Super Soundproofing Community Forum

Soundproofing Forum Topics => Sound Control if you're Renting - Apartments, Condo, ETC => Topic started by: stevem1241 on December 25, 2018, 03:01:48 AM

Title: Building sound boxes inside an apt. Would it work?
Post by: stevem1241 on December 25, 2018, 03:01:48 AM
Hello everyone, and Merry Christmas Eve.

In the past I have been able to mitigate sound very well with two layers of dry wall. It's cheap, easy to work with, and if more is needed you just add to what you already have. However, now I am renting, and my renter's lease reads "Resident shall do no remodeling and shall make no alterations of any kind to the Premises of any kind without the written consent of Owner". I like how they capitalized owner and premises.... makes it more official I suppose :)

The sound I am having trouble with is him tromping around up there now and then, and also what sounds like someone dropping a plastic cup or something on the floor. That one is unsettling, as it is always unexpected when it occurs. Thankfully I have no booming stereo up there.

I'm not a lawyer, but to me the words premises and remodeling mean I cannot make any changes to "the structure" of the apt. No painting, no carpeting, and of course, no dry wall screwed to the ceiling. So I was thinking of building 2 sound boxes around my computer desk and bed that do not attach to the walls or ceiling in any way. Frame them up w/ 2x4's, screw 2 layers of dry wall to that, and the end of noise. Does this sound like it would work? I could hinge the sides of the boxes like doors to allow walking in and out, then shut them for when I am in them. There is a wall a/c near the desk, and I was going to buy a small one for the bed area, then vent things at the bottom with slots. It sounds sorta odd I suppose, but the cost would be small and the boxes would be easy to build. 
Title: Re: Building sound boxes inside an apt. Would it work?
Post by: Randy S on January 02, 2019, 04:40:45 PM
you would get some value of reduction, the real question is it enough reduction.

Since you already know about doubling the mass to achieve a better value, you can start with your idea but build the frame to hold more mass if needed.

Randy S.