How many decibels does a regular apartment wall cancel out?

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SUMMARY

A regular apartment wall typically cancels out between 30 to 50 decibels, depending on construction materials used, such as metal studs versus wood. To enhance soundproofing, it is recommended to use 6" plates and headers while staggering the studs to prevent adjoining walls from sharing sheet-rock and 2x4 connections. Incorporating glass-wool insulation between the studs before drywall installation significantly improves sound barrier effectiveness at a low cost. This technique has been validated through practical experience in environments with high noise levels, such as motels with dance halls.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound transmission and decibel levels
  • Familiarity with construction materials and techniques
  • Knowledge of drywall installation processes
  • Experience with insulation types, specifically glass-wool
NEXT STEPS
  • Research soundproofing techniques for residential construction
  • Learn about the properties of different insulation materials
  • Explore advanced drywall installation methods for sound reduction
  • Investigate the impact of wall construction on noise levels in multi-family housing
USEFUL FOR

Homeowners, builders, architects, and anyone involved in soundproofing residential spaces will benefit from this discussion.

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How many decibels does a regular apartment wall cancel out?
 
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Depending on the construction materials (metal studs vs wood) sometimes not a lot. The ideal solution is to use 6" plates and headers and stagger the studs so that no adjoining walls share sheet-rock/2x4 connections, removing the physical coupling as much as possible. Thread some glass-wool insulation back and forth between the studs before installing dry-wall and you have a very cheap and effective sound barrier.

Edit: I learned this trick over 30 years ago from a builder who also owned a very popular low-cost motel with a dance-hall/music venue attached. Partiers can be petty noisy, and his place was really popular.
 

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