ᐅ Timber Frame Construction – Creating Sound Insulation Between Rooms

Created on: 26 Apr 2021 21:42
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gipsi123
Hello everyone,

We are currently having a single-family house built using timber frame construction. Right now, I am wondering if the interior walls will be sufficient to prevent hearing everything that is being said in the adjacent room.

The interior walls are constructed as follows: 10 mm (0.4 inches) gypsum board, 15 mm (0.6 inches) OSB, 12 cm (5 inches) timber stud, 15 mm (0.6 inches) OSB, 10 mm (0.4 inches) gypsum board.

My question is how I can improve the sound insulation of the interior walls.

I was thinking about adding an additional 10 mm (0.4 inches) gypsum board, effectively doubling the OSB with gypsum board on one side.

Alternatively (or additionally), cellulose insulation could be installed within the timber stud cavity.

The problem is that both sides of the walls are already covered with OSB, so for example, I cannot install mineral wool anymore.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?
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world-e
27 Apr 2021 07:37
You could also drill a hole about 10cm (4 inches) into the OSB and then blow in cellulose or wood fiber insulation. Afterwards, seal the hole and cover it with drywall. However, this is probably difficult to do yourself unless someone rents out such a blowing machine.
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Grundaus
28 Apr 2021 10:40
Once the OSB boards are screwed in, they should be removed to install mineral wool insulation. It becomes more difficult with nailed boards; in that case, blowing in insulation is the only option. Gypsum fiber boards are also better than regular gypsum boards. Alternatively, screed boards can be used, but they are relatively expensive and thick.
Ibdk1428 Apr 2021 11:05
Unfortunately, I can't provide any details about the insulation between the walls. We have mineral wool in our walls, but one thing that wasn’t considered here and that you might still be able to address is to make sure that the light switches and electrical outlets on adjacent walls are not installed at the same height/level. We can clearly hear when the light switch next door is operated or when a plug is inserted. There are probably better types of electrical boxes available, but it’s definitely better to avoid this issue from the start.