Guide to Soundproofing an Apartment or Condominium
By Jesse Barron
Do you have loud neighbors? Does the lady upstairs stomp
around her apartment or condominium? Do the folks next to
you play their TV too loud? Are kids constantly screaming
and being rambunctious? If you answered "yes" to any of
these questions, I will give you step-by-step do it yourself
instructions on soundproofing your apartment.
The key to soundproofing an apartment is to block sound
transmission. You will easily accomplish this with a product
known as mass loaded vinyl barrier. More effective than a
sheet of lead for stopping sound, vinyl barrier uses its
weight (up to 2 lbs. per square foot) to stop sound
transmission dead in its tracks.
The easiest and simplest way to soundproof your walls is to
apply furring strips to the existing drywall and then apply
the vinyl barrier. It is important that an air gap be left
between the existing drywall and the vinyl barrier, as this
will maximize the sound deadening properties of the mass
loaded vinyl barrier. After applying the vinyl barrier (you
can use nails or staples) to the furring strips, you want to
seal up the seams using a silicon adhesive. This is a
critical step, as sound will pass through any opening. Add
another layer of drywall after you have applied and sealed
the vinyl barrier to notice a dramatic decrease in sound
transmission.
If you do not wish to use furring strips on the wall, you
can use vinyl barrier foam composite that will provide you
with the separation necessary for adequately blocking sound.
The treatment above for walls may also be used for ceilings
to keep sound out from the dear lady upstairs that stomps
around her apartment.
If you are lucky enough to have a drop ceiling in your
apartment, soundproofing the ceiling is quite simple. Simply
purchase mass loaded vinyl barrier for placement above the
ceiling grid. The air space between the grid and the actual
ceiling above will be the air barrier necessary to stop
transmission, while the vinyl barrier laid over the ceiling
tiles will provide the mass to block sound from
transmitting. Another alternative is to apply the vinyl
barrier to the rafters if they are exposed. This will
prevent the grid from having to support the weight of the
vinyl barrier, as well as making future removal and
replacement of ceiling tiles a breeze.
Should vertical space be available, you may want to
soundproof your apartment by adding acoustical ceiling
tiles. If a grid is already in place, purchase acoustical
ceiling tiles to replace the existing tiles. This step alone
will help greatly reduce sound transmission. You can take it
one-step further by adding a layer of mass loaded vinyl
barrier above the ceiling tiles, providing the utmost in
soundproofing.
You may have read this far, thinking "what about the
floors?" Soundproofing your floor is just as easy as your
walls or ceiling. To do this, you will want to pull up the
existing carpet and padding. Once you have the sub-floor
exposed, use a layer of vinyl barrier foam composite, with
the foam side facing the floor. After laying the vinyl
barrier composite, use a silicone adhesive to seal the
creases. When finished, simply relay your padding and
carpet.
All of the soundproofing products mentioned in this article
are available online or by phone from American Micro
Industries. Their Web site at
http://www.soundprooffoam.comoffers more information on soundproofing as well as the
ability to order securely online. Acoustics specialists are
available to give you free soundproofing advice toll-free at
1-800-558-2058, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM,
EST. You may also send email to sales@...
to receive a prompt and courteous response.
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