When building a high quality home unwanted sound transmission is often a concern and there are numerous steps that can be taken during construction to minimize this. Drainage noise running through pipes can cause excessive noise, steps that can be taken here include proper layout of the drainage system as well as using Cast Iron verticals.

This will minimize the noise but not eliminate it. If sound is a high concern double drywall can be used where the second layer is glued to the first layer with a special sound reducing glue. In order for this to be effective all boxes must also be sealed up well. Lightweight concrete topping greatly reduces the noise transmission between floors but more can be done, if the are is of high concern for sound transmission roxul insulation between floors can be installed ( remember to use IC pot light housings, otherwise insulation will have to be set back from pot light housings reducing the effectiveness of this.

A sound reducing membrane can also be installed on the concrete when a hard surface flooring is being used. We can also use sound bar on the ceiling where the drywall is being installed, this has to be taken into account during the rough in stage as ceiling rough ins will have to be set to this height. Double drywall on the ceiling can also be used, in general the heavier the assembly the better it will be at reducing sound, however this is not always the case as certain assemblies will actually encourage sound transmission so it is always best to used tried and true assemblies and if in doubt a acoustical engineer can always be retained. For bedroom walls that have concern very similar assemblies to the ceilings can be used, including roxul insulation, double drywall as described above and sound bar. If the house is on or close to a busy street there are a number of ways to address the excess noise, landscaping barriers can be planted in strategic locations, types of cladding can reduce the noise, stucco and stone are good sound absorbing claddings, as well as high quality low sound transmission windows that will often include triple glazing can also help.

While there are numerous ways to reduce sound , some sound transmission will always be excepted open floor plans also always for more sound transmission throughout the building and this should be taken into consideration while designing the home. Once again if this is a large concern then it is best to retain the services of a acoustical engineer who is a expert in this area.

hand excavation