ray only it was metal studding and ceilings with specialist accoustic fibreglass insulation and two skins of 15mm accoustic plasterboard with staggered joints... was very effective the only real sounds from outside were through the air vents. Not cheap mind, but half measures will not work!

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by JerryD on Apr 14^th, 2005, 8:52pm

I frequent a guitar forum and the subject of 'home recording studio' comes up time and again.

From all the posts I have ever read on this subject I have to agree with Robbo that half measures will not work and to do it properly is NOT cheap. The house I'm currently working in has heavy soundproof matting under the loft conversion carpet, customer reckons this cost £3,000 for an area 6.6m x 9mm approx!

There are books available on how best to achieve a 'soundproof' room as there are many ways (and budgets) to achieve this and many methods depend on what type of room you are starting with. Do a Google search, something should come up.

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by woodsmith on Apr 14^th, 2005, 9:22pm

Ray welcome to the forum, one thing that Robbo has already mentioned, but only in passing is the need for adequate ventilation. The room needs 2 skins which should be air tight.
For ventilation you may well need to install a fan. Some time ago I made something similar, I made a large section air duct (about 300mm square) put several baffles in it and lined the inside of the duct including baffles with carpet. Made a massive difference.

I usually use the heavy rockwool slabs specifically made for noise reduction to line any cavity.

Keith

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by mjc on Apr 16^th, 2005, 4:40pm

Hi Ray

I have just finished (well at last Christmas actually) a very similar project.

I built a room within a room in a detached brick garage for my son's band to practice in.

The basic construction was to build a internal room out of studwork leaving a gap of about 8" between the inner room and outer brick wall.

The studworek was filled with 100mm of RW3 rockwool and then faced with 2 offset layers of plasterboard (12.5 & 15). This was then skimmed. I put new rafters above the existing trusses and used these to strengthen the trusses (using joist hangers) so that I could put the two layers of plasterboard on the ceiling.

The floor was a layer of 25mm ecotherm with 18mm chipboard on top.

I paid special attention to the door by buying two fire doors (therefore solid) and fixing them together with a sandwich of plasterboard. I also bought special acoustic seals to go around the door.

The upshot is a room in which my son can practice his drumming at midnight without it dusturbing us and a four peice rock band can play without it being a problem.

We do live in a rural location and don't have close neighbours so we didn't nead absolute soundproofing.

Total cost was about £3000 (including plastering, lighting and carpet) for a room which is 5.5m x 3m.

I can send you a few pics if you are interested.

Cheers

Martin

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by rgirling on Apr 17^th, 2005, 8:53am

Thanks for the replies! A source for the acoustic seals would be appreciated. Pics would be good if it's no trouble (mjc, I've sent you my e-mail address).

Ray.

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by opentoideas on Apr 19^th, 2005, 9:06am

blimey for the money that will be needed it might be worth investing in an electric drum kit like this

http://www.vdrums.com/vspecs.html

these kits are not cheap but play like "real" drums with the advantage of a volume control :-)

these things have come on a long way in the last few years and are a world away from the old rubber mats

the TD8 is a fine kit to start with and can be expanded on. they are about £2-3k , like i said not cheap by any means but probably a lot less than trying to soundproof the room

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by supersparky on Apr 19^th, 2005, 3:53pm

yeh thats very heavy metal style :D

Title: Acoustic seals
Post by mjc on Apr 19^th, 2005, 3:58pm

I used http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/seals/adhesive.htm around sides and top of door and http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/seals/thresholds.htm (HL seal) at the bottom.

I haven't had time to sort out pics yet but will do as soon as possible.

Cheers

Martin

Title: Re: Noise Reduction questions.
Post by rgirling on Apr 19^th, 2005, 11:56pm

opentoideas, he's already GOT an electronic kit, but has also got very indulgent parents!

Thanks for the links, Martin - very useful.

Ray.