ᐅ Soundproofing in Older Buildings – Decoupled Drywall with Expanded Clay Aggregate?
Created on: 21 Dec 2023 11:52
E
EddySkyHello everyone. I’m trying to solve a noise issue and I’m uncertain about some basic aspects regarding a decoupled drywall system. I’m hoping to get constructive feedback from people with experience.
Here’s the problem: My direct neighbor is noisy and unwilling to change. Among other things, he has a staircase that is attached directly to the shared wall. Since this wall is extremely thin (max 15cm (6 inches), more like an interior partition between rooms, in an old building in a Spanish village), the impact noise from his stomping on the stairs transmits directly into my bedroom. If you place your hand on the wall, you can clearly feel the vibration. It’s quite intense.
I now want to install a soundproof drywall system on my side of the wall. Even though this won’t completely eliminate the problem, I hope it will at least reduce the worst of the noise.
It’s often said that for structure-borne noise, only mass helps. I have actually had very good results using expanded clay aggregate (available locally) to box in a drainpipe. That’s why I’m leaning toward using expanded clay aggregate as insulation in the wall cavity.
So, my current plan is: a decoupled drywall system, double-layered with appropriate acoustic drywall boards, and the cavity filled with fine expanded clay aggregate (up to 5mm). Unfortunately, due to space constraints, the cavity cannot be deeper than 5–7cm (2–3 inches).
Am I making a mistake in my approach somewhere? Apart from minor details — would this be the right method?
I would have liked to hire a professional, but where I live there is a) no one experienced with decoupled drywall construction and b) it’s a relatively small project that nobody has time for. So I have no choice but to do it myself. My choice of building materials is also limited because not everything is available locally; some materials would have to be shipped expensively and with difficulty.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Here’s the problem: My direct neighbor is noisy and unwilling to change. Among other things, he has a staircase that is attached directly to the shared wall. Since this wall is extremely thin (max 15cm (6 inches), more like an interior partition between rooms, in an old building in a Spanish village), the impact noise from his stomping on the stairs transmits directly into my bedroom. If you place your hand on the wall, you can clearly feel the vibration. It’s quite intense.
I now want to install a soundproof drywall system on my side of the wall. Even though this won’t completely eliminate the problem, I hope it will at least reduce the worst of the noise.
It’s often said that for structure-borne noise, only mass helps. I have actually had very good results using expanded clay aggregate (available locally) to box in a drainpipe. That’s why I’m leaning toward using expanded clay aggregate as insulation in the wall cavity.
So, my current plan is: a decoupled drywall system, double-layered with appropriate acoustic drywall boards, and the cavity filled with fine expanded clay aggregate (up to 5mm). Unfortunately, due to space constraints, the cavity cannot be deeper than 5–7cm (2–3 inches).
Am I making a mistake in my approach somewhere? Apart from minor details — would this be the right method?
I would have liked to hire a professional, but where I live there is a) no one experienced with decoupled drywall construction and b) it’s a relatively small project that nobody has time for. So I have no choice but to do it myself. My choice of building materials is also limited because not everything is available locally; some materials would have to be shipped expensively and with difficulty.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Similar topics