BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home

Subject: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: Julie B
Date: 30 Jan 02 - 09:58 AM

As many of you probably rehearse at home, I though I'd post this query here….

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We've just moved house from a 1930's semi, that seemed fairly well soundproofed, to a 1960's semi that seems to act as a large amplifier! (e.g. If we put the radio on quietly in the kitchen, we can hear it throughout the house!). We're not sure why this, but it's been suggested to us that the construction materials used for the internal walls (thought to be concrete/breezeblocks) may conduct sound a lot more than brick would. Also, the house, although now fitted with radiators, may have been originally built with an integral 'warm air' heating system. I'm now wondering whether the original ducting may still be in place behind the walls, carrying sound throughout the house.

Our plan is to find out more about the construction of house, and maybe get professional sound insulation advice. Does anyone have any advice/experience concerning sound insulation or recommendations of companies that might be able to help? (We're in Milton Keynes).

Julie

Subject: RE: BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 30 Jan 02 - 01:43 PM

Use eggboxes. (i'm serious, sounds weird but it works).john

Subject: RE: BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 30 Jan 02 - 02:20 PM

Try pulling radios, telly, speakers, etc at least one foot from the wall.

Subject: RE: BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: Justa Picker
Date: 30 Jan 02 - 02:25 PM

This was also covered a bit in this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Jan 02 - 02:57 PM

Having worked with acoustics a bit, I can only echo the egg cartons and drapes for a cheap solution. Use drapes and carpeting where cartons not practical (drapes especially can be found cheap at goodwill stores and auction marts). Drape strips hanging from the ceiling help.
Isolate all sound equipment with sound-absorbent material. I found a box of cork wallboards, about 1 1/2 inches thick, and put two separated by small blocks under the equipment. (Also good for walls, but expensive new- try demolition sources).
In the other thread, Spike has a point about "live" sound that I can't answer to. I have worked only to deaden sound and to kill bounced sound.

Subject: RE: BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 02 - 04:47 PM

echo? thats the problem.
Isn't this a development of a previous thread or am I in a timewarp? If I didn't manage the first time I will repeat some of my comments, if its just singing make an anechoic chamber big enough for the head and torso, though it may be claustrophobic so a bit bigger and hang it on sprung bungy or elastic. Line the inside with pyramidal foam blocks. With a bit of thought you can make it fold flattish for storage. The essence is to absorb acoustic energy (egg boxes are better than nothing but foam is as good as it gets) so if it sounds funny on the ears its doing its job. avoid contact with transmissive media like floors and walls.
if you need to encompass much bigger than a flute it gets a bit unwieldy but not impossible.
if you decide to tackle the house remember to let it breath! Dry rot starts by getting wet and fungal. That alone is going to limit your options, just ask your experts. Thick carpets with foam underlay are a good bet, on the walls as well - it would work if you could figure a method.I live in a modern semi and that is a conduit for annoyance. The double glazing only makes the inside (including the idiot next door) louder relative to all other sources, and more noticeable as a result.

Subject: RE: BS: BS: Advice on Sound Insulation at Home
From: Julie B
Date: 31 Jan 02 - 05:16 AM

Thanks. Sorry, I hadn't spotted the previous thread.

Has anyone had cavity wall insulation installed? If so, what product/comapny did you use, and did it make the house any quieter?

Julie