I am a first time home buyer. I am interested in a new row townhouse development. My concern is about the amount of noise between the common walls of the townhouse units. Unfortunately, all the end units in this development have been sold out. I have obtained a brochure from the builder of this development. The builder describes its construction of the common walls as follows: "2'x 4' studs with air space & Type "X" fire code drywall with insulation for noise resistance." based on this description, does mean that I will hear less noise from both of my next door neighbours?
Answer:
What it means is that builders no longer use concrete block between the units and the noise will be forever present. Sound proofing a wall or ceiling, I’ve found, is best done by creating a sandwich with lots of bulk. I apply 5/8” gypsum board (roughly taped, jointed and sanded) to the studs or joists and then 7/8” sound absorbing fibrous panel manufactured for the purpose. On top of that, I apply resilient channel (16” O.C.) and then another layer of 5/8” gypsum board. This time the gypsum board is properly taped jointed and sanded.
Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com. In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects.
Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
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