Installing a Fabric Sound-Absorbing Ceiling

Project: Babyproofing the House, Episode 3



Bob’s third visit to the 1895 Melrose, MA, home focuses on insulating for sound reduction and painting the guestroom across from the nursery.  He opens the show by discussing the effects of sound in the home with Arline Bronzaft, an environmental psychologist whose doctorate in child psychology helps her relate issues of home environment to healthy child development.  She explains that healthful sleep for infants from birth to seven months is critical to their growth and development and requires quiet.  To ensure a quiet nursery, Harry Alter from Owens Corning shows Bob how QuietZone acoustic batt insulation is installed in the stud cavities, nailed in place, fitted around wiring cut for outlet boxes, and caulked with QuietZone siliconized acrylic caulk to block sound entry.  Edward Waller of CertaPro Paints shows Bob how they apply the Sherwin-Williams Harmony no VOC paint in the guest room and explains why this latex paint is safe and superior to other latex paints.  He also shows Bob how to apply paint properly and with the right tools for a quality, finished job.  Bob wraps this episode with Ken Lanoie of Owens Corning as the QuietZone Solserene three-part fabric system is installed for an absorptive acoustic ceiling.  Bob previews upcoming tasks to complete this project, including finishing touches in the bathroom, natural products for the nursery, and baby safety products such as gates and outlet covers.

 

Part 1: Installing Sound Attenuation Insulation
Part 2: Installing a Fabric Sound-Absorbing Ceiling
Bob talks to Ken Lanoie of Owens Corning about adding sound attenuating insulation to the nursery. Lanoie describes the QuietZone Solserene Ceiling Fabric System used in the project. A Solserene ceiling is made up of three components, with high-density fiberglass boards to absorb sound installed in a track system that holds them in place. The boards are then covered with fabric. Lanoie reviews the installation process of the boards, followed by the fabric covering. The fabric is pulled so tight it looks like a normal plaster ceiling and can follow an architectural configuration, including angles, dormers, and rounded edges. It costs about six dollars per square foot. The system helps reduce the echo effect of noise in rooms with hardwood or stone floors, plaster walls, and other hard surfaces. Bob previews upcoming tasks to complete this project, including finishing touches in the bathroom, natural products for the nursery, and baby safety products, such as gates and outlet covers.
Part 3: Painting the Guest Bedroom
In Melrose, MA, Bob Vila helps a young couple expecting their first child to prepare their home. The focus is on creating a safe place with a strong emphasis on indoor air quality and a healthy living environment. Bob reviews child safety products with industry specialists, as they outfit the home from top to bottom in preparation for the new baby.

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