Sound Proofing

With the recent boom in Chicago real estate development, many condominiums and town homes seem to have popped up virtually overnight. Unfortunately, sound transmission between separate units has become a real problem, due primarily to poor planning, inadequate materials, and improper construction by the developers and builders.

The solutions provided by most contractors entail cutting holes in the drywall near the ceiling between each stud, then shooting foam insulation into each of the holes between each set of studs. Studies show that this choice of materials and construction may drop noise transmission slightly (due to a low insulation value, or R value), but it typically does not solve the problem. In short, most solutions are insufficient, and clients are left with much of the same sound transmission through their walls.

Our solution is more effective. A recent client complained about noise transmission from the neighbor's adjoining townhome. We built a new wall next to the existing wall (1” between the two), layering both sides with drywall and insulating between the joists. Finally, caulking was placed around the edges, effectively preventing sound from traveling through cracks.

The result? The client no longer wakes up to the neighbor's 5:15 a.m. alarm clock. He now enjoys complete silence.

Contact us about your noise issues, and we will be happy to provide you with a free estimate.