Sound insulation in residential buildings

Abstract

This paper considers similarities and differences experienced with sound insulation in various types of residential buildings, such as townhouses and condominiums. Typically with two adjacent dwelling units, there is a primary inter‐unit sound path, such as a party wall, and other paths that are categorized as flanking paths. In typical condominiums and apartments, the floor/ceiling is also a primary path. Implications of the plywood subfloor extending across the party wall are discussed. Avantages along with potential limitations of double stud party walls in controlling noise flanking transmission by the subfloor path are shown. Diagonal noise transmission between units is a factor that is common to both townhouse and apartment and condominium types of buildings. An example is given of the conversion of a single famiy house to a vertically‐separated duplex, with implications regarding the closing off of the stairs and isolation of the garage from the neighbor unit. The exterior wall, due to its proximity to the neighboring building, acted to some extent as a ‘‘party wall’’ assembly. An example is also given of a ‘‘defacto’’ townhouse where settling had caused the exterior wall of one single dwelling to butt against another house.