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Insulation in old home for sound

| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on January 23, 2003 07:44am

I have a insulation question for my 1913 home in MN, I pulled down all the lath and plaster ceilings and walls and can hear every little noise in the two story house! The ceiling joist are 9 1/2 in deep. What should Install to cut the 2nd floor noise, Use 6 1/2 thick insulation then 1/2 sheetrock? Would that cut the noise down or is there some product on the market for sound proofing ceilings. I want ot do it right the first time, don’t want to put the ceiling up and have lots of 2nd floor noise.  

Thanks,

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  1. SRDC | Jan 23, 2003 09:12pm | #1

    Go to the USG website I have below and there is a lot of information on sound attenuation. I am afraid to say that most of the sound attentuation materials that were exeisting in the house were lost when the ceiling and wall plaster was removed. the 1"x slates, gauaging plaster, brown coat, and finish coat in old houses really does a lot more for sound abatement between rooms and floors than most people realize. I am sure that you can appreciate that now that those materials are gone. USG is a great company with excellent information about the subject of insulating for many applications.

    I will share with you that one important step that is skipped by many people but is most crucial to true sound abatement is sound attenuation caulking. The transmission of sound through a wall is by way of displacement of air through the wall cavity. sound comes under walls, over walls, and through outlets and switches.

    With careful planning and good research you can accomplish your sound abatement task and not spend a fortune in the process. Good luck.

    http://www.usg.com/Design_Solutions/2_3_12_soundattn.asp

    1. SRDC | Jan 23, 2003 10:04pm | #2

      I went to USG's site out of curiousity and found that this article on sound transmission addresses all possibilities and will give you what you need to get started.

      Based on the article I would recommend using USG RC-1 channel attached directly to the floor joists. The USG RC-1 channel (or equal from a different mfg.) will address reduction in structure borne sound transmission. In addition you should use USG Thermafiber sound attenuation fire blankets (or equal from a different mfg.) This will address the majority of the airbourne sound transmission. Fire rated blankets stop all transmission of air through them in order to prevent the passage of fire through a cavity. If the budget will allow it I would recommend 2 layers of 5/8" drywall on the ceiling. Caulk all drywall joints, including along the walls of the first layer of drywall with sound attenuation caulk. If your budget only allows for 1 layer that is OK, but use 5/8" not 1/2". Caulk all joints prior to doing your finishing. It is also important to caulk in between any ceiling electrical boxes and the drywall itself.

      Using an example from the article,"A 1/4-in, perimeter crack surrounding a 96-sq. ft. partition system represents an approximate 1-sq. ft. hole." Common sense will give you a good idea of how much sound is passing through that wall even without telling what the sound transmission ratings are, and what the difference is in not caulking the perimieter.

      http://www.usg.com/Design_Solutions/2_3_4_acoustictips.asp

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