Garage soundproofing

[Paul McClintic]

hi,
I need to convert half my garage into a soundproof room, for band practice (drums are accoustic and mic'd).  I have access to Various 8' lengths of MDF melamine, MDF covered with birch veneer, and 3/4" HDPE.  I don't really want to build a "room within a room" but would rather use existing walls, (which are 2by4 framed), and build another 2by6 wall down the center.  I plan on making it portable also, so it can be taken down if needed.  The floor is concrete, and i'm trying to keep costs at a minimum.   What are my options? Thanks

[Jerry Brown]

Hi, I'm doing the same thing as you.  I am just curious if you got any feedback on the project?  Thanks,

Jerry

[joel]

Hello Paul,

All the materials you mention (MDF melamine, birch veneer, and 3/4" HDPE) are highly reflective and transmissive for sound - wood transmits sound 400 times faster than air!  If you use cotton insulation inside of the new, removable wall you will be far ahead of the game.  For info see http://www.soundproofing.org/brochures/SSP%20Cotton%20Fiber%20Insulation.htm  Use green padding tape to decouple the new wall sole plate from the concrete floor.  For info see http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/Tape.htm  If you drill into the concrete and use plugs you can always unbolt the wall from the floor to take it with you in sections.  We have had customers fabricate wall panel sections for this purpose.  Use MLV stapled directly to studs after bonded cotton insulation is inside.  Attach dry wall over padding tape.  This gives you a 75+ STC assembly.

Joel