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June 2, 2008
Sounding Off on a Condo Issue
Q: Ed, I know this is not really a plumbing question but I trust your advice and would like your opinion. I have a condo and the inside walls seem to have no insulation between units. The sound travels very easy between the walls and I would like to tear open the walls and soundproof them. What do I need to do? Bill (Alabama)
A: In most of the cases I've seen, condo walls are considered joint property and you cannot open up any walls without written permission, and you typically have to work with a contractor approved by the association. So, to correct this problem you will have to get all your soundproofing information and options from your local condo association, building inspectors and contractors.
What I can tell you is that soundproofing is usually done with density. For example, cast iron drain lines are heavy and solid compared to light and less dense PVC drains. That's why in most cases you will not hear water running through cast iron drains, while PVC drains may sound like a running river.
I'm sure you're not the only one in the complex with a loud condo, so go make some "noise" with your association. They should know what dense soundproofing materials are approved and available for you to have installed in your unit.
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by at June 2, 2008 2:09 PM
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Comments
I find this "advice" woefully lacking. While there may be SOME condo associations that don't allow you to "mess" with the walls, that's not all of them. And the idea that you have to use an approved contractor is quite odd--I've never yet run into that. Check your homeowner's documents (CC&R's). But most importantly, there are many ways to create sound barriers. Sound travels as vibration through walls, remember that; google around the internet and you'll find many prescriptions that will fit your ailment, most involving the construction of a set of parallel walls. You'll have to lose some volume/floor space, but it'll be worth it. And you won't have to get permission from anyone for that type of construction. And yes, I'm a general contractor, working primarily in historical preservation.
Posted by: Alyssa Burgin at June 10, 2008 9:26 PM
As an engineer familiar with building studios where "soundproofing" is critical, I'd like to offer some advice.
Please don't confuse thermal insulation with soundproofing! Fiberglass insulation is NOT a cost-effective retrofit method. Regardless of what the package may advertise.
The most effective and simplest method to prevent sound transmission through a wall is to increase the density (mass). The best retrofit is to add an extra layer of drywall!
It's also important to minimize holes through the wall. This could mean sealing behind wall switches with expanding foam (be careful here). Also seal around the perimeter of the wall with pliable caulking. You don't want an "air path".
There are more details, but I gotta run. Check the web!
Jon.
Posted by: Jon at June 11, 2008 12:57 AM
We have looked at many condos. No matter where when how they all Look beautiful. theres a lot of money involved ,and for my money,THES THINGS
ARE LESS THAN A HOUSE BOT THERES NO CLOSET SPACE,
STORAGE ,THEY ARE NOT SOUND PROOF.
WE HAVE LOOKED AND WANTED AN ADULT ONLY LIVING
AREA. ITS JUST NOT WHAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR.
Posted by: catsuny at June 11, 2008 6:57 AM
New sound proofing presented at trade show. Acoustiblok.com a perfect fit for the condo problem. Exp. facility mgr 15 years require sound proofing in specfic areas of the building this product is the thinnest material have found and works better. Careful with what noise frequency you are trying to compress
529633
Posted by: paul horschel at June 11, 2008 7:22 AM
To heck with the HOA. What have they ever done for you? I suspect you can redecorate the interior of your condo! Thus, it will be troublesome but attaching QuietRock wallboard to your existing drywall will lessen sound considerably. One QR board is equivalent to 8 regular sheets of drywall and is manufactured specially to deaden sound. You can purchase [rather expensive] a variety of boards which are also fire-rated, etc. Most box stores are still in the 60's so you may need to travel to get it but, look it up on the net....hope you are pleasantly surprised.
Posted by: al at June 11, 2008 10:01 AM
If you can't find the QuietRock you should be able to find what is called Sound Board. One Layer of Sound Board and another Layer of Drywall over the existing drywall will help to reduce sound transmission by quite a bit.
Posted by: Dawn at June 11, 2008 1:50 PM
Condo Rules start with the builder who wants to make it simple and control his sales. Builder rules limit tennants to No For Sale Signs, Limits of building colors and landscape. Once the builder is out of the picture the rules should be revised to be owner friendly. Get involved, make the rules work for everyone.
Cast Iron sanitary pipes, double walls between units(my 2x4 does not touch Yours)fire breaks and noise reduction. Insulation does help. If your buying a new condo look for these privacy and safety features.
Pex water pipes reduce water hammer and reduce time to hot water if installed with a manifold.
Posted by: Les Moore at June 13, 2008 10:16 PM
