I have a co-op and we have a chronic complaining neighbor who shares our stairway wall. We need to soundproof our wall. They are old people and we are a family with children. Our apartment is paper thin. Every little movement can be heard. They complain about our noisy kids. Will a soundproof wall help? Where can I get a soundproof wall that I can place over my existing wall without tearing it down? We are getting violation notices.
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This is a tough one. I'm no expert (in fact I was hoping some others would weigh in on the subject). What you mention does make some sense--building a wall over the existing wall. I've seen that in some townhomes and other homes with shared walls--that builders will sometimes build double walls with air-space between. Such a double wall would definitely help--but it does add complications (as you might imagine)--such as moving all your electrical outlets, switches, etc.
And from what I gather, it would pretty much need to be another wall that isolates dead air....as if it's attached, sound can travel through 2x4s, etc.
I once tried an attempt at soundproofing in a former house. In that situation, pipes above the kitchen were kind of noisy. I used soundproofing board (it's kind of like a cross between foam and plywood--it's pretty flaky stuff) and baffled it in around the pipes. It really didn't help all that much.
One thing that might be worth considering (maybe?)....how about that special foam that is used in sound studios? Anyone out there know if this would help? Is it worth a trip to your local music store to ask some questions?
good luck....as I said, this can be a tough one!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
And from what I gather, it would pretty much need to be another wall that isolates dead air....as if it's attached, sound can travel through 2x4s, etc.
I once tried an attempt at soundproofing in a former house. In that situation, pipes above the kitchen were kind of noisy. I used soundproofing board (it's kind of like a cross between foam and plywood--it's pretty flaky stuff) and baffled it in around the pipes. It really didn't help all that much.
One thing that might be worth considering (maybe?)....how about that special foam that is used in sound studios? Anyone out there know if this would help? Is it worth a trip to your local music store to ask some questions?
good luck....as I said, this can be a tough one!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
