FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

sound proofing walls

| Posted in Construction Techniques on December 8, 2002 04:36am

Good morning folks. Any good ideas on soundproofing interior walls? I tried fiberglass batts in between the studs and 2 layers of 1/2″ sound board (beige celotex-like 4×8 sheets) separated by 1/4″ strips on the studs. Still can hear the TV through the walls. Thanks, Charlie

Reply

Replies

  1. calvin | Dec 08, 2002 10:33pm | #1

    Charlie, here's some things used in radio.  Split walls, 2 separate walls done similar to your system, they need not be 3-1/2" walls.  Resilient channel (not solid hat channel), split jambs with isolators between to seal yet not transfer the sound.  Separate air returns (w/sound dampeners), finished floor cut at (between) wall location, isolation strips there too.  Window and door jambs had separate doors/windows paired in each opening.  Another alternative is more mass.  Best of luck.  You should also search here for past discussions on soundproofing/dampening.

    __________________________________________

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

    1. chascaldwl | Dec 08, 2002 11:30pm | #2

      thanks calvin will try some combination of your suggestions and what I read in the archives--what a great forum!

      1. calvin | Dec 08, 2002 11:37pm | #3

        1. Soundproofing * I would like to get information on how to ... - from Lee_J._Buividas, 10/26/2000

        2. soundproofing materials * question: My wife and I have been ... - from ronald_smolka, 3/20/2000

        3. * Hi Gilles, You would have to eleminate all common conections ... - from Guest, 7/31/2000

        4. Soundproofing Windows * I have a great Victorian townhouse on a ... - from Tony_Hudgins, 2/18/1999

        5. soundproofing a floor. Any ideas? I am trying to find a ... - from den, 4/16/2002

        6. Soundproofing: take 2. OK, I now have a request to sound dampen ... - from Heck, 11/18/2002

        7. SOUNDPROOFING BETWEEN FLOORS * I HAVE FINISHED STIPPLED CEILING, ... - from RAY_ROY, 7/4/2000

        8. * There is a good amount of info on soundproofing at ... - from steve_otto, 10/29/2001

        9. * I did a LOT of soundproofing around our international airport ... - from Guest, 1/8/1999

        10. soundproofing existing interior walls * Interested in adding ... - from Bill_Ha., 7/19/2001

        11. Soundproofing between floors * I've just purchased an old two ... - from remodlrj, 11/26/2001

        12. * I agree -- the one thing Gene Leger said that really struck ... - from Guest, 2/3/2000

        13. * Nope, although PUR is about 2x (and more so if convection is ... - from Guest, 9/22/1999

        14. * Nice job Forrest! I have also done a coiffered ceiling with ... - from Guest, 10/4/1999

        15. * Michael There have been a number of posts over the past few ... - from Guest, 4/14/2000

        16. leakproof soundproofing tips needed!! * I recently purchased a ... - from Michael_Coyne, 4/18/2000

        17. * ... and I'd like to put in a quick vote for Miraflex, a new ... - from Guest, 3/16/2000

        18. * I like the V-groove siding idea, or you could find paneling ... - from Guest, 8/27/1999

        19. Metal Stud Construction ? Hi guys, Is anyone here real familiar ... - from BILLK68, 3/30/2002

        20. * Jeff, try USG's web site ...they have a section on soundproofing. Hope it helps. http://www.usg.com/ ... - from jcallahan, 1/17/2002

        21. What's slc? s_____ lightweight concrete? I'm being dense. I read ... - from Cloud_Hidden, 4/16/2002

        22. * Mad Dog,(good lumber, probably indeed built during the ... - from Donald_Nichols, 1/29/2002

        23. * John, FH had an article, oh maybe, 10 years ago on ... - from jim_l, 6/18/2001

        24. Need help soundproofing * I am building a 25 foot long wall that ... - from Chris_Wilson, 5/21/2000

        25. soundproofing * iam adding an office for my wife in an unused part of my shop.what is the best way to soundproof it? ... - from john_hammond_woodworking, 6/20/2001

        26. * Assuming the interior of the garage is already finished I ... - from geoff_murray, 4/14/2000

        27. * There have been a lot of discussions on this in the Breaktime ... - from CaseyR, 4/16/2001

        28. Soundproofing before installing finis... * ... - from jeff_shoaf, 2/11/2000

        29. soundproofing * 2 questions;We have a long divider wall that ... - from John_O, 1/4/2000

        30. * Between floors you will need to isolate materials as sound ... - from Guest, 11/7/1999

        31. * Hello again, I checked my bookmark list and I have a lot of ... - from P.S._(WindowSurfer), 1/14/1999

        32. You don't say what the span or spacing of the joist might be but ... - from piffin, 4/10/2002

        33. Soundproofing Strategies * I'm planning to build a small ... - from Jeff_Chapman, 1/17/2002

        34. * Soundproofing does not mean making the room airtight. In fact ... - from Guest, 3/9/1999

        35. * There are a number of things you can do. For insulation ... - from John_Wells, 2/4/1999

        36. * unfortunately no pix, only a vision, actually it was my older ... - from Guest, 4/14/1999

        37. * The key to soundproofing is separation. Three years ago, we ... - from John_Sprung, 2/28/2001

        38. * Enough said on this subject Blue because we kinda lost sight ... - from Guest, 3/7/1999

        39. soundproofing a basement woodworking ... * I am in the process ... - from karl_r_miller, 9/17/2000

        40. * Kris, One thought would be to try asking your local radio ... - from Guest, 8/15/2000

        41. too noisy, put it in a closet, with soundproofing,do you really ... - from panama_red, 6/7/2002

        42. any suggestions would be greatly appreci. does anybody have any ... - from moonlighting, 5/8/2002

        43. * There are 2 consideration. One is soundproofing the room so ... - from Guest, 8/16/2000

        44. soundproofing. Best sound absorbing system for floor? Presently ... - from D, 3/31/2002

        45. Sound Transmisssion - AGAIN! * I know this subject has been up ... - from remodlrj, 2/14/2002

        46. * I'm a novice at this whole thing, but we are building a log ... - from PDF, 2/6/2002

        47. * Carole, seems to me that most "hollow core" doors in fact ... - from Guest, 3/19/1999

        48. * Check out http://www.soundproofing.com and ... - from steve_otto, 11/1/2001

        49. I should go back & read that article about guest rooms... ... - from vivi, 9/10/2002

        50. Soundproofing between floors * I will soon begin building an up ... - from Greg_Forney, 4/16/2001

        Next 50View Image 

        Change search criteria?

         

        __________________________________________

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

        1. chascaldwl | Dec 10, 2002 05:41pm | #6

          thanks so much, Calvin--very helpful

    2. TKanzler | Dec 10, 2002 06:15pm | #7

      calvin - would you happen to know who makes resilient channel, and where it is commonly available (big box, specialty, lumber yard)?  I have a basement ceiling sheetrock project, and resilient channel may help there.  TIABe seeing you...

      1. WayneL5 | Dec 11, 2002 12:58am | #8

        There are wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies designed and rated for sound transmission.  They are given ratings for airborne sound (STC -- Sound Transmission Class), and floor-ceiling assemblies are also rated for impact, such as footsteps (IIC -- Impact Insulation Class).  So you can select one with confidence knowing how well or less well it insulates.

        The ratings are published in the same tables which show fire ratings.  You can find them in code books, or from an architect, or in drywall manufacturer's technical catalogs (which you might be able to view at your supplier).

        Detailing is critical.  Even penetrations for electrical wiring must be sealed with foam or a lot of sound can leak through a suprisingly small opening.  You'll have to get in the ceiling and floor and stuff insulation in the spaces between the joists.

        Then there's always headphones.

        Edited 12/10/2002 5:00:49 PM ET by WAYNEL5

      2. booch | Dec 11, 2002 01:25am | #9

        HD has resilient channel in some locations. Don't expect 99% of the help in HD to know what you are talking about. Find the sheet goods guy. It comes in 10 foot strips of a Z type channel made out of sheetmetal in the Drywall department. You hang it perpendicular to the studs 16"OC fastening only one edge of the Z to the stud, and then screw the rock to the strip. Put in the batts of course and then tape it up and paint it. Sound transmission comes from the 2x4's being securely fastened to the sheet goods on each side. the resilient channel overcomes that to some extent.

        In the industrial world there is a material with lead sheet that is adhered to foam on each side. The foam is adhered to the inside of the wall where the sound is generated. Different densities absorb different frequencies. How bad do you want your quiet?

        1. TKanzler | Dec 11, 2002 08:40pm | #11

          How bad do you want your quiet?

          Not as badly as lead sheet, perhaps, but I need more than acoustical ceiling tile provides.  I will use the basement room as my office (I work at home), and I like my jazz, so sound attenuation both ways is important.  I intend to run the resilient channel directly (perpendicular to) on the joists, with fiberglass bats between, and perhaps homasote or other material on the bottom of the subfloor.  I'd rather not use two layers of rock, but if it will make a real difference, I could.  Walls are less of a problem, since my shop is on one side, and the rest of the finished basement is primarily a gameroom.  Thanks for the advice.Be seeing you...

      3. calvin | Dec 11, 2002 02:43am | #10

        TDKPE, I get the resilient channel from my drywall/steel stud supplier.  Booch mentions a z channel, the one I am used to is similar to hat channel, only the returns to the legs are fibred metal instead of solid metal.  The channel is shaped like a hat, you can fasten top and bottom on the "brim"._/^_  the two slanted backslashes is where the wire mesh is.  This breaks up the sound transmission .  Best of luck.__________________________________________

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

        1. TKanzler | Dec 11, 2002 08:42pm | #12

          My local big box doesn't carry Z-channel any more, but they directed me to a local lumber yard.  I'll talk to them about both types.  Thanks for the help.Be seeing you...

          1. Hector45 | Dec 11, 2002 09:33pm | #13

            Some great advice already given.  I'd add that, when you're using multiple layers of drywall (which is a very effective solution) you can make that even more effective by

            a) using two different thicknesses of drywall (so they don't resonate at the same frequencies) and

            b) by applying a thick bead of caulk between the sheets.  Even after you screw the sheets together, the caulk will damp out some of the energy and will keep a small air space between the sheets.

            Good Luck

            "Listen, strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government."Jon

  2. RussellAssoc | Dec 10, 2002 04:51am | #4

    The double wall is a good choice, don't let the plates touch.  Drywall with 2 layers of 5/8's on each side.  Or if you don't have room for a double wall 2 layers of 5/8's is still very very effective.  Insulation is of some help, but highly over rated.

  3. Derr82 | Dec 10, 2002 04:57am | #5

    Check out Sound & Vision or Electronic House  or similiar home audio magazines.  Plenty of info and adds.

    http://www.acoustiblok.com 

  4. sdoucette01 | Dec 11, 2002 10:01pm | #14

    In schools we've used 5 1/2" 18 ga. studs w/ double rockwool insulation and double 5/8" rock on both sides, and acoustic caulk. Pretty straight forward but performs well (no db measurements to back this up).

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper

Listeners write in about ventilation and radon control and ask questions about tightening basement garages, ventilation solutions, and safer paint stripper.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Design and Build a Pergola
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in