Soundproofing??

Question

My band and I have wanted to soundproof his garage so that we don't get the police called on us again. Does anyone know the best way to soundproof a about 30 x 30 Garage?

Answer 1

Let me give you some tips as to increase the effectiveness of your sound barriers.
-Elevate your speakers. Get those vibrationg monsters off the ground. Sound travels through vibrations, if you give it a solid foundation to travel trough, it will be close to impossible to dampin to acceptible levels. So, buy some rope and strong planter hooks or tool/ utility hooks and hang your speakers from the ceiling, this will eliminate the sound vibrating through the structure to the out side.
-Sound (vibrations) travels very well though ONLY a solid -walls- or ONLY a gas -air-. A great way to dampen the noise effective, is to force it through both solid and air, mutilple times. So the more 'foamy' a pruduct, the better it insulates noise. Styrifoam and eggcrate work great for this. Styrifoam is usually thicker than eggcrate, however, eggcrate has far more surface area, due to its wavey texture. So as to which one is better? Use them both if you can! With the wavey textured eggcrate side showing and the foam against the wall.
But get those speakers off the floor, and if you can, try to put some egg crate on the inside of you speakers leaving only the speaker cone free. This should result in a much more 'crisp' sound, less muffled by the bass. Do not glue it in there until you test run the speakers first. Too small of a speaker could result in a muffled sound. It works great though on larger speakers, try and staple it down in a few places first, then glue if it produced good sound.
Hope it helps.

Answer 2

To determine the best way to soundproof your garage depends on the structure of the garage, the number of windows, doors, distance to your nearest neighbor, budget and your expected results. To answer your question without knowing more about your situation is like asking the doctor to prescribe without knowing the patient.

Did you know a live band produces sound levels above 110 dB? As a point of reference, traffic noise in a typical neighborhood ranges between 70-90 dB. So, in order for you to soundproof your garage you need to get your band's sound level at around the noise level. That's that make sense?

To do the job right a room-within-a-room is built inside the garage. Sound blocking materials combined with sound absorbing and sound dampening products are installed in the walls and ceiling. To keep your costs down, reduce the size of the room to the minimum you need for your band to play comfortably. Then budget around $3-$5 per sq ft (make sure you add walls and ceiling to calculate total area) for soundproofing material alone.

If you're considering using materials commonly found around the home then perform a simple test to gauge how effective they will be in reducing sound. If you can blow air through the material then sound will travel through. Foams, mattresses, egg-cartons, and insulation will reduce sound but not enough to be noticed outside your garage.

Answer 3

On the cheap, I'd try hanging thick blankets over the windows and doors first. If you could find some old mattresses that would work. Pay special attention to the doors and windows as that is where deep bass sound penetrates best. Aside from doing some major and expensive renovations, I don't think you have many options. Find out what your local noise ordinances are and tell your neighbors you will try to be more respectful. I know that last part sounds like total BS, but a kind word and some advanced notice to the neighbor goes a long ways in making people accept your music.

Answer 4

Hi tigga.You could build temporary walls.By this i mean cheap 2x2 construction on the inside of the garage.Make it in 4 foot centres.and add batting insulation.Use baler twine to hold up the insulation and put up a cheap ,thin poly to finish it off.It will add to the r value,so that you are warmer in winter when playing,and increase the sound barrier significantly.Then look at a way of covering the doors and windows while you are jamming,You will find that these areas will let sound escape greatly.Perhaps used carpeting in front of the garage door and possibly insulated covers for the windows.I hope i was helpfull to you.Barney

Answer 5

BE REALLY CAREFUL on what ever you nail up ( carpet is good, mattresses are good ) that it is fire proof or at least retardant........some foam products will burn; some will burn quickly, some will put out toxic gasses when they burn.........there was a fire in nightclub in Providence RI a few years back when the soundproofing went up and dozens died........now I know, from experience, that rock and roll bands never drink while rehearsing, and never smoke anything, and all their electrical cables and wiring are way over-sized and up to code..........but just in case, be SUPER PARANOID about fire in homemade soundproofing

Answer 6

Find a supplier for Armstrong products, (usually a drywall supplier) they have a wide variety of sound proofing products, from ceilings to wall panels and sound insulation they will cost a few bucks but not as much as the ticket the cops will right. Good Luck

Answer 7

Use lots of fabric and cusioning. The more fabric, the better. Foam is a good sound absorber, as are couches and pillows. Put blankets over the windows, and perhaps get an air conditioner to turn on to help block out sound AND keep y'all cool in your little "padded room," as it were.

Answer 8

One thing most people don't think of is egg carton's. Staple them to the walls so they cover all the walls. Sound reflects off of things and the shape of the egg cartons with there very un-uniformity disperses sound very good. You could even put 1/2 to 1 inch thick insulation foam behind it before you do this to give you added protection.

Answer 9

insualtion in the walls and the door because the door is probably were the noise is escaping and i dont think nonthing will work except tune it down or start playing some oldies if its the older ones calling the cops

Answer 10

foam rubber works good. but it would be better if you went to a specialty store where they make the right kind just for sound proofing. until then hand out earplugs