Spray foam as sound barrier ?

Question

Gathering bids on new construction over/under duplex. One builder says spray foam between levels for sound barrier. Will that just transfer thunking of footsteps through joists and ceiling of lower level more?

Jody Sperling · Answer

Spray foam insulation would be a great sound barrier. The higher the R-value, the greater the noise deadening. The two go hand-in-hand.

Matt Devincenzo · Answer

On the 3-5 story frame buildings clients build they use resilient channel with mineral wool like Mike mentioned above. The other thing is they use gypcrete on all the floors. Gypcrete is a lighter weight product that is similar to concrete, and the density is what absorbs the sound.

Mike Wood · Answer

@Chuck Payette I have multiple up/down duplexes.  I have used closed cell foam on one of them, back when I started.  I would not recommend it as sound damping between the floors.  I currently use 3' mineral wool insulation between the floors, and suspend the first floor ceiling using resilient channel.  I find that does a much better job, and its cheaper.  But with that being said, there is NO way to eliminate foot steps and heel sounds if the building is wood framed.

Carpet would be a huge help in eliminating the foot noise.  But the draw back is its carpet, and the short life span and eventual replacement, if its to be held as a long term rental.

Pavan Sandhu · Answer

We are trying to use Aerobarrier on our next project but can't find any vendors. Heard there are only 2 in CA

William Coet · Answer

There is plenty of research on this.  Sound barrier performance is based on density of the product.  Concrete walls are the best.  Drywall is relatively dense, so sometimes drywall is layered (with special glues in between layers).  Spray foam is not very dense, but air channels are a weak point in sound insulation systems, so it may be good in preventing them.   Research and find out. Good luck.

Pavan Sandhu · Answer

spray foam >>

Spray foam as sound barrier ?

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