All Forum Posts by: Stuart Alexander

 I think at the end of the day there will always be sound transferring, the goal is to get it to an acceptable level. Lower units I’ll inherently have sound transfer issues - my main goal is to make the upper unit not experience sounds from the lower so as long as I can add enough mass to get rid of airborne noise I should be okay. Best of luck!

Most expensive mistake I ever made was going variable when I bought this place ;) what did you use for insulation? I could see my current set up being similar to what you have now. I’m hoping the extra inch of mass/sound dampening brings Me to an acceptable level of noise transfer. 

How is your house heated by the way? I’ve heard ducts pass a lot of sound.

 Pretty cheap - well in the grand scheme of sound proofing. I think it was an additional $600-700 for the 1200 sqft unit.

 I actually did add sound deadening underlay to our unit when we bought the place. Originally it was carpet, the seller added laminate directly on the subfloor. I pulled up the entire unit piece by piece and redid the floors - it was a lot of work! Sound in the unit was slightly better, but still not where I need it. 

 Oh excellent! How much of a difference would that all make in your experience? Noticeable? 

What if I left the existing ceiling and didn't do insulation (not sure if it is currently insulated, i'll need to check). 

Complete system would be 
-sound dampening underlay (upper unit) 
-5/8th dry wall 
-sonopan (https://www.homedepot.ca/produ... )
-Resilient Channel 
-5/8th dry wall 

Thanks!

 Apologies, should have specified. I am talking about approaching this from the ceiling of the lower unit as my tenants are currently away for the summer. 

 Thanks for the reply Chris. Carpet and padding was what was originally in the upper unit before I purchased it - likely effected a lot when it was removed. 

Should I notice much of a difference after completing the work I have outlined? 

Hey everyone, currently living in a house-hack (over/under - we live in the upper unit). Original plan was to move on after a year, but we really like the area.

Problem is, it's a wood frame construction, and the noise transfer between the units is starting to bug me. Louder conversations can be heard as muffled speech, I often use the heat pump to drown it out. Social visits from either unit will cause a decent amount of sound to enter the other unit.

Considering living here longer, but we might address the sound issues. Does any one have any experience with this?

Hoping to mostly resolve speech/ect noises not impact as I know that is a different beast.

Planning on keeping the existing ceiling, but adding
-sonopan
-resilient channel
-5/8th dry wall

Would this make a noticeable difference? It will be a decent chunk of money.

Is it possible to just do the living spaces (living room, kitchen, hall way) and leave the bedrooms unchanged?

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone, currently living in a house-hack (over/under - we live in the upper unit). Original plan was to move on after a year, but we really like the area. 

Problem is, it's a wood frame construction, and the noise transfer between the units is starting to bug me. Louder conversations can be heard as muffled speech, I often use the heat pump to drown it out. Social visits from either unit will cause a decent amount of sound to enter the other unit. 

Considering living here longer, but we might address the sound issues. Does any one have any experience with this? 

Hoping to mostly resolve speech/ect noises not impact as I know that is a different beast. 

Planning on keeping the existing ceiling, but adding 
-sonopan 
-resilient channel 
-5/8th dry wall 

Would this make a noticeable difference? It will be a decent chunk of money. 

Is it possible to just do the living spaces (living room, kitchen, hall way) and leave the bedrooms unchanged? 

Thanks in advance!