Installing Sound Attenuation Insulation

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
Bob recaps the work done so far in the nursery project at the home in Melrose, Massachusetts. The house has already been insulated for the tough New England winters and will now be insulated for sound control. Bob talks with Arline Bronzaft, an Environmental Psychologist with a Ph.D. in child development, about the importance of raising a baby in a quiet environment. Bronzaft stresses the importance of a good night's sleep for an infant. With this in mind, Bob reviews a discussion he had with Harry Alter of Owens Corning and the installation of their sound attenuation product, QuietZone. Alter reviews the necessary safety equipment for installing the Owens Corning QuietZone batt insulation and demonstrates how it is installed. Alter shows how to mark outlets and cut the insulation to accommodate them. Alter also shows how the insulation can be split apart to surround existing wiring. Bob talks to Alter about making sure all the stud cavities are filled and to be on the lookout for any gaps or cracks. Alter reviews with Bob the differences between acoustic and thermal insulation. This product is a lighter weight density insulation designed specifically for acoustic insulation. A special caulk is applied in gaps and cracks that cannot be filled by the QuietZone insulation, particularly where the walls meet the floor, ceiling, and door, and around all outlets.
Part 2: Installing a Fabric Sound-Absorbing Ceiling
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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