We Bought a House (A materials question)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around constructing a sound-damping and translucent wall in a newly purchased house, specifically between two living areas. Participants explore materials and designs that would provide privacy while allowing light to pass through, with a focus on sound insulation properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests glass blocks as a potential solution for sound-damping and light transmission, despite some resistance from a family member.
  • Another participant proposes the idea of using sound-damping windows with a second pane to address sound concerns while allowing light in.
  • A different participant mentions that a thick drywall wall with non-rigid insulation could be a cost-effective alternative for sound insulation.
  • One participant provides specific sound insulation ratings for standard glass blocks, indicating their potential effectiveness in soundproofing.
  • A later reply clarifies that the family member's dislike for glass blocks is based on aesthetic preferences rather than functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best materials for achieving sound insulation while allowing light. There is no consensus on a single solution, and multiple approaches are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific sound insulation ratings for glass blocks, but the effectiveness of proposed solutions remains uncertain and dependent on individual preferences and definitions of soundproofing.

Who May Find This Useful

Homeowners considering soundproofing solutions, individuals interested in interior design and materials, and those dealing with similar living arrangements may find this discussion relevant.

DaveC426913
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Wooooo!

It's a 5-level backsplit. Wife and I will be in back/basement, kids and grandkids will be in front/2nd floor.

So, the first thing we're going to do is build a wall between the upper flat and the lower flat - where the railing is. The entrance to the left wll become a door.

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So, they will be in their kitchen, right behind our heads when we're on the couch. And they are not quiet people.
We want it to
- be sound-damping
- be translucent to provide privacy.
- yet allow light in

We think glass block would be perfect but, for some reason, DIL does not like glass block walls.

Any suggestions for alternate arrangements that block sound but not light?
 
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I can’t think of any suggestions right now, but I, like you, absolutely hate excess sound.

Is this a new house? If so congratulations!
 
PhDeezNutz said:
Is this a new house? If so congratulations!
No. It was built in 83.

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Yards of yard for the wee ones and the doggo!
XZlL3Bob3Rvcy9GVUxMLzM1LzQ2OC9YNTgyMTQ2OF8zNS5qcGc.jpg
 
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aac8d1e--bathroom-interior-design-bathroom-designs.jpg
 
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jack action said:
Huh. I hadn't really thought of just putting in ... windows.

I mean, they could be made sound-damping by adding a second pane.
 
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If your primary concern is quite,
I would put in a wall that will have significant sound damping.
Glass blocks seem pretty dense to not transmit sound to me, but I have never tested this.
A thick drywall wall with a lot of non-rigid insultation would be cheap and easy.

Replacing some of the wall with sound-proof windows might satisfy your other concerns.
 
BillTre said:
Glass blocks seem pretty dense to not transmit sound to me, but I have never tested this.
They are filled with air.

"Standard 80mm thick glass blocks provide a weighted sound insulation index of 40/42dB."

"Depending on the type of glass block selected, features such as mass and internal air space guarantee that these blocks offer a high level of sound insulation, which is a minimum of 36 dB. There are glass blocks that can even reach 51dB sound barrier."
 
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OK, I took the bull by the horns.

Instead of getting my intel filtered through my son, I asked my DIL directly. She said she doesn't hate glass block per se; she just got sick of a particular style that was ubiquitous where she grew up.

I have no preconceptions about how it needs to look; I really only care that it lets light in and keeps sound out, so I'm perfectly happy to let her take the lead.

Also, I sweetened the pot by confiding that it makes me giggle whenever I think of my grandchildren making googly faces at us through the distorted glass. o0) ?:)
 

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