Soundproofing between units

[Harman N.]

Hi all,

I'm building a unit in the garage of my duplex. Does anyone have any tips on how to create maximum soundproofing between upstairs and downstairs, whether it's using certain materials or certain construction techniques?

Thanks!

[Matt Dalton]

@Harman N. Hi Harmon. I own and operate a recording studio and the trick to prevent sound from traveling between rooms is simple: create decoupled air pockets.

If you can, build your interior walls with what is called “staggered studs” between the units separated by a marginal air gap. Use R30 insulation and doubled 5/8ths drywall.

The key to stopping sound is mass -> air -> mass. Sound decreases by 50% each time it has to pass through air then mass, and it cannot travel along the wall into the adjacent units when the studs are staggered.

Hope this helps!