Soundproofing Walls?

[karoc]

Options: I want to soundproof walls for our utility rm and the bathroom. Rockwool has their sound proof batts which I can get at Lowe’s. 79.00 for 59 sq ft per bag I would need 8 bags so little over 600.00. I’ll probably bit bullet on this, but are there more choices?
What’s out there that would do same thing but maybe cheaper? It’s our 1000sq ft retirement home so there’s not lot room, we want keep bathroom sounds down and don’t want hear washer going. Any suggestions on soundproofing room? Tks

 

[Meames01]

Are you building or remodeling this ? The reason I ask is there is a framing method that greatly helps with sound proofing a wall. Would still need some insulation / sound barrier to be completely efficient though.
Anyway, if you're building the room / wall, install 2x6's as top and bottom plates. Then frame traditionally with 2x4's 16" OC, but stagger them on the 2x6 plates. Basically, one side of the wall will have 2x4's offset from the other side. This will ensure the sound isn't traveling through the wood framing. I hope I explained it correctly so it's makes sense.
We built our bathrooms this way and they are practically soundproof with no added insulation. Good Luck !

 

[karoc]

Meames01 wow, that sounds like good idea and I understand. But I have my walls framed and one sided. I think I’m just going go with Rockwool just to keep it simple for me and Lowes shows it’s in stock Thanks for sharing your method

 

[Rusted Nut]

Best sound proofing comes from separating the two sides of the wall, as Meames01 stated. Sound batts are icing on the cake after that. Hat channel works well too.

 

[66Caprice]

You could use these over the Rockwool before sheetrock.

SONOPAN 4 ft x 8 ft x .75 in Acoustical Soundproofing Panel - 32 sq ft per panel SPAP3448 - The Home Depot

From homes to commercial buildings, SONOpan is a versatile and affordable solution that can double the soundproofing of any wall or ceiling assembly. It's easily installed in both new construction or retrofit applications and ideal for basements, multi-dwelling buildings, offices, home theatres...

www.homedepot.com

 

[dcg9381]

Pretty good article on it:

Building Soundproof Walls - Fine Homebuilding

In this Q & A, builder Mike Guertin discusses how he approaches soundproofing walls. There are several different methods and some have more bang for the buck. Learn how to soundproof walls by minimize sound bridges, seal penetrations, and fill wall cavities with acoustical insulation.

www.finehomebuilding.com

Commercial spaces often use acoustic panels, which may help. They're hung post construction.

Sounds level of the appliances is another huge factor.

 

[jade97]

When I finished the basement in my old house, I used regular insulation in the interior walls. There was a wall between the 'bedroom' and the HVAC closet and you could not hear the HVAC running, except for the air noise from the ducts.

 

[Fixr]

Two layers of drywall can help, too. Mass is your friend for some kinds of noise.

 

[tworley]

The rockwool will make a big difference just by itself.

 

[karoc]

When I finished the basement in my old house, I used regular insulation in the interior walls. There was a wall between the 'bedroom' and the HVAC closet and you could not hear the HVAC running, except for the air noise from the ducts.

Our AC is also in utility rm, but with these good suggestions I believe I won’t have noise problem. Thanks guys

 

[mike93lx]

I'd just do the rockwool and keep the framing as is, with regular drywall. It will be a lot quieter than normal and keep things simple

 

[duneslider]

Mass is what is needed to reduce sound. I put rockwool between my room and the laundry room and can still hear the washer but it isn't loud enough to be an issue, we don't do a lot of laundry during the night though...

In addition, if you even just bump the drywall up to 5/8" on those walls it helps. Keep any outlets and switches out of those walls, or if you need them add putty pads around the boxes. If air can get through, sound can get through.

RC-1 Resilient channel is a cheap and easy upgrade as well that makes a pretty big difference.
Adding mass loaded vinyl also makes a big difference.

All this stuff adds cost obviously, so you have to decide how much sound reduction you are willing to buy.

 

[jkuro]

Another option:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/QuietRock-Common-1-2-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Actual-0-5-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-500-Drywall-Panel/3069747?store=551&cm_mmc=shp-_-b-_-prd-_-pro-_-ggl-_-LIA_BDM_000_PRO-_-3069747-_-local-_-0-_-0&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlMfABhCWARIsADGXdy8ShBlTxnVoKjG5VC5d8uJAz_-pofcUJK9ThRDcnWuhjAkAJX3KH3oaAkVZEALw_wcB#no_universal_links

 

[LopezBart]

Our house is built w/ all rockwool insulation between rooms and solid wood doors, and heavy drywall. It's very quiet.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

It all depends on whether your goal is "sound proof" or "sound reduction" and how much you want to spend. My master bedroom shares a wall with the laundry room. It was insulated with standard fiberglass bats and the noise of the washer and dryer running does not interfere with sleep, providing doors to bedroom and laundry room are closed. If rock wool is more expensive than fiberglass, I would not spend the extra money.

 

[billconner]

Mass - as many have pointed out (double or tripple 1/2"); some fuzz in the cavity - thin is fine but at least 3 PCF; and if you can afford the room mount drywall on one side with resilient channels, as also noted. Avoid back to back electrical and other penetrations. Seal (butyl caulk) all gaps. Avoid flanking routes - like through a thin ceiling and back through it or through floor. No common ducts. Gasket doors.

 

[dcg9381]

It all depends on whether your goal is "sound proof" or "sound reduction"

 

[gtae07]

Gotta bookmark this thread. Hopefully we're moving soon and soundproofing is something I'd like to do to our new bedroom

 

[Dig Doug]

Just buy a really loud fart fan ! and set it on a motion switch so it turns on when you walk in….

Problem solved


lol

 

[karoc]

Just buy a really loud fart fan ! and set it on a motion switch so it turns on when you walk in….

Problem solved


lol

I like your way of thinking

 

[M.Brane]

Sound "proof" is a deep, and expensive rabbit hole to go down.

 

[The Cobbler]

I think the z bar resilient channel is the least expensive first step to sound suppression, then adding ROXUL sound batts between studs , then adding another layer of drywall

 

[Super38ACP]

I have both the R13 rockwool and the normal one (cant tell any real difference in them) and it does help cut down on sound. It's not remarkable but noticeable. It is enough i'll continue to put it in during the remodel.

 

[billconner]

Here is USGs guide to to wall assemblies. I worked a lot with the USG acoustician who supervised the testing of these at Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories and wrote much of the USG liertature on the subject. I spent a lot of time with the fellow over 30 years and have complete confidence in his work.

https://www.usg.com/content/dam/USG_Marketing_Communications/canada/product_promotional_materials/finished_assets/acoustical-assemblies-brochure-en-sa200-can.pdf

 

[Rusted Nut]

Here’s a good link to various methods of sound attenuation.

STC Ratings

 

[egdede]

OP as you have plates and one face of drywall installed 1) use the wool, 2) use resiliant channel to decouple the other face of drywall and 3) consider a second layer nof drywall. You will have very good results if you can do all 3.

make sure you don't pinch the resiliant channel by using too long a screw.