Re: sound attenuation in ceilings

[Peter Lennox <peter@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I presume you mean 1900, not 2000.
This being the case, the ceilings may well be made of lath and plaster,
which is actually better than plasterboard with respect to low frequency
transmission (plasterboard acts like a drum) but may not be too well sealed
so higher frequencies get through the gaps around edges etc. One solution is
to plasterboard the ceilings over (well, under, actually) the
lath-and-plaster, thus providing the best of both. sealing all transmission
paths is another step.
Filling the space between the joists/floor/ceiling with vermiculite is good,
but time-consuming
Basically all the physical means of blocking or absorbing sound transmission
are time-consuming and expensive, though worthwhile  for the peace of mind.
Other variables include whether the neighbour has bare floorboards, and hard
empty rooms - these have a huge impact on local sound levels, and in some
extreme cases, bare floors are actually specifically mitigated against in
the deeds of some multiple-occupancy conversions.
The other route is masking...
regards
ppl
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin L. Baker" <klb@DMU.AC.UK>
To: <AUDITORY@LISTS.MCGILL.CA>
Sent: 18 February 2002 21:53
Subject: sound attenuation in ceilings


> Dear all,
> this isn't strictly a research based question, but if you don't mind...
>
> A friend of mine has bought an appartment in a large house in London - one
of the many conversions of an old turn of century house. His appartment is
on the ground floor and he can clearly hear his neighbours' footsteps and
conversations from the floor above.
>
> Can anyone suggest how soundproofing/attenuation can be done simply and
cost-effectively? or any web-sites of any use for further information?
>
> Best of all: UK companies specialising in appropriate solutions?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Kevin
> --
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> Senior Lecturer in Psychology
> Division of Psychology
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